YA - Ocean Cruising - Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Syllabus

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Sail Training - Sailing School & Yacht Charters

YA Ocean Cruising - Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Syllabus

Ocean Cruising - Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Syllabus

This course is for those with more experience and want to validate their experience with YA recognition. We are looking to bring out the Skipper qualities in the student and help them extend themselves as a Skipper to gain the knowledge and the confidence of sailing a vessel along a coast. Each student will take command of the yacht for a period of time during a coastal passage and will be expected to demonstrate his or her ability to command the crew and navigate between set co-ordinates.

We have a challenging and intensive program of offshore passage cruises for this course. From 3 day trips to Pittwater and Sydney Harbour to 5 day coastal cruises. The course covers all the requirements of the YA syllabus and provides plenty of practical experience and knowledge and valuable sea miles. In doing the course you will gain the necessary knowledge, skill and attitude to take charge of a sailing vessel at sea. This includes being able to take a vessel from port to port, for a limited distance, in safety and cope with the expected weather conditions to complete the passage both during the day and/or night.

Requirements
Theory Course (appropriately signed off in your logbook)
Practical Course (appropriately signed off in your logbook)
800 hours logged on board a yacht as an active crew incl:
	Being in a position of responsibility for 40% of this time
	At least 1000 nautical miles travelled
	40 hours night watch keeping

Practical Syllabus Includes
Preparation for sea, including all safety checks
Passage planning & victualling
Passage management
Delegation of responsibility- watch keeping
Crew management at sea
Boat handling
Emergency situations
Adverse conditions at sea heavy weather, restricted visibility
Coastal Navigation

Theory Syllabus Includes
Basic coastal navigation
Navigation in restricted visibility
Passage planning
Deck Log
Pilotage
Tides and Currents
Buoyage & signals
Navigational Lights
GPS and other radio direction finding instruments
Speed logs & Echo sounders
Meteorology for ocean passages
Rules of the Road
Safety, including first aid at sea, fire prevention & fighting, safety equipment,heavy weather and rescue procedures.
Vessel design and construction.
Maintenance and repairs.
Stability
Anchoring, including sea anchors.

Format:	Practical	2½ days including 2 days (1 night) offshore sailing & 1 night on Sydney Harbour
	Theory	1½ days covering theory syllabus (can be undertaken over a longer period if desired)
Cost:	Practical	$895-00 (includes YA fees, use of navigational equipment including chart and use of wet weather & safety gear, and includes all meals and accommodation on board)
	Theory	$440 (if signed up to complete Practical course as well)
Result:	YA Coastal Skippers Certificate (upon successful completion) plus about 140 offshore miles for 2½ day course.

Yachtmaster

A Yachtmaster is a leader who accepts responsibility for the preparation and safety of a yacht and the training,
welfare and safety of crew on passages in open waters. The Yachtmaster shows wisdom, experience, sound
judgement and decisions making ability. The Yachtmaster has an interest in training and developing others
during the planning and execution of passages in open waters.

It is not required for experienced sailors to attend a course, as they may undergo direct assessment, however,
it is suggested that candidates first attend the Coastal Skipper Course, before attempting assessment for the
Yachtmaster Offshore.

Requirements
2200 hours logged as an active crew offshore, including:
	Being in a position of responsibility for at least 40% of this time
	At least 2500 nautical miles logged
	At least 150 hours night watch keeping
Senior First Aid Certificate
Safety & Sea Survival Certificate
Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency

Format:	The format of the course depends on the previous proven experience of the candidate. It may well be that you have sufficient knowledge and experience to undergo direct assessment or, you may want to brush up on your skills beforehand.
Cost:	This depends on previous experience and will be negotiated with each student.
Result:	YA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate upon successful completion of direct assessment by an approved YA Examiner.