Powerboat Program

Overview	This introductory course teaches practical skills to safely operate a small powerboat. It incorporates trip preparation and planning, maintenance of the boat, safety equipment and dealing with emergency situations. The Course is based on the units developed by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC).
Length	12 hours
Outcomes	You will gain the knowledge and skill to safely handle a recreational powerboat. You will also receive a Start Powerboating certificate. In some States this course may be recognised for licensing purposes – please consult your State or Territory maritime authority to see if this is the case for you.
Pre-requisites	Attendees must be at least 12 years old
Who should do this Course?	This Course is aimed at people with a desire to own and/or be in charge of a recreational Powerboat.

SYLLABUS

1. Trip Preparation

How to plan a pasage with consideration of weather, crew and vessel capabilities
Identifying equipment appropriate for intended passage
Safety briefings, equipment checks and other precautions prior to going afloat
Stowage of safety equipment with consideration for access and protection

2. Meteorology

3. Personal equipment

Selection of suitable clothing and equipment appropriate to the type of vessel, intended passage and prevailing conditions
Identification of different lifejacket types, maintenance requirements and when they should be worn

4. Parts of the Boat

5. Engines and Fuel

6. Launching

7. Docking and Lines

Departing and bringing a boat alongside a jetty or pontoon allowing for wind, tide and vessel characteristics
Organising lines and crew when docking or slipping

8. Low speed manoeuvres

Working knowledge of trim, stability, controls and effects of steering and propellers
Manoeuvring a vessel effectively and safely at low speed in forward and astern
Correct actions to be taken to recover a man overboard

9. Navigation and Buoyage

10. Rules of the Road

Local knowledge of the general, steering and sailing rules and their application
Application of collision regulations to situations whilst underway
Awareness of equipment requirements in relation to local regulations

11. High speed Manoeuvres

Bringing a vessel on and off the plane (where applicable) with consideration of safety, communication, the environment and other vessels

12. Moorings and Anchoring

13. Emergencies and Marine Radios