Example itinerary of Intermediate Powerboat course
SATURDAY
0900 Arrive at Hamble School of Yachting classroom and check in
Welcome and issue of wet weather gear and books
Launch RIB if it is not already in the water
Instructor's safety briefing and familirarisation including the importance of the kill cord and suitable protective clothing
Carry out safety checks on the RIB and the outboard engine and discuss safety equipment needed for longer coastal passages
Practice and recap some basic close quarters handling including departing and coming alongside a pontoon taking into account wind and tidal stream
Continue close quarters handling progressing onto more challenging berthing and unberthing situations including Mediterranean style moorings
1300 Lunch
1400 Classroom session covering the chart work and navigation knowledge needed to plan a short coastal passage. This will include chart symbols and information in pilot books. Plotting a course to steer taking into account tidal heights and streams. Pilotage skills including buoyage and how to enter an unfamiliar port by day will also be taught
SUNDAY
0900 Classroom session teaching methods of position fixing including the use of GPS and chart plotters. Sources of weather, the use of marina locks and tidal heights for secondary ports will also be covered
1100 Carry out pre planned coastal passage taking into account the effect of the wind and the sea conditions
1200 Enter harbour and moor for up for lunch. Over lunch there will be a discussion about boat handling in rougher conditions
1300 Leave harbour and practice Man Overboard drill. Techniques will be shown for picking up a MOB in differing conditions