FBC - Near Coastal Theory Session
The objective of the course is to qualify FBC Members to take powerboat into Open Water (restricted area) as part of the Membership Services. Each Member will need to attend both Theory and practical sessions to gain knowledge and practical experience to a minimum standard to complete a short coastal passage by day.
Description
FBC – Member Training
Near Coastal Day Cruising Course
Key Course Details
- Duration: 3 hrs (Weekday 6-9pm)
- Format: Virtual Classroom
- Course Size: 6 members
- Price - $330/course ($55pp)
Course Aim
The objective of the course is to qualify FBC Members to take powerboat into Open Water (restricted area) as part of the Membership Services. Each Member will need to attend both Theory and practical sessions to gain knowledge and practical experience to a minimum standard to complete a short coastal passage by day.
Theory Course Duration
3hrs theory (virtual classroom) covering the essential aspects of Open Water Boat handling and some Cruising & Passage Planning topics.
Instructor to Student Ratio
The teaching ratio is one Instructor to six members.
Prior Experience Required
Members should be holding State Based Recreational Boat Licence and a minimum 12 month practical experience. The course includes time on developing your boat handling we will not have time to develop basic techniques.
Course Dates / Times (Theory)
Refer to Website for exact times and dates – generally 2 sessions per month.
- Monday or Wednesday- 1800-2100 on a fortnightly basis
- By Appointment - for groups of 4 other times (weekdays only) can be scheduled to suit your diary.
The Course
Broadly speaking the course divides into:
- Developing the core navigation skills to be able to undertake coastal passages
- Using these skills afloat to undertake a passage/entry to a port safely.
The course will cover the following topics and activities:
Theory Subjects |
Practical Activities |
Navigation basics – Charts and Plotters Bearing & distance Tides and Open Water Use of almanacs Use of marina locks Latitude & longitude Sources of Weather (forecast & updates) Buoyage Collision Regulations [IRPCS] Waypoints, Routes & Navigation Emergency situations |
Boat preparation including kit Crew preparation Stowage Boat handling including effect of waves Awareness of wind & tide Pilotage – Harbour Exit / Enry Passage Making - Coastal Man overboard recovery techniques |
Instructors
All experienced and qualified, AMSA Qualified Skippers and Powerboat Instructors (RYA, IYT or Australian Sailing). Our instructors know the areas where we run these courses very well but critically have real first-hand experience of making passages in small open craft so understand the practicalities and limitations of doing so.