Yachtmaster Exam

[BelleSerene]

Miles written up?

I hope people don't mind me hitching a ride on this thread.

Most of my miles recently are not written up. I just don't bother to get a log book out and record the fact that I took the family ten miles this way or that. But as a result, I don't have the record of the majority of my time afloat. Sure, I have notes of the longer passages, say cross-Channel or Poole - Solent. So my question is, what 'proof' is required of prior passages? I'm quite content that an examiner asking me about where I've been and how I passage plan will see there's no BS; but if he has to put a tick in the box that he's seen logbook evidence of sufficient seamiles, do I have a problem booking the exam?

 

[Shekel]

One thing that happened to me on my exam, we motored up the Medina River (December) and the examiner asked me to bring the boat alongside the pontoon at East Cowes. Not a single boat in sight and I stared at that pontoon like they were rafted 4 deep on it. What I'm saying is things aren't always as complex as you think.

I brought her alongside with all that space and he said 'thanks very much' and then asked me to hand over to one of the other guys.

I'd got visions of engine failures gear failure. Submarine surfacing in front of us, all kinds of stuff.

 

[jason -and the arguenauts]

dont forget the safety briefing for your crew.

 

[HoratioHB]

I hope people don't mind me hitching a ride on this thread.

Most of my miles recently are not written up. I just don't bother to get a log book out and record the fact that I took the family ten miles this way or that. But as a result, I don't have the record of the majority of my time afloat. Sure, I have notes of the longer passages, say cross-Channel or Poole - Solent. So my question is, what 'proof' is required of prior passages? I'm quite content that an examiner asking me about where I've been and how I passage plan will see there's no BS; but if he has to put a tick in the box that he's seen logbook evidence of sufficient seamiles, do I have a problem booking the exam?

Had a similar problem as I had lost my logbook. I used my photo album and other records to reconstruct it, but of course there were no signatures, stamps etc. The examiner was quite happy as there has to be a degree of trust and if you haven't got the experience it will show very quickly...........

 

[BlueSkyNick]

One small point - dont assume the examiner will be a man, there are some women in the role, too!

 

[snowleopard]

Remember you are not the helm, you are in charge. A few quick, clear words of instruction to the helm on where to steer and what to look for while you sort out tea for everyone (or delegate that) is what is being looked for, although sooner or later you will have to show you can helm the boat as well as anyone.

Just the point I was about to make. You need to take the helm for the tricky boat handling bits - just as you would on a normal day's sailing. Otherwise it is best to just oversee everything. Likewise, don't spend all the time at the chart table. Pop down to plot a fix or work out a CTS but otherwise be up on deck keeping an eye on everything.

 

[Elessar]

I hope people don't mind me hitching a ride on this thread.

Most of my miles recently are not written up. I just don't bother to get a log book out and record the fact that I took the family ten miles this way or that. But as a result, I don't have the record of the majority of my time afloat. Sure, I have notes of the longer passages, say cross-Channel or Poole - Solent. So my question is, what 'proof' is required of prior passages? I'm quite content that an examiner asking me about where I've been and how I passage plan will see there's no BS; but if he has to put a tick in the box that he's seen logbook evidence of sufficient seamiles, do I have a problem booking the exam?

My logbook from my a previous boat was destroyed by a leak. I had records over 18 months only therefore which was only about 2000 miles. I considered reconstructing the log back to 2002 from the dates on my digital photos but it wasn't necessary. Just talking about the passages I'd done was enough and I did have the photos. If you want to take the test at 2501 mile then maybe you need it but the examiner is just going to know if you're pulling his chain.

[edit - just as horatiohb said, should have saved the typing]

 

[Elessar]

dont forget the safety briefing for your crew.

yes but this needn't be a pantomime. I only briefed the examiner not the crew who knew the boat well enough. I said "I know you're an experienced mariner so I'll just point out the peculiarities of this boat. " Then I briefly explained what I would have additionally covered if there had been novice crew.

 

[jason -and the arguenauts]

You obviously were sure that they all knew where the flares were, how to launch the raft etc if the examiner had asked them. Which is what I would have done as an examiner.

 

[Elessar]

You obviously were sure that they all knew where the flares were, how to launch the raft etc if the examiner had asked them. Which is what I would have done as an examiner.

yes I was sure. Yes that would have been a good thing for the examiner to do. I just showed the examiner location of (and not use of) shut offs, fire extinguishers, epirb, mob gear, dsc radio crib card and fridges/food cupboard. The liferaft was being serviced so we didn't have one.

 

[Stoneness]

My examiner told me that candidates started with 100% and each mistake knocked 1% off. I was also told that losing your temper and swearing or an involuntary gybe were instant fails. My examiner was of the old school and he "oozed knowledge" he inspired confidence in his ability and that gave a relaxed atmosphere amongst the candidates. In many ways the exam was a learning experience as he discussed what you had done with you and offered alternative ways which were very interesting. I enjoyed the whole thing including the 'congratulations' part.

The pre exam training days are a definite must!