International Yachtmaster Training Sailing Courses

The International Recreational Crew Certificate isThe next 5 modules are the International
divided into 6 modules, module 2 gets us underWatchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate
way and you will be learn about safety on boardNumber 8 is theoretical and looks at the
a boat and the use of the life raft and first aid kit,responsibilities of a watchkeeper, charts and
fire extinguishers, flares, life jackets and safetychartwork, the compass, magnetism and
harnesses. What clothing and footwear is suitableconcludes with a look at buoys and marks.
for the varying conditions met while sailing.The next practical module concentrates on safety
Seasickness and it's symptoms, cause andincluding a briefing that should be given to crew
prevention. How various equipment worksmembers when they join the vessel and looks at
including: battery selector switch, bilge pumps,the galley area which if not used correctly can be
cabin lights, cooker & butane/propane gas, headsa danger to all those on board. The rest of the
and water pumps together with generalsection is devoted to boat handling and develops
housekeeping rules. You will learn a very basicon the skills learnt in the International Recreational
theory of how a diesel engine works andCrew Certificate course.
maintenance procedures such as checking theBack to theory in the next module with a look at
level of the oil, changing the oil, changing filters,basic first aid. More work is done with the
ensuring the flow of cooling water to the engineInternational Regulations for Collision Avoidance.
and how to change impellors. You will be taughtFinally you will take a further look at marine
how to keep a good and effective lookout, whichcustoms, manners and today's ever increasing
should be maintained at all times, while under way.legal requirements.
You will take a look at basic navigation, courseIn module 11, the next practical stage you will
plotting, nautical charts, safe passage conditions,prepare a passage plan, and while undertaking a
tides and currents and weather forecasts.short passage work still further on boat handling
On the practical side, module 3, you will learn howskills.
to coil a line and secure it to a cleat, tie a numberThis section concludes with an assessment of
of knots and use the winches. You will learn howtheoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.
to secure the boat for sea and then how toYou have now reached a level that entitles you
leave a berth, once under way you will undertaketo the International Certificate of Competence or
the duties of a lookout, learn how to hoist and setICC. It is suggested that the skippers of vessels
the sails and while helming the boat go throughare required to hold this by some European
tack and gybe routines. You will anchor the boatcountries. I have never been asked for mine by
and go through man overboard recovery drill.the authorities and I know of no one who has. It
Module 4 is theoretical and you will look at theis also suggested that some companies require it
International Regulations for Collision Avoidance orprior to allowing charter of a boat. Again I have
the "rules of the road". Specifically looking at lights,not come across this in practise.
shapes, and sound signals. You will look at someThe next three modules make up the
more sail handling techniques, there is more workInternational Bareboat Skipper Certificate and the
with charts and compass and to conclude you willfirst looks at taking over a vessel and the
take a look at marine customs, etiquette andnecessary checks on hull and rig, machinery and
manners.systems, instruments, safety equipment, spares,
The next practical module includes safety checkstools, fuel, water and provisions. It looks at tides
and look at the through hull fittings, engine warningand currents and what causes them. You will learn
lights and alarms and the emergency fuel cut off.how to use tide tables and gain an understanding
You will learn deck seamanship with more dockingprimary and secondary ports. There is some
and mooring routines. More sail work, bending on,more chartwork that includes position fixing and
hoisting, lowering, reefing mainsails, handling sheets,plotting a course to steer to counteract a current.
lines, halyards, outhauls and sail trim. You will learnThe section concludes with a look at the
more skills at the helm, tacking, gybing, sailing aresponsibilities of the Skipper, their communication
triangular course, sailing a compass course andwith and delegation to the crew.
heaving to.On the practical side you will develop sailing skills
Module 6 looks at both theory and practise ofwith more general deck work, ropes, knots,
Dinghy/Tender handling. You will learn the differentsplices, the care and use of lines. There is more
types of tenders, engines, spares andvessel handling work including anchoring, berthing,
maintenance and safety equipment. On themooring, handling in confined areas and handling
practical side you will learn to row, how to movewith currents.
under power, launch and recover and transfer toThis section concludes with module 16 and includes
and from the dinghy to the boat or dock.a look at the weather and sources of weather
This section concludes with an assessment ofinformation, personal observations, weather
theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained. Atpatterns, land and sea breezes, the different cloud
the of this course you will be a useful crewformations, rain and fog. You will learn pilotage.
member on any small yacht.There is an in depth look at passage planning
The Radio Operator/Communications Certificate isincluding pilot books, almanacs, considerations for
a stand alone module. You will learn how topassage planning, coastal passages, passage
operate a radio including emergency calls, callingstrategy, port regulations, pilotage plans. Finally
ship to ship, ship to shore, the types of marineyou will take a further look at the International
radios available and the regulations governing it'sRegulations for Collision Avoidance.
use. An examination concludes the course.