Minimum time (hours)

Depth of knowledge

1. Position
Dead reckoning and estimated position
Satellite-derived position
Use of waypoints to fix position
Radar fixes
Techniques of visual fixing
Fixes using a mixture of position lines
Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing
Areas of uncertainty

6

B
A
A
B
B
B
A
C

2. The magnetic compass
Allowance for variation
Changes of variation with time and position
Causes of deviation
Swing for deviation (but not correction)
Allowance for deviation
Different types of compass

2

B
B
B
C
C
C

3. Tides
Causes of tides - Springs and Neaps
Tide tables - sources
Tide levels and datum
Standard and secondary ports
Tidal anomalies (Solent, etc.)

4

C
B
B
B
C

4. Tidal Streams
Sources of tidal information
Tidal stream information in sailing directions and Yachtsman's Almanacs
Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer
Tide rips, overfalls and races
Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.

3

B
B
A
B
B

5. Buoyage
IALA system buoyage in Region A
Limitations of buoys as navigational aids

1

B
C

6. Lights
Characteristics
Ranges - visual, luminous and nominal
Rising and dipping distances
Light lists

1

B
C
C
C

7. Pilotage
Harbour regulations and control signals
Methods of pre-planning
Clearing lines
Use of soundings
Transits and leading lines

3

A
B
A
B
B

8. GPS and chart plotters
Principles of operation and limitations of use
Raster and vector charts
Datum
Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source and keeping a separate record of position
Importance of paper charts

3

A
C
B
A
B

9. Echo sounders
Principles of operation and limitations of use

½

C

10. Logs (speed and distance measuring)
Principles of operation and limitations of use

C

11. Deck log
Importance of log as yacht's official document
Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries

B
B

12. Meteorology
Basic terms, the Beaufort Scale
Air masses
Cloud types
Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems
Sources of weather forecasts
Ability to interpret a shipping forecast, weatherfax and weather satellite information
Land and sea breezes
Sea fog
Use of a barometer as a forecasting aid

6

B
B
B
B
B
B
B
C
B

13. Rule of the road
A sound knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, except Annexes 1 and 3

1

A

14. Safety at sea
Personal safety, use of lifejackets, safety harnesses and lifelines
Fire prevention and fire fighting
Distress signals
Coastguard and Boat Safety Scheme
Preparation for heavy weather
Liferafts and helicopter rescue
Understanding of capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability

2

B
B
B
C
B
B
C

15. Navigation in restricted visibility
Precautions to be taken in fog
Limitations to safe navigation imposed by fog
Navigation strategy in poor visibility

1

B
B
B

16. Passage planning
Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and making, and use at sea
Customs regulations as they apply to yachts
Routing for navigating in coastal waters
Strategy for course laying
Use of waypoints and routes
Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy
Sources of local and national regulations

5

B
C
B
B
A
B
B

17. Marine Environment
Responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment

B