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RYA Training Centre MCA PCA

Posts by Paul McCabe

Mar
10

Have you harnessed the power of the wind and tide


Harness the tide Mendez Marine is widely respected and known to be a specialist Motor and Powerboat school. We know what we are good at and we work hard to ensure that we do that well. Boat handling under power doesn't mean that we only use engines and disregard two of the great forces of nature, the wind and tide. Quite the opposite we teach…
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Mar
12

Build on your theory knowledge


Your practical boat handling skills are only as good as the underpinning theory knowledge that you have to go with it. Take time out this year to improve your understanding of IRPCS/COLREGS, Navigation, Weather etc. With so many leisure boaters and commercial vessels operating in the same waters; knowing both your obligations and those of the other vessels is a possible game changer. No one…
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Jun
20

RYA Yachtmaster Qualifying Passages – Mile builders


Gaining Experience A significant issue faced by RYA Yachtmaster (Power) candidates is gaining the required sea miles and skippering experience prior to attending an RYA Yachtmaster Prep course and exam. Unless you are lucky enough to own or have access to a suitable motor vessel how do you gain the sea miles and navigational experience! Whereas many people are both confident and competent in all…
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May
17

‘Use it or lose it’ – Refresher courses


Have you heard the saying 'Use it or lose it'? Skill fade is an unfortunate reality. COVID has restricted boating activity over the last couple of years so we should accept that maybe our theory and practical skills may not be quite as good as they used to be. If you have been boating for many years skill fade might not be that evident due…
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Mar
17

Rising cost of fuel


The rising price of crude oil fuelled by the war in Ukraine is having a very immediate and detrimental effect on our operating costs. We have seen a 28% increase in fuel costs at the marina fuel pumps within the last few weeks. Whilst we endeavour to provide our courses at very competitive rates we are at the point where a fuel surcharge will need…
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Feb
09

RADAR


We speak to many people on our travels round the marinas who don't use RADAR even though they have it fitted to their boat. "I turned the RADAR on when I first bought the boat and was confused by what I saw so I turned it off and haven't used it since." That is quite a common statement and understandable, the RADAR screen can be quite…
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May
15

New Classroom


We are now conducting all of our RYA Theory courses and non-RYA interest courses at our new classroom facility in 'Boatfolk', Deacons Marina, Swanwick. Only a short walk from our office and Powerboat Centre within Hamble River Boat Yard. Our focus has been on creating the best learning and teaching environment for our students and instructors. Mendez Marine have always wanted to keep the class…
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Mar
15

Back in business


Today, the RYA have confirmed that practical training courses, as of the 29th March 2021, for leisure boaters can resume. This is great news for us and other RYA Recognised Training Centres and of course the boating public. There are still Covid mitigation protocols to be observed so no classroom courses until a future update from the Government and the RYA. Travel restrictions remain in…
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Feb
15

Return to Training


A gradual return to a new normality, is starting to build. We have heard today that we can resume training for leisure boaters on the 29th March 2021. Whilst this is very welcomed news this new normality will require some getting used to, at least whilst Covid mitigations remain in place. In due course we will be able to offer our full schedule of courses…
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Jan
05

Covid-19 update Jan 2021


The UK Government has announced a road map out of the national lockdown for England starting on the 8th March 2021.  Whilst we await further information and guidance from our governing body we are planning our return to training. In order for Mendez Marine to protect our students and staff from possible infection we will have to adopt some modified training methods in addition to…
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