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Nautical terms: Parts of a boat & hull – General nautical terminology.
Ropework: Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use.
Anchorwork: Characteristics of different types of anchor – Considerations to be taken into account
when anchoring.
Safety: Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use. (See RYA Boat Safety Handbook,
C8) – Fire precautions & fire fighting – Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses & life jackets –
Ability to send a distress signal via VHF radiotelephone – Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter
rescue.
International regulations for preventing collisions at sea: Steering & sailing rules (5, 7, 8, 9,
10 & 12 to 19) – General rules (all other rules).
Definition of position course & speed: Latitude & longitude – Knowledge of standard navigational
terms – True bearings & courses – The knot.
Navigational charts & publications: Information shown on charts - Chart symbols & representation
of Direction & distance – Navigational publications in common use – Chart correction.
Navigation drawing instruments: Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments.
Compass: Application of variation – awareness of deviation & its causes – use of hand-bearing
compass.
Chartwork: Dead reckoning & estimated position including an awareness of leeway – techniques
of visual fixing.
Tides & tidal streams: Tidal definitions, levels & datum – Tide tables – Use of Admiralty
method of determining tidal height at a standard port & awareness of corrections for secondary ports.
Visual aids to navigation: Lighthouses & beacons, light characteristics.
Meteorology: Sources of broadcast meteorological information – Knowledge of terms used in shipping
forecasts, including the Beaufort scale and their significance to small craft – Basic knowledge of highs, lows &
fronts.
Passage planning: Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages – Meteorological
considerations in planning short coastal passages – Use of waypoints on passages – Importance of confirmation
of position by an independent source – keeping a navigational record.
Navigation in restricted visibility: Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by, fog.
Pilotage: Use of transits, leading lines & clearing lines – IALA system of buoyage for Region
A – Use of sailing directions –
Marine environment: Responsibility for avoiding pollution & protecting the marine environment
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