Should I do the Helmsman Course?

[hlb]

Going back to lassooing the cleat. Once this is done, you can use the engines to bring yer arse end in. There is no jumping off wildly from dizzy hights!! Once the crew has secured the bow. They can leasurely walk to the stern and secure that, whilst you hold it there on the engines. No need for crew leaping off etc. Course all this aint going to work if yer trying to get into imposible poition in the first place. Just dont do it. Or use ropes to get there. Drop the crew off, some where easy if you need to. You dont see fishy folk or ferries in marina spaces. Understand where it's you that is the problem, or your just trying the imposible!!

 

[mobione]

Thanks hlb for that. Sounds remarkebly easy - not sure why I made such a cock-up of it now /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Yes I am in a marina with finger berths. I think I must have got the last berth beacuse its a bugger to get round to and its got a bloody great pylon right in the middle of it, so I have to back in and stop 2ft from the main gangway. (thanks guys /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif)

As for the course following the initial advice from this board (seem to have stirred up a bit of a hornets nest since then /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) I have found someone via a friend at bluebakers who does own boat tuition (2 days and including ICC). I think I'll give that a go and see if he can teach number one some knot tying skills /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[mobione]

Just seen this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1294&item=4528246382&rd=1


Seems good value ?

 

[simonH]

Hello. I havnt been here for a while but have just picked up on this thread. I note that someone suggested a level 1 course, I do not know of many training centres in the UK who will offer such a course, why not just do the level two.

I think what has to be considered is what benefit will I get out of doing a powerboat level 2 course which will almost certainly be done on a single engined RIB of propably 6m. The answer would be not alot as controlling a twin engined boat in close quarters is completely different to the tyoe of vessel you would be using on a powerboat level 2 course. Your boat is alot heavier for a start.

I therefore feel that you should consider perhaps a five day motor helmsman course, as this would be of far better use to you. Otherwise you will do the Level 2 realise it is not what you are looking for and then go and take the motor helmsman course.

On a final point carefully look at what courses you think would suit you especially if you are looking for your International Certificate Of Competance.

Hope this helps.

 

[Renegade_Master]

blimey Haydn I want some of what your taking

 

[Its_Only_Money]

"Sounds remarkebly easy - not sure why I made such a cock-up of it now"

Because that's the difference between talking about it and doing it in real time with stuff happening to put you off....... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Good luck with the own-boat, I'm sure you'll enjoy it and learn loads (assuming good instructor that is!)

 

[Bejasus]

£99 is very cheap, but your profile says you are in the Ipswich area, so now add the cost of going to Southampton for 2 days and it doesnt look any better than going the 40 odd miles to Lowestoft. Also the ad doesn't say whether or not the rib is single or twin engined. I know the Lowestoft one is twins. There are a few training schools near you on the Orwell, but I think you will find they are a bit more expensive than Lowestoft. Also off Lowestoft, with the sandbanks and wave patterns, you can have some good fun in a 6 mtr rib as well. You go up river into the new Haven marina to practice manouevering amongst the fingers. I found it very flexible. If you can't get own boat and want an ICC too, then PB2 is the way to do it. IMHO.

I have no connection with the RN&SYC, not even a club member, just thoroughly enjoyed the course, as did SWMBO. We did it seperately as there was only single spaces available.

 

[hlb]

What I'm taking Clive, is freely available. But unfortunatly cannot be learned on any course. Though I'm not saying it dont help.

Trouble is today folk come from out the city, buy a big boat, and expect to be able to handle it easily. Bit like leaving school going on a course, then being manager of ICI.

Best way is to start as a kid, sailing dinghys. If you dont get it right with a sailing dinghy, you dont come home untill you do!! So after a few hours, missed dinners, cold and wet. You quite quickly either succeed or die!!

 

[mobione]

I did all that Hadyn. Mirror dinghy then a Topper then a wind surfer.

I think the 'sink or swim' method of learning is a little over the top though.
And remember that to be able to afford a boat most of us have do have to work. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

 

[powerskipper]

Own boat tuition is not a problem for instructors as over 50% of there work is done on non school boats.
My advice would be to either get a fews days just getting to know your boat with an instructor or do the day skipper practical, check that the instructor is familiar with the type of boat you have, i.e. twin out drives.