Short Courses
Along with the theory courses for Dayskipper & Yachtmaster certificates, the CA also run specialist short courses for more specific areas of knowledge. Whether you need a VHF licence or want to discover the ins and outs of your boat's engine, you'll find more details on these courses below.
The models used for our Engine courses are a Volvo Penta MD210 and a Renault RC163, however the course still proves relevant to those with other engine models.
This is a beginner’s engine course to teach you to prevent and solve diesel engine failure. We limit this course to only six students to allow everyone enough access to the engine, so early booking is recommended.
Mechanical failure is one of the biggest reasons behind call-outs to cruisers, by taking this course you will learn proper maintenance and care to help prevent engine problems. By learning some simple precautions and techniques on this course, you will learn to avoid most engine problems. You will learn checks and procedures including how to get the engine going again in the event of a breakdown. This course could prove to be a real life saver should your engine let you down.
Course Topics:
- the principles of diesel engine operation
- the systems and parts of the engine
- fault finding
- rectification of common problems
- bleeding the fuel system
- changing the impeller
- routine maintenance
- winter lay up procedures
This course will enable you to gain an understanding of Radar as one of the most versatile electronic navigation aids. Get the most out of your radar by learning how to use it at every stage of your requirements learn to sail and cruise more safely by properly interpreting the radar picture. As more and more cruising boats are fitted with radar it is vital to have a technical understanding of it, particularly as The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea state that if you have a radar, you must know how to use it.
Course Topics:
- How the radar set works
- How its adjustments and features affect the way it works
- Target definition
- Radar reflectors
- Types of radar display
- Radar plotting
- The use of radar in navigation and collision avoidance
RYA VHF Radio SRC (Short Range Certificate)
The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to operate a VHF radio fitted with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on any British vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. Improper transmissions the VHF radio can cause numerous problems and could even block a mayday call, get trained to use if correctly and communicate effectively with harbours, port authorities, the coastguard and other vessels.
It is recommended that you learn the phonetic alphabet in advance of attending this course.
Course topics include:
- the basics of radio operation
- the correct frequencies (channels) to be used
- distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures
- making ship to shore telephone calls
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) using simulators
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
- Search and Rescue (SART)
A real lifesaver. This course will give you an understanding of the safety equipment you will use if you are unfortunate enough to encounter difficulties afloat. It is true to say that those with sea survival training are more likely to survive. Cruising is one of the safest leisure activities, and the majority of those afloat will never use their life-raft. However, preparation is preservation and if you are one of the unlucky few your chances of survival will be greatly increased if you understand how to use the equipment and how to help yourself and others.An important part of the course is a practical session in a swimming pool. Experience first hand the problems of entering an uncooperative liferaft and assisting others while fully kitted out in wet weather gear and a lifejacket.
Course topics include:
- liferafts and the equipment they contain
- survival techniques
- the design of lifejackets
- medical aspects of sea survival
- search and rescue techniques
RYA First Aid (One and two day courses)
In a medical emergency a little first aid knowledge and immediate action can save lives, especially in remote locations. This course is specifically designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for people using small craft and to support skippers.
Why a two day course? Our instructor has specifically tailored the course to the needs of the cruising sailor. He covers the material required for the course in more detail and depth than is possible in just one day. The one day course covers the more basic RYA syllabus.
Course topics include:
- the recovery position in a confined space
- CPR, including the drowning protocol
- cold shock and hypothermia from immersion and/or exposure
- seasickness and dehydration
- medical assistance or advice by VHF
