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jolly abseilor

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8 Mar 2010
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Hi to you all,
as the title says it all, i have a couple of questions if anyone could answer them.
My first being;
as a total non experienced motorboater, would a day skipper's shore based course and then go on to the day skipper's practical course, would this enable me to sail a boat around in spanish waters spain?

thank you for any help you give

jon
 
Yes, if you do the correct courses you would be entitled to cruise/sail off Spain. Whether you would do it safely is another matter. You need to also do (in my opinion) a RYA Diesel Engine Course, which for one day covers a lot of basics but the one I took did not cover how to "bleed" a diesel engine which is essential. and you need to practice it including changing filters etc. and you need a box of tools which a mechanic would be proud of.
 
If you get your Day Skipper (theory and practical) you can apply for the ICC, just a formality. Although ICC only lasts for 5 years I think.

Got any mates with boats?...definitely ask to crew for them and get some hands on.

If you really study and take in what you learn from the day skipper and start out on short easy trips in good weather getting up some confidence and experience in safe situations, you'll slowly get your practical knowledge up.

Have you got a boat? Gonna Buy one? Why not see if you can do the practical on your boat (not sure if that's possible).

Definitely get to know the boat and all it's idiosyncrasies, if something goes wrong whilst you are out on your own you need to be able to fault find and repair it.

Experience of being on the water is a wonderful thing...with time, things get easier....just make sure you and your crew are always safe!
 
jolly abseilor said:
Hi to you all,
as the title says it all, i have a couple of questions if anyone could answer them.
My first being;
as a total non experienced motorboater, would a day skipper's shore based course and then go on to the day skipper's practical course, would this enable me to sail a boat around in spanish waters spain?

thank you for any help you give

jon
Click to expand...

You don't mention the size of boat. If it's a sports boat then you can do the RYA Powerboat level 2 course (2 days) which make you eligible for the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) up to 10 meters. If your boat is over 10 meters then you can do the 3 day ICC which would allow you an ICC up to 24 meters.

neither course goes into much depth on navigation although the 3 day course does expect a certain level of theory - course to steer, day shapes and lights.
 
hi,
and thank you for your replies.
I dont have a boat yet, as i am waiting till the end of the year. I am just doing research first on the courses as there is quite a few and i just want to get the right ones.
I have for sea experience very little, but i have offshore survival for the oil rigs and i do the know the difference between port and starboard.

the courses i am wanting to add are; vhf radio, first aid, diesel engine maintenance (although I have stirpped down and rebuilt gas and steam turbines down at power stations in the past) the experience will do me good.

the boat I am after getting would 30 - 34 ft long

best regards
jon
 
I would certainly recommend that you do the Day Skipper theory and practical courses.

The way I did my learning is as follows:

1) RYA VHF Radio Course - UK

2) RYA Day Skipper Practical and Theory combined - Gib
(You will need to decide if you want power or sail)

The above enabled me to apply for my ICC and allowed me to sail a boat in the Med.

I then completed the following courses:

3) RYA Inland Waterways - UK
(this enabled me to get the inland waterways endorsement box ticked on my ICC so I can trip up local waterways if I wish to)

4) RYA Yachtmaster Theory - UK
(because I wanted a deeper understanding)

5) RYA Sea Survival - UK
(just great fun and very useful)

6) RYA First Aid - UK
(again very useful)

I now have around 2,000nm and several night trips under my belt and hope to do my YM Practical later this year.

I still consider myself a novice when compared with many fellow forumites that contribute to this forum. They have helped me a lot in the past and their advice is always welcome and much appreciated!

Best of luck with whatever courses you take!
 
John, an impressive list of qualifications there!

Defo go for Day Skipper theory and then follow up with the pratical (I would like to do the practical)
Don't forget your VHF course!

ICC last for 5 years but just need to pay for another after that 5 years is up. (I just renewed mine).

Get a ride on a few friend's boats if you can - ain't no substitute for experience.

BTW love the Targa!
 
jolly abseilor said:
hi,

I dont have a boat yet, as i am waiting till the end of the year. I am just doing research first on the courses as there is quite a few and i just want to get the right ones.

the boat I am after getting would 30 - 34 ft long

best regards
jon
Click to expand...

I would suggest you do the 2 days helmsman's course as a starter. This will give you an idea of boat types as well as operating on a twin screw boat. It is a good starting point.

It is very easy to get the wrong type of boat first time round - displacement, semi-displacement or full planning. Twin shafts or outdrives? Do you want a sports boat or one with a cabin?

If you want to chat through the options pm me your phone number and I'll ring and outline your options.

You can then do the Day Skipper shore based course followed by the Day Skipper pratical. In all 11 days of training.

The vhf and 1st aid courses are a day each and can be done pretty much at any stage.
 
thank you solitare for youre help, i plan to have a boat in a marina with a cabin, so i can stay overnight moored up (dont fancy night sailing) and go sailing during daylight hours.
I will pm my number shortly, just getting ready to go back to the oil rig I am currently working on for 2 weeks in the north sea!

thanks again to all forum members, for your'e speedy replies and opions.
this has helped me no end and i have a good idea what to work towards

jon
 
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