Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Syllabus
1. Position
- Dead reckoning and estimated position
- Satellite-derived position
- Use of waypoints to fix position
- Radar fixes
- Techniques of visual fixing
- Fixes using a mixture of position lines
- Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing
- Area of uncertainty
2. The Magnetic Compass
- Allowance for variation
- Change of variation with time and position
- Causes of deviation
- Swing for deviation (but not correction)
- Allowance for deviation
- Different types of compass
3. Tides
- Causes of tide – Springs and Neaps
- Tide tables – sources
- Tidal levels and datum
- Standard and secondary ports
- Tide anomalies (Solent, etc.)
4. Tidal Streams
- Sources of tidal information
- Tidal stream information in sailing directions and Yachtsmen’s Almanacs
- Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer
- Tide rips, overfalls and races
- Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.
5. Buoyage
- IALA system buoyage in Region A and B
- Limitations of buoys as navigational aids
6. Lights
- Characteristics
- Ranges – visual, luminous and nominal
- Rising and dipping distances
- Light lists
7. Pilotage
- Harbour regulations and control signals
- Methods of pre-planning
- Clearing lines
- Use of soundings
- Transits and leading lines
8. GPS and Chart Plotters
- Principles of operation and limitations of use
- Raster and vector charts
- Datum
- The importance of confirmation of position fixing via an
independent source and keeping a separate record of position
- Importance of paper charts
9. Echo Sounders
Principles of operation and limitations of use
10. Logs (Speed and Distance Measuring)
Principles of operation limitations of use
11. Deck log
- Importance of log as yacht’s official document
- Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries
12. Meteorology
- Basic terms, the Beaufort scale
- Air masses
- Cloud types
- Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems
- Sources of weather forecasts
- Ability to interpret a shipping forecast, weatherfax and weather satellite information
- Land and sea breezes
- Sea fog
- Use of barometer as a forecasting aid
13. Rules of the Road
- A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea, except Annexes 1 and 3
14. Safety at Sea
- Personal safety, use of lifejackets, safety harnesses and lifelines
- Fire prevention and fire fighting
- Distress signals
- Coastguard and Boat Safety Scheme
- Preparation for heavy weather
- Liferafts and helicopter rescue
- Understanding of capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability
15. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
- Precautions to be taken in fog
- Limitations to safe navigation imposed by fog
- Navigation in poor visibility
16. Passage Planning
- Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and making, and use at sea
- Customs regulations as they apply to yachts
- Routine for navigating in coastal waters
- Strategy for course laying
- Use of waypoints and routes
- Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy
- Sources of local and national regulations
17. Marine Environment
- The responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment
