RYA - New 'Basic' Navigation Course

[alant]

RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

This seems to be geared toward Motorboaters, rather than raggies.

What are forumites oppinions on this shortened 2 day version?

Will there be much enthusiasm for such a course?

 

[oceanfroggie]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

[ QUOTE ]
This seems to be geared toward Motorboaters, rather than raggies.

[/ QUOTE ]Beleive me some of them need it - Kidd'n
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

On a serious note such a short course may help the many who don't do any courses at the moment due to the time required, and a little is better than nothing.

 

[duncan]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

the DS theory evening classes are an institution and learning is just part of it; paper navigation too large a part of it IMO (more anchoring?!?).

if you have to be 'taught' then the new one is an option however most of us over the age of 18 find that a well written manual or instruction book will do the job.

 

[peterb26]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

I am very new to instructing, so could well be completely wrong, but I do think its a good idea.

On the Powerboat Level 2 course, the syllabus is really quite comprehensive but it all has to be done in 2 days, with possibly 3 students on the boat. Hence you are pushed for time.

The guys on my first and only course so far really enjoyed the chartwork - and wanted to know how the tides would have affected a passage and so on. With the time constraints it was impractical to cover this or some other part of the syllabus would have suffered.

Yes you can do it all from a book - but the book wont issue the RYA certificate and in the world today certification and regulation is most definitely on the increase.

 

[Kawasaki]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

I think one of the Theories behind the New Course is that the current 5 day shorebased (or 20 night evening class) is too time consuming for some peeps.
Not a replacement for the Days Skipper Course as we know it.
As billed a Basic Nav course.
IE over and above PB 2.
Hence it's apparent leaning towards Mobos?
At least a step further for a newbie and not a bad Idea IMHO.
Easier to get peeps to attend 2 days.
No way a replacement for Day Skip, which I think is an excellent Course, but some don't want to spend the time completing it.
Could encourage some to take further instruction maybe?
Haven't digested the content yet.
Strangely was just perusing same, on the RYA sight before jumping on to here!
Then again with a basic knowledge then some Practical hours and go down the route Duncan mutes.
IE get a good book and go and practice and get stuck in, stuck in the book I mean not stuck in the Mud!
Anyway I think it's a good Idea
K

 

[Kawasaki]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

TAM, Great Minds What!!!
Had the same experience ref Bods wanting to poke about a bit ref charts and all that there on a PB2 Course.
Not all, but some definately show an interest.
As You point out, tiss difficult sometimes to cram everything in depending on the experience and keeness of the Participants.
That goes for the Instructors and the Pupils.

 

[duncan]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

As usual I seem to have communicated poorly -

What I am advocating is that people doing PB2 (for example) should and can be guided into further reading - most would be more likely to do this than another 2 days on nav!

However I accept that some poeple feel they have to be taught - and here the new course has it's attraction (ironically) in being short.

btw I do not believe the new course has any relevant paper or qualification attached to it - the DS theory doesn't either!

 

[gjgm]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

I m wonder in days b4 cheaper electronic aids, whether most people managed local pilotage, or started to learn. These days it must be tempting to think, hang on, I ve got my Whizmarine plotter that is so large it runs the whole width of the boat, and tells me everything I need to know, so what do I need to go on a course for?Well, some of the things you learn on a course is a small part of someone elses 10/20/30 years of experience. I think many day/weekend boaters can probably get by ok with a good plotter and some common sense, the latter of which isnt available in the shops, though. However, when you decide to go a bit further, suddenly you seem to need to know a bit more. Any course that helps on that must be a good idea.

 

[Skyva_2]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

Seems a good idea to me; the RYA might be following on the Australian model:

http://www.coastguard.com.au/education/basic.html

16 hours Basic seamanship and small boat handling

16 hours Coastal Navigation

8 hours VHF Radio

I think the RYA needs to think through what follows their Basic course - if people are expected to attend another 40 hours for a Day Skipper theory it rather loses the point.

 

[alant]

Re: RYA - New \'Basic\' Navigation Course

"This course is designed to turn the novice boat owner into a competent small boat skipper by lectures, instructional films, slides and demonstrations of safety equipment. A Certificate of Proficiency is presented to each candidate.

Nautical terms and definitions
Safety check procedures
Fire prevention & fighting
Radio usage
Rules of the road & lights
Ropes & knots
Safety Equipment
Anchors and anchoring
Buoyancy & stability
Weather & tides
Propeller & rudder action
Boat handling
Heavy weather seamanship
Trailed boats
Engine care & maintenance
Elementary navigation
Resuscitation & First Aid
Survival in the water
Distress signals
Emergency procedures "

All this in 8 evenings of 2hrs!

Still looks like a theory only course, probably based upon RYA DS.

16hrs + 16hrs + 8hrs = 40 hrs as well !