Wiggo
Well-Known Member
I beg to disagree. If the OP has no previous convictions, then trying to DS practical will be hard work without at least some shore based stuff.For what it's worth. I wouldnt bother doing DS Theory before doing the practical .
Several reasons, but mainly cos YM Theory is much much more comprehensive and the 'right' thing to do when the time is right whilst DS Theory is important but basic.
My observations :-
a)Looking at the RYA DS Theory book the night before and during the week will give you everything you need -- if you done any map or chart work in the past then you will 'get it' anyways
b) Have a crack at some of the online buoyage and 'lights' 'tests' -- you'll soon learn which is which
c) The instructor will take you through the basics anyways
The thing is, the OP needs an ICC as a legal minimum to boat in the Med. Fair enough. But if he's going to buy a 20m first boat, I'd suggest he needs a damned sight more training than just an ICC. Rocking up on day 1 of ownership with bugger all experience apart from 2 days on an open boat strikes me as the quick route to crunching a 20m boat as well as someone else's pride and joy, before rapidly deciding boating isn't for him.
Why the urgency? The OP's wife can do her ICC at any time, surely? Sounds like the best plan is to use the time to charter a 20m ish boat with a skipper and just get used to being afloat. If you like it, do Dazed Kipper theory and practice later, get a boat next spring and the wife can do her ICC on your own boat next year...