International Yachtmaster Training Sailing Courses

Module 1 is the Introduction to Yachting Certificateconcludes the course.
The International Recreational Crew Certificate isThe next 5 modules are the International
divided into 6 modules, module 2 gets us under wayWatchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate
and you will be learn about safety on board a boatNumber 8 is theoretical and looks at the
and the use of the life raft and first aid kit, fireresponsibilities of a watchkeeper, charts and
extinguishers, flares, life jackets and safetychartwork, the compass, magnetism and concludes
harnesses. What clothing and footwear is suitable forwith a look at buoys and marks.
the varying conditions met while sailing. SeasicknessThe next practical module concentrates on safety
and it's symptoms, cause and prevention. Howincluding a briefing that should be given to crew
various equipment works including: battery selectormembers when they join the vessel and looks at the
switch, bilge pumps, cabin lights, cooker &galley area which if not used correctly can be a
butane/propane gas, heads and water pumpsdanger to all those on board. The rest of the section
together with general housekeeping rules. You willis devoted to boat handling and develops on the skills
learn a very basic theory of how a diesel enginelearnt in the International Recreational Crew
works and maintenance procedures such as checkingCertificate course.
the level of the oil, changing the oil, changing filters,Back to theory in the next module with a look at
ensuring the flow of cooling water to the engine andbasic first aid. More work is done with the
how to change impellors. You will be taught how toInternational Regulations for Collision Avoidance. Finally
keep a good and effective lookout, which should beyou will take a further look at marine customs,
maintained at all times, while under way. You will takemanners and today's ever increasing legal
a look at basic navigation, course plotting, nauticalrequirements.
charts, safe passage conditions, tides and currentsIn module 11, the next practical stage you will
and weather forecasts.prepare a passage plan, and while undertaking a short
On the practical side, module 3, you will learn how topassage work still further on boat handling skills.
coil a line and secure it to a cleat, tie a number ofThis section concludes with an assessment of
knots and use the winches. You will learn how totheoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.
secure the boat for sea and then how to leave aYou have now reached a level that entitles you to
berth, once under way you will undertake the dutiesthe International Certificate of Competence or ICC. It
of a lookout, learn how to hoist and set the sails andis suggested that the skippers of vessels are
while helming the boat go through tack and gyberequired to hold this by some European countries. I
routines. You will anchor the boat and go throughhave never been asked for mine by the authorities
man overboard recovery drill.and I know of no one who has. It is also suggested
Module 4 is theoretical and you will look at thethat some companies require it prior to allowing
International Regulations for Collision Avoidance orcharter of a boat. Again I have not come across this
the "rules of the road". Specifically looking at lights,in practise.
shapes, and sound signals. You will look at some moreThe next three modules make up the International
sail handling techniques, there is more work withBareboat Skipper Certificate and the first looks at
charts and compass and to conclude you will take ataking over a vessel and the necessary checks on
look at marine customs, etiquette and manners.hull and rig, machinery and systems, instruments,
The next practical module includes safety checks andsafety equipment, spares, tools, fuel, water and
look at the through hull fittings, engine warning lightsprovisions. It looks at tides and currents and what
and alarms and the emergency fuel cut off. You willcauses them. You will learn how to use tide tables
learn deck seamanship with more docking andand gain an understanding primary and secondary
mooring routines. More sail work, bending on, hoisting,ports. There is some more chartwork that includes
lowering, reefing mainsails, handling sheets, lines,position fixing and plotting a course to steer to
halyards, outhauls and sail trim. You will learn morecounteract a current. The section concludes with a
skills at the helm, tacking, gybing, sailing a triangularlook at the responsibilities of the Skipper, their
course, sailing a compass course and heaving to.communication with and delegation to the crew.
Module 6 looks at both theory and practise of DinghyOn the practical side you will develop sailing skills with
Tender handling. You will learn the different types ofmore general deck work, ropes, knots, splices, the
tenders, engines, spares and maintenance and safetycare and use of lines. There is more vessel handling
equipment. On the practical side you will learn to row,work including anchoring, berthing, mooring, handling in
how to move under power, launch and recover andconfined areas and handling with currents.
transfer to and from the dinghy to the boat or dock.This section concludes with module 16 and includes a
This section concludes with an assessment oflook at the weather and sources of weather
theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained. Atinformation, personal observations, weather patterns,
the of this course you will be a useful crew memberland and sea breezes, the different cloud formations,
on any small yacht.rain and fog. You will learn pilotage. There is an in
The Radio Operator/Communications Certificate is adepth look at passage planning including pilot books,
stand alone module. You will learn how to operate aalmanacs, considerations for passage planning, coastal
radio including emergency calls, calling ship to ship, shippassages, passage strategy, port regulations, pilotage
to shore, the types of marine radios available and theplans. Finally you will take a further look at the
regulations governing it's use. An examinationInternational Regulations for Collision Avoidance.