RYA cruising scheme is both shore based and on the water. The strategy for these courses is that they are held in the autumn / winter months on a Saturday between 0090 hours and 1700 hours at competitive prices, where possible the courses are to be held at the club.The RYA programme of one day course enable you to expand your knowledge and skills in specialist areas and caters for both Sail and Power.

16 - 18 MARCH    

MARINE RADIO SHORTWAVE CERTIFICATE
The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the radio operator qualification which authorise the holder to operate a VHF radiotelephone fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on board any vessel which is fitted with this radio equipment. If you own a marine radio (hand held or fixed) you are required by law to hold an operators licence.The Marine Radio Short Range Certificate is a pre-requisite for higher qualification such as the RYA Yacht master Offshore Certificate.

24 FEBRUARY
26 MAY

RADAR COURSE
Sailing and Motor boats increasingly have radar on board. The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea states that if you have Radar on board, you must know how to use it. This course satisfies the requirements of some categories of commercial work afloat.
The aim of the course is to teach the use of small (X band) boat radar to assist in decision making in navigation, pilot age and collision avoidance. The course is conductive on RYA approved software to ensure you get plenty of hands-on practice.

 

DAY SKIPPER THEORY COURSE
This requires no previous knowledge although some practical time on the water is desirable.
The course is a first shore based course en route to being a fully qualified skipper. The basics of seamanship, navigation, chart work, pilot age, weather and the rules of the road form the major part of this course. It is held over six weekends (Saturdays) with a written test at the end.

   

INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE PLUS CEVNI
This is generally known a the ICC and is fast becoming the essential document to have for trouble free encounters with overseas marinas and marine authorities.
In many ways it is more useful than a full yacht master certificate being written in eight languages with the holders photograph attached. The practical test is simple (to competent sailors) and done on board the owners vessel (both sail and power), either in a morning or afternoon. There are separate examiners for both sail and power.

What does the practical test involve?
You take the tester for a sail during which he will ask you to carry out the following basic manoeuvres under engine power: leave your berth: moor at a windward or leeward pontoon berth, make a 360 degree turn in confined space: pick up a buoy: pick a (simulated) man overboard. In addition you need to show him that you can sail a triangular course (including a leg to windward) with appropriate awareness, control and observation. During the outing he will check that you know and apply the Collision Regulations, take proper steps to ensure the safety of your boat and crew, can recognise the most important lights, shapes and sound signals can interpret buoy age correctly and can carry out the basic skills of pilot age and coastal navigation in tidal waters using basic methods (charts, plotting instruments, hand-bearing compass, tidal and other almanac data, electronic position fixes and vhf radio).
You need to provide a suitable boat in sound working order and the necessary crew, The tester will not help as crew unless things get really exciting. You should allow about 3 hours on the water. The test can of course be put off if the weather is unsuitable (too windy or foggy).
The CEVNI endorsement for inland waterways, such as the canals of France.a simple written test must be passed. The written test itself consists of 14 questions on the rules and recognition of signs and signals. For each question you need to choose the right answer from a list of 4. You need to get 11 out of 14 correct and there is no time limit (though most people need about 10-15 minutes). A copy of the CEVNI water way rules (the base of the test) is available from the RYA and must be carried on board whilst using the canals.

16 FEBRUARY
20 APRIL

FIRST AID AT SEA *
In a medical emergency a little first aid knowledge and immediate action can save lives especially in remote locations.
This one day course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for people using small crafts and to support skippers. It fulfils the requirements for professional skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of safe haven.The course is MCA and HSE approved and satisfies the requirements of some categories of commercial work afloat.

17 FEBRUARY
21 APRIL

BASIC SEA SURVIVAL COURSE *
Both sail and power boating is one of the safest leisure sporting actives and most boaters will never use their life raft. However it is a well proven fact that in the event of an emergency at sea, people who have received training are more likely to survive.
The course covers preparation for survival, lifejackets, medical issues and search and rescue techniques. I includes a practical session in a swimming pool with a life raft so you can experience first hand the problems of entering an inflated uncooperative life raft whilst fully kitted out in waterproof clothing and a lifejacket.This course is a must for anyone going to sea.
  DEISEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE COURSE
Mechanical failure is the main cause of life boat callouts, basic maintenance and engine care may ensure you are not part of these figures. The course provides an awareness of the main systems of a marine diesel engine. It gives you the ability to take simple measures to prevent mechanical breakdown at sea and rectify defects which do not require workshop support