Accreditations
FTA Approved
COURSE JOURNEY
COURSE DETAILS
This two day course provides all you need to know for self-sufficient power 
boating at a basic level. The ratio of students to instructor will be a maximum of 3:1.
Pre-course Experience
You do not need any experience for this course, but it may be preceded by Power Boat Level 1.
Course Content
This course covers launching, mooring, anchoring and includes close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations.
Duration
Duration – 2 Days
Minimum Age
The minimum age for this course is 12.
Ability after Course
You will be a self-sufficient power boater in the right conditions; aware of your own limitations and
those of the craft.
Interested in this course? Book Now
SYLLABUS
Below is a list of the topics for study and practice involved in this course.
Section A – Practical
Launching and Recovery
- Use of trailer or launching trolley
- Consideration of launching and sea conditions, including hazards and obstruction
- Number of persons required to launch/recover
- Construction, width and condition of slipway
- Steep/slippery slipways, beach launching, lee shores
- Care of trailer bearings, hitch, lashings, ties, lights and winch
- Trailer parking
Boat Handling
- Loading: effect on handing and performance, effect on balance and trim, CE plate and manufacturers recommendation
- Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way
- Crew Members: minimum number in high speed craft, keeping a look out
- Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
- Steering, controls, effect of current or tidal stream
- High speed manoeuvring: planning, trim tabs and power trim
- Planning boats: propeller angle and immersion, shallow drive, high/low speed handing, tiller/console steering
Securing to a Buoy
- Preparation of mooring warp
- Use of boat hook
- Method of approach
- Crew communication
- Making fast
- Procedure when over shooting
Anchoring
- Types of anchor
- Stowage and attachment to boat
- Preparation of anchor, chain and warp
- Weighing anchor
- Method of approach in various conditions
- Taking way off
- Crew communication
- Check holding
- Depth of water, holding ground, scope required
Leaving and Coming Alongside
- Preparation and use of painter, lines and tenders, attachment to boat stowage under way
- Speed and angle of approach
- Wind effect
- Method of approach in tidal stream or current
Man Overboard
- Recovery of man overboard
Section B – Theory
- Types of craft: advantages and disadvantages of different hull forms with respect to sea keeping ability
- Engine and drives: advantages and disadvantages of outboard, inboard and outdrive units, single and twin screws, choice and use of fuels
- Sitting of fuel tanks, fuel lines, batteries, wiring, fire extinguishers
- Routine engine maintenance checks, basic fault diagnosis
- Close down procedure
- Advice to inland drivers about coastal waters
- Use and limitations of GPS
- Application of local bylaws, especially around commercial shipping
- Sources of weather information
- Awareness of other water users
- Disabled craft
- Emergency action, preventing sinking
- Adrift – alternative means of propulsion
- Towing and being towed
- Rope work
- Distress signals and the May Day call
