RYA Helmsman

We also offer an enhanced version of the 2 Day Helmsman course, which has been extended to 4 days to run alongside a Day Skipper Course. The usual Helmsman syllabus is followed, but students will have much more time to really develop the core skills. This is a  great 4 day course to introduce you to motor cruising and undertaking short inshore trips, such as through a harbour or down river to the local beach. More time can be spent fully developing the core slow-speed handling skills and good seamanship skills. This course would also suit someone who is looking to work up through the levels, but who doesn’t yet have the theory knowledge required to undertake the Day Skipper Practical course.  To view dates for this 4 day course, please go to RYA Day Skipper

1. Types of craft

• Sportsboat, motor cruisers planing/displacement

• Types of hull, seakeeping, wash and considerations

2. Engine and drives

• Advantages and disadvantages

• Petrol/Diesel

• Single/twin screw

• Shafts/outdrives, outboard, waterjets

3. Engine Operation and maintenance 

• Pre-start checks inboard/outboards

• Engine checks while running

• Routine maintenance checks

• Fuel consumption range, reserve and location of fuel cut-offs

• Basic fault diagnosis

4. Safety and Seamanship

• Personal safety equipment - lifejackets, buoyancy aids, flares, first aid kit

• Anchoring - types, stowage, depth of water, preparation, check holding, weighing

5. Rules of the road

• Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

6. Boat Preparation

• Local boating conditions and regulations

• Preparation of boat, lines and fenders

• Safety equipment, life jackets, dangers, number in boat

• CE marks, loading, effect on handling and performance

• Use of killcords, if trailer - number of people for launching and recovery, slipway condition, steep/slippery, wind

• Can tie & knows use of: bowline, round turn & 2 half hitches, clove hitch, single & double sheet bend

7. Securing to a buoy

• Preparation of mooring warp and boat hook

• Method of approach in various conditions

• Crew communication

• Making fast

8. Alongside

• Preparation and use of lines, springs, attachment to boat, stowage underway, securing to cleats

• Method of approach in various wind and tide conditions

• Making fast - importance of 'taking a turn'

• Use of springs to leave a berth

9. Man overboard

• Immediate reaction & proper observation of man overboard

• Correct return

• Awareness of propellers

• Final approach and recover of man overboard

Min. age: 12

• 2 days use of our Nelson 42, Millbrook

• Diesel and berthing fees

• Overnight accommodation, if required

• Lunch and snacks on board

• All bedding (including duvet)

• Use of a lifejacket for the course

• Cash for evening meals 

• Notepad and pen

• Soft soled shoes

• Wet weather gear (contact us if you haven't got any)

• Light wellies or waterproof shoes

• Clothes for the duration of the course

• Any medication

• Phone charger