Powerboat Handling

Overview

This Course includes intermediate boat handling skills and seamanship for a variety of boat types.

Length 8 hours (minimum duration)

Outcomes

The Course includes boat launching, engines and fuel, types of craft and navigation. It aims to improve boat handling skills at low and planing speeds, all of which may be practised during a short passage.

Pre-requisites

Applicants for this Course should have completed Start Powerboating or have a similar skill level and background knowledge.
The course may be combined with Start Powerboating over a 2 day period.

Who should do this Course?

People that wish to extend their knowledge of Powerboat driving or anyone wishing to gain other Yachting Australia Instructing or Officiating Qualifications

SYLLABUS

1. Boat Launching

Completion of pre-departure checks and providing a safety brief
Familiarity with methods of launching and recovery for tidal areas
Identification of safety features of boat trailers
Care and maintenance of trailer parts including winch, lights and bearings

2. Engines and Fuel

Awareness of fuel, oil and maintenance requirements for modern engines
Undertaking basic fault finding
Demonstration of correct kill cord use at all times when underway

3. Low Speed Manoeuvres

Working knowledge of trim, stability, controls and the effects of steering and propellers
Turning a vessel around in a confined area
Departing and coming alongside a berth with use of springs in 'ahead' or 'astern'
Recovery of a Man Overboard in varying situations

4. Types of Craft

Different hull shapes and their handling characteristics
Advantages and disadvantages of different engine and drive types

5. Navigation

Calculating a course allowing for variation
Factors such as tidal heights and streams (where applicable)
Awareness of high speed navigation techniques
Use of GPS or Chart Plotters as an aid to navigation
Awareness of limitations when using electronic charts

6. High Speed Manoeuvres

Manoeuvring a vessel through high speed 'S' and 'U' turns
Recovery of a Man Overboard

7. Passage (can be undertaken at night)

Planning a passage with consideration of weather, crew and vessel capabilities
Undertake a short passage by day or night incorporating navigation and rules of the road

8. Swell and Waves

Application of techniques when handling a powerboat in swell and waves
Familiarisation of techniques for bar crossings

9. Towing

Rigging a boat for towing alongside or astern
Precautions to be taken prior to and during a tow

Overview	This Course includes intermediate boat handling skills and seamanship for a variety of boat types.
Length	8 hours (minimum duration)
Outcomes	The Course includes boat launching, engines and fuel, types of craft and navigation. It aims to improve boat handling skills at low and planing speeds, all of which may be practised during a short passage.
Pre-requisites	Applicants for this Course should have completed Start Powerboating or have a similar skill level and background knowledge. The course may be combined with Start Powerboating over a 2 day period.
Who should do this Course?	People that wish to extend their knowledge of Powerboat driving or anyone wishing to gain other Yachting Australia Instructing or Officiating Qualifications