This 5 day course is aimed at increasing a student’s knowledge sufficiently to be a watchkeeper, i.e. lead a watch on board a bareboat yacht, in fair weather, in daylight hours within sight of land.

Recommended entry level requirements: to have successfully completed the International Crew course and the VHF radio operator’s course.

The course includes the following modules:

Module 8 - Basic theory
  • Responsibilities of a watchkeeper
  • Charts and chartwork - symbols, navigation techniques, tides and currents, position fixing, electronic aids to navigation
  • Compasses and magnetism - true and magnetic north, types of compasses, variation and deviation
  • Buoyage - pilotage, IALA areas A & B, Cardinal buoys
Module 9 - Basic practical
  • Taking over and checking a vessel
  • Safety briefs
  • Working in the galley at sea
  • Vessel handling skills
Module 10 - Advanced Theory
  • Basic first aid
  • Collision regulations - steering and sailing rules 4 -19 of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea
  • Customs, manners and legal requirements - insurance, registration, customs, crew lists, flags, good practice
Module 11 - Advanced practical
  • Passage planning
  • Crew duties and delegation
  • Short passages in heavy weather, restricted visibility and night
  • Collision regulations on passage
  • Boat handling - multiple anchors, kedging, running aground
Module 12 - Theory and practical assessment
  • General Revision
  • Assessment of all theory
  • Practical vessel handling
  • Debrief

Click here to book a course.