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RYA Training Centre MCA PCA
RYA Helmsman

RYA Helmsman

The two-day Helmsman course covers basic boat handling, engine checks and safety.

The RYA Helmsman course is ideal for new boaters, teaching basic boat handling techniques and general marine awareness for those conscious of the difficulty and hazards of boat handling.

The Helmsman course is useful for crews as well as skippers. Apart from the obvious safety benefits of extra boat handlers on board, it adds interest if everyone can contribute to the trip.

How can I take this course?

  • On our school boat on our timetables,
  • On our school boat, in your group, you choose the dates.
  • On your own boat, we come to you.

The RYA Helmsman course is held on our school boat, Fenland Dancer. She is a Princess 368 with a fly bridge and 2 x 300Hp Cummins engines on shafts. She has the latest Raymarine electronic equipment and her salon was refurbished summer 2019.

Any classroom work takes place in the Mendez Marine office or onboard Fenland Dancer.

Due to the increase in the cost of fuel and other expenses we have had to increase our prices from March 2022

Pre-course experience None
Assumed knowledge None
Minimum duration 2 days: The course generally runs from 9am to 5pm
Minimum age 12 years
Maximum Student : Instructor Ratio5:1  (as a rule our maximum numbers are kept to 4:1)
Course content Boat preparation, boat handling, types of craft, engines and drives, engine operation and maintenance, safety and seamanship, rules of the road, securing to a buoy, berthing alongside, man overboard recovery. 
Materials SuppliedRYA Certificate, G158 – RYA Yachtmaster Scheme and Log Book
Recommended BooksG77 An Introduction to Navigation, G68 Boat Handling for Sail and Power
Ability after the course Competent to a handle motor cruiser of a specific type in sheltered waters.

Support courses:  RYA Online Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course,

Next Steps: RYA Day Skipper Theory   RYA VHF Radio, RYA Sea Survival, RYA First Aid

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