Day Skipper Practical Motor Syllabus

The Day Skipper course is taught on board a motor cruiser at least 7m LOA and aims to teach pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the standard required to skipper a motor cruiser by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar.

1. Preparation for sea
   Is able to prepare a motor cruiser for sea, carry out fuel and engine checks, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below
   
2. Boat handling
   Can carry out the following manoeuvres under power in various wind and tide conditions. Has understanding of the different styles of hull and propulsions systems
   Steering a straight course
   Turning in a confined space
   Anchoring at a pre-determined position
   Berthing alongside
   Leaving an alongside berth
   Picking up a mooring buoy
   Correct use of power trim and tabs
   Awareness of other water users
   
3. Navigation
   Is proficient in chart work and can carry out the following tasks:
   Taking and plotting visual fixes
   Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
   Useof waypoints
   Working up DR and EP
   Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
   Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream
   Knowledge of IALA buoyage
   Maintenance of navigational record
   Use of echo sounder
   
4. PIlotage
   Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour
   Understands the use of leading and clearing lines
   Use of transits and soundings as aids to pilotage
   
5. Passage making
   Can plan and make a coastal passsage, taking into account the relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat, weather, tide and the strength of the crew
   Has been introduced to practical benefits and limitations of GPS
   
6. Meteorology
   Knows sources of forecast information, can interpret shipping forecasts and use of a barometer as a forecasting aid
   
7. Rule of the road
   Has a working knowledge of the application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
   
8. Engines
   Has a working knowledge of the application of the prevention of common engine faults and is competent in the following areas:
   Checks before starting, whilst running and after stopping
   Periodic maintenance checks on engines and electrical installations
   Requirements for tool kits, spares, and lubricants
   Can clean water filters & knows location of impellors
   Knows location of filters & bleed points for fuel
   Knows tensions of drive belts & how to change
   Fuel consumption at various speeds & the effect of fouling
   
9. Emergency situations
   Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard
   Can operate a radiotelephone in an emergency and send a distress message
   Understands how to secure a tow, rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
   Understands distress flares and how to use a liferaft
   
10. Night cruising
    Has experienced motor cruising at night, including leaving and entering harbour, and understands the special considerations for piltoage plans, keeping a lookout and identifying marks by night