day skipper,yachtmaster theory

[gjgm]

Wanted to do a theoretical course this autumn. I can see theres alot to the yachtmasters, but just how basic is the day skipper? My boatingover last 4 years has been day boating, so may have to brush up pilotage-navigation somewhat, but will I need 40 hours of day skipper to get ready to tackle the yachtmaster theory?
Or is the day skipper going to cover alot of the powerboat course, and practical experience of last few years? and I m going to get bored !

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[jimi]

For the theory I'd do the yachtmaster straight off, its not much more than the dayskipper theory, just a higher standard required.

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[jfm]

I agree, yachtmaster is similar syllabus to dayskip.

The content is kind of pencil navigastion, working out course to steer and deadreckoning. Plus lots of lights and shapes. Colregs. Some weather. Angle vanishing stabillty. Definitely not rocket science.



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[martynwhiteley]

Yes I'll add my support to this recommendation.

I did the 'coastal skipper' (same as yachtmater I think) straight off with no prev. theory training. Was a bit concerned before I started 'cos it was against the college recommendations, but there just into bums on seats.

Most on the course had done the day skipper before, but wished they hadn't by the end. Although I think you take it in your stride more if you've done a reasonable level of college studying either from school or since.

Anyone who's not done any studying in any subject since 16, and there now 40 plus, and never had much of an aptitude for geometry or taking in information, may be best to do the day skipper, or it may come as a bit too much of a shock.



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[peterb]

The syllabus is changing now. Much more into electronic navigation. The RYA was going to require colleges to use a plotter simulator with computer access for all students, but apparently their software isn't ready yet. Next year, though. I believe the simulator is similar (or the same?) to one being shown by the Hydrographer at Southampton BS.

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[jfm]

Ah, didn't know that. Good stuff, bowt time.

I'm a bit of a skeptic on these simulators, perhaps better to teach electronic plotting etc on a real boat, ie on the dayskip practical?

Anyway, it's progress

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[Birdseye]

I teach the theory courses, and agree with much of what has been said. If you can do the basic navigation or are technically skilled and therefore numerate (eg engineering degree, maths etc) then there would be no problem for you in going direct into the YM theory. The problem would be for the teacher, who would then find himself having to teach you bits of the DS stuff that others already know. You see, there is not a lot that is not duplicated between the courses - the main difference is the standard to which you have to operate in YM theory.

If you are starting from afresh, or do not find mental arithmetic easy (had one student last year who could not do the rule of 12ths in metric units because he couldnt calculate a 12th in his head!) then start with the DS.

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