National Marine Correspondence School

[Guest]

DOes anyone have any knowledge of the National Marine Correspondence School based in Birkenhead? I'm considering signing up for their Day SKipper Theory Course, but just wanted to poll any views if possible.

Many thanks,

Ade

 

[bedouin]

I did my shorebased YM with them a couple of years ago. I chose to do their own "Coastal Cruising" course that covered a lot more than the YM syllabus. To complete their course took a lot more time than RYA require for a YM shorebased course, and I think I learned a lot more because of it.

On the whole I found the course very good. The course notes were rather old-fashioned in style and a bit dry in places but they contained a great deal of information. I believe that they have updated the material since I took the course so they have probably improved that aspect.

The self-assessment and tutor-marked exercises are well thought out and helped the learning process.

All in all I was very pleased with the course and it suited me very well. Whether it would suit you or not depends on how you like to learn.

 

[Guest]

Thx bedouin,

I spend a lot of time on the train (to & from work) so I was hoping to use that time for studying - does this sound feasible or is there too much playing with charts etc??

Cheers

 

[bedouin]

That should work well. The course is very heavily dependent on reading - that is why I liked it as I learn very well that way, but that is also why I described it as 'old-fashioned'.

Each unit also includes self-assessment exercises which are an integral part of the learning. The majority of these you can answer with a notepad on the knee - I don't remember needing the charts for many.

These comments relate to the version of the course I did - it is possible that the knew format is somewhat different in its approach.

 

[Guest]

Well I've gone and booked it - so it's your fault if it's no good! lol No seriously, can't wait to get the stuff and no doubt I'll be posting loads of silly questions on here when I get stuck.

Cheers

Ade

 

[bedouin]

Re: Good Luck!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

 

[gtmoore]

I've just completed a Day Skipper correspondence course although not with these guys. There are a lot of very new things to cover and a general read through a particular topic or lecture could easily be done on the train but be prepared to put some serious hours in at the dining room table with the charts out. Very often there are tests at the end of a section to ensure you have followed the texts properly before you move on and this is difficult if you don't have all your instruments and books in front of you.

If the course is anything like mine, it goes way beyond the RYA requirements which of course is not a bad thing even if you wonder why you've just learned a lot of stuff that isn't in the exercises!

Gavin

 

[Guest]

Hi Gavin,

The website for NMCS also mentions that they cover a lot more than is necessary for the course as laid out by the RYA. What seems really odd to me is the final "test" where you certify that you did it under "exam conditions", seems a little odd that they trust you to not cheat. On the one hand, you're only cheating yourself, on the other hand what do the insurance companies make of this as I hear they offer discount depending on what certificate you hold (wouldn't know though as I don't own my own boat).

Cheers guys...

Ade

 

[bedouin]

The RYA tests at the end of the course are very straightforwards and only cover a small part of the RYA course, let alone the NMCS one.

Note that the YM shorebased is a course completion certificate - you cannot just take the exam but you must also have completed an approved course and satisfied the teacher that you understand the subject.

Anyway, no one is going to give you a discount on your insurance for holding the shorebased YM - its only the practical they are interested in.

 

[BarryD]

Hi Ade, I'm doing the course at the moment - requires a lot of self motivation, and they don't seem to chase you at all for the modules. On the whole twice as expensive as a night school but as you say - something to do on the train <G>

Barry D

 

[gtmoore]

Hi Ade

The main point that gets accross to you during the training is how important all of the navigational and safety information really is to keeping you safe at sea. It sounds a bit corny I know but you really want to know when you submit those final assessment papers that you have reached the required level to be awarded the certificate and if you don't then you need to work some more until you do.

Another thing is that in my opinion, the RYA requirements on weather and collision regulations for Day Skipper are really the very least that should be known(although you pretty much need to get all your collision regs questions right to pass I think) so it's probably a good idea to learn as much about these as possible from the texts which, as you say, cover more than is 'necessary' for the course. I believe that the Coastal Skipper course goes into these subjects in a lot more depth.

I only passed it last month so if you need a bit of help then feel free to ask. I have to say though that it's sobering for me when I feel a bit full of myself about passing to think that so many people here are Yachtmaster's!

<bows head in respect>

Gavin

 

[gus]

Top marks to start with in wishing to learn more. However always bear in mind that the course is not the end of it - you never stop learning. Read as much as you can about the experiences of others as there is much to be learned beyond the basic courses. A very useful exercise is imagine various scenarios of incidents that might happen when you are on your boat and work out what you would do in each circumstance. That way you are at least mentally prepared to act in the best way to resolve the situation. Just keep asking yourself - What if? What would you do? Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

The one I keep imagining right now is "What if I won the National Lottery? What yacht would I buy?" lol

Hopefully the pack will arrive today so I can start studying in earnest.

 

[banger]

I am also doing their course, intermittantly as I have been in hospital, info is very comprehensive and way above what is required, that is good, I also purchased a c.d. The Complete cruising Course and am running this at the same time, it has exams taken from RYA papers, this lets you test yourself before handing in the self assessment to the school, very useful, best of luck