Duration of course: 5 days

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship and covers the following topics:

1. Nautical terms

• Parts of a boat and hull
• General nautical terminology

2. Ropework

• Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use

3. Anchorwork

• Characteristics of different types of anchor
• Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring

4. Safety

• Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use
• Fire precaustions and fire fighting
• Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets
• Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone
• Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

5. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

• Steering and sailing rules
• General rules

6. Definition of position, course and speed

• Latitude and longitude
• Knowledge of standard navigational terms
• True bearings and courses
• The knot

7. Navigational charts and publications

• Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance
• Navigational publications in common use
• Chart correction

8. Navigational drawing instruments

• Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments

9. Compass

• Application of variation
• Awareness of deviation and its causes
• Use of hand-bearing compass

10. Chartwork

• Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway
• Techniques of visual fixing
• Satellite-derived positions
• Use of waypoints to fix position
• Course to steer

11. Tides and tidal streams

• Tidal definitions, levels and datum
• Tide tables
• Use of admiralty method of determining tidal height at standard port and awareness of corrections for secondary ports
• Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stresam atlases for chartwork

12. Visual aids to navigation

• Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

13. Meteorology

• Sources of broadcast meteorological information
• Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft
• Basic knowledge of highs, lows and fronts

14. Passage planning

• Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages
• Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages
• Use of waypoints on passage
• Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source
• Keeping a navigational record

15. Navigation in restricted visibility

• Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by, fog

16. Pilotage

• Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines
• IALA system of buoyage ro Region A
• Use of sailing directions
• Pilotage plans and harbour entry

17. Marine environment

• Responsibility for avoiding pollutin and pretecting the marine environment

(Source: Royal Yachting Association Syllabus and Logbook G15/10)

Transport Move Close National and some international flights land at Cape Town International Airport. The airport is approximately an hour’s drive from our office in Langebaan. Car rentals from airport/Cape Town There are drop-off points for the following rental car companies in Langebaan: Avis Telephone/Fax number: +27 (0)22 772 2807 Europcar Telephone/Fax number: +27 (0)22 772 1006 Airport transfers Cape Shuttles Contact person: Bill Spurling Contact number: +27 (0)82 677 4672 E-mail address: bilros@telkomsa.net

Arrival Arrangements Move Close ARRIVAL ARRANGEMENTS If the need be, we can assist you in making arrangements to meet your transport and alternative accommodation needs. We make use of a registered shuttle service between Cape Town and Langebaan. EVENING BEFORE COURSE STARTS (only by prior arrangement) We can meet you the day before your course starts between 17:00 and 18:00 at our office. Please make arrangements with our office prior to your arrival. THE MORNING THE COURSE STARTS Please meet us at the Atlantic Yachting Office at the Club Mykonos Marina, Agora Square at 08:30. After the first day theory courses will commence at 08:30am and finish by 17:00.