Confusion over courses required for motor cruising

[Emason]

I am looking at the option of getting my husband qualified to RYA day skipper level, for motor cruisers, as a gift for his Birthday. He has no experience at present.

After doing some initial research I can see that there are lots of variants for different vessels and I am finding it quite confusing. Please could you tell me what are the courses that he MUST take to meet this level and what courses are RECOMMENDED in addition to these? What are the time frames and logistical options for each of these (i.e. over X number of days, eLearning etc)?

Finally, do you think that it is possible to do these courses abroad as part of a holiday? I'm thinking possibly the Mediterranean as this is probably where we would eventually charter a boat once he is qualified over the coming years (until we inevitably get a boat!).

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[powerskipper]

3 options
option 1. do a ICC course it is over 3 days and will give you the bit of paper you need to charter some boats down the met, the course is good but a lot is packed into the 3 days.

option 2, do day skipper theory, there are many way to do this , online, classroom intensive 5 days, or some local places mite still run them as evening classes.
then do the practical day skipper on the boat 4/5 day course and put the theory to the test and learn to helm the boat.

option 3. some places run a 6 or 9 day course combining some of the theory ( not all that's covered on full course) and the full practical course.

hope this helps

 

[superheat6k]

No courses are mandatory, but doing proper training to day skipper and beyond is very very sensible.

Nothing wrong with training and practice in the Med, but the Med is (at least was when I was learning) regarded as non tidal, and hence experience gained may not count towards the experience required to get to day skipper. I am not sure if that is the situation now, as I did my DS in 1986.

The good thing about day skipper is it teaches you the essential basics of sea safety, short passage planning, navigation and boat handling, and should provide the confidence for that first and all important trip out as skipper, in charge with no one stood by to ask what to do or take over when things start to go wrong.

Personally the yachting day skipper training promoted by the RYA allows you to learn about the water at a slower pace than can be experienced in faster power boats, and there is a lot more choice available for sailing schools rather than powerboat schools. If I were learning again from the beginner stage but with the bias towards power I would consider doing the day skipper under sail, plus the powerboat levels 1&2. The end result will be a more rounded experience and better understanding of the limits both groups of boaters face. After all we all 'boat' in the same waters, and I hate the raggy / power boaty rivalry. As an ex yachtie I can see that in general it is the yachties that hold more snobbery towards the power boaters, the power boaters tend to hold less rounded experience.

I routinely sense the yachties fear because I am on a substantial PB I haven't a clue what I am doing, especially when manoevring at close quarters to their pride and joy, indeed sometimes I prove them absolutely right !!!

 

[Switch]

My wife and I when we were starting out boating chartered first in Menorca. We both did our iCC's over the first few days with an instructor. This tought basic boat handling, col-regs etc. and gave us confidence to take the boat out on our own for the rest of our holiday. When I returned home I took my day skipper theory and practical and eventually my yacht master. I think combining a holiday with some training is a great idea as you both learn together to work the boat as a team.

 

[Momac]

A skipper is potentially no use without a good crew, especially when new to boats.
So I suggest you do at least a basic course with your husband as your help and involvement with boat handling will be required.
My wife and I (and our daughter) started with a RYA Helmsman course before we owned a boat. It was done on one day on the instructors boat. It was pretty basic and simple and included a man overboard drill which was great fun.
I would also suggest VHF radio training - which is the one essential training required to obtain an operators license. With a little reading in advance this was an enjoyable day for me. My wife didn't do the VHF course - its not essential for both of you to have a VHF operators license . But if the cost is not an issue I suggest you both do the course.
The RYA may well have instructors in your area even if you do not live near the coast.

 

[Doug_Stormforce]

Hi

From scratch he will need

RYA Helmsman's (2 days on board)
RYA Day Skipper Shorebased (5 days Shorebased or online courses or 14+evenings night school)
RYA Day Skipper Power (4days on board)

You should also think about the 1 day Short Range Certificate ( VHF License), as this is a legal requirement to operate the VHF.

Beyond that there are lots of sensible extra training courses but thre are not essential.