Day Skipper Practical
'We make boating fun'
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The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course, or Astro Navigation, is the first stage in obtaining the prestigious RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence. This course is equally suited to those that aspire to blue water cruising or who just want to learn traditional navigation. The course will equip you with the necessary theoretical skills to carry out an ocean passage as mate or skipper. The course will cover all aspects of ocean navigation with particular emphasis on the use of astro-navigation and worldwide meteorology. The sessions on astro-navigation will unlock the mysteries of the sextant and allow you to confidently take sights at sea to obtain your position and carry out compass checks.
Ocean sailing is, however about more than just using a sextant. Another important aspect of ocean sailing is worldwide meteorology, passage planning and communications at sea. Publications that assist the ocean navigator such as routeing charts and other pilot books will be discussed. The course also recognises that there has been a vast improvement in technology available to help with ocean routeing and weather prediction. Time will be spent discussing the various computer programmes, internet sites and satellite/radio broadcasts available to the modern ocean navigator.
Crew management, watch keeping, victualling, water and fuel management and emergency equipment maybe covered.
At Mendez Marine we believe in small classes so that students get the optimum of input from the Instructor to ensure that they have full grasp of the knowledge by the end of the course.
We are offering 5 days, 40 hours of instruction, with the exam on the 6th day which is optional. So if you want to take the course for interest or because you want to plan an ocean trip this is the course for you.
We will supply training packs, including the RYA Astro Navigation book and all information relevant to the training.
The course will be held in our classroom at Deacons Marina, Bridge Road, Bursledon, SO31 8AZ
| Pre-course experience | Navigation to Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased standard and practical sailing or motorboat experience |
| Assumed knowledge | knowledge of Theory and navigation up to RYA Coastal skipper / Yachtmaster Theory |
| Minimum duration | 40 hours |
| Minimum age | none |
| Course content | The earth and the celestial sphere; Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea; Meridian altitudes; Sun, star and other sights, ocean passage planning. This is and advanced coastal and offshore navigation course covering pilotage, meteorology, stability, Collision Regulations and electronic navigation aids such as GPS and chart plotters. |
| Ability after the course | Theoretical knowledge of offshore and coastal navigation, pilotage and meteorology. Background knowledge to skipper a vessel on ocean passages. |
Having successfully passed this theory course you will be ready to put the theory into practice on an ocean voyage. Upon returning candidates who already hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can apply to be examined for the full RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence.
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