Sea Knowledge And Training – Updated

 
Here’s the sea knowledge and training programme I’ve planned for the Can Opener – with updates: 

On the Water 

  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
Theory
  • RYA Yachtmaster Stellar Navigation theory – done!
  • RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Prep Theory   done!
  • RYA Day Skipper Theory   done!
Specialist 
  • Diesel Engine Maintenance
  • Marine Radio Short Range Certificate/VHF Operator – done!
  • Sea Survival/ Emergency Preparedness
  • Offshore Safety
  • Veterinary Offshore First Aid
  • RYA Offshore First Aid – scheduled 

Other

  •  Courses run by manufacturers on servicing and maintaining their equipment – Feb 2013 – done!
  • Electrical Systems and Solar 
  • Spanish 

That should do it… till I think of something more to decree the Can Opener shall study.

The best thing about sailing is there is always something new to learn. Constant challenges and education. What could be better?

We’re getting there! 

Any other critical courses / topics to add to the study list? 

–Captain Cat


(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Cruisin’ Lectures – Autumn 2012

Done! 

The end of the summer sailing season has come and gone. There are still a few chances to get in some on-the-water training in the next few months, but it’s also time to look forward to Autumn/Winter and plan for all the best land training this new season will bring.

I have set up a first draft of the Can Opener’s lecture schedule. There’s loads of opportunities to learn in the big city!

I’ve booked the First Mate for:

  • 7 lectures at the Cruising Association
  • 1 lecture at the Red Tabby Yacht Club (so far, hopefully more to come…)
  • 4 networking events at the Red Tabby Yacht Club
  • 2 trips to the Southampton Boat Show
  • 8 mini-lectures at the Southampton Boat Show 
  • 2 RYA specialist courses – First Aid and VHF

It’s a good start. 

Hopefully I’ll be able to load him with a few more learning opportunities as they arise this Autumn/Winter.

We’re taking it to the next level this year. We’re gonna do it aaaaaaaaaall!



–Captain Cat (transcribed by the Can Opener)

RYA VHF Radio text – Reviewed!

I assigned this book to the Can Opener to read while we were on the Spain to Greece delivery. He ploughed through it quite quickly – clearly a riveting read.   
Also required reading not just by me, but by the UK Coastguard too. Anyone who operates a VHF* on their yacht must also have a VHF license. 
VHF radio equipment is regularly used for sending and receiving boat to boat, boat to marina and boat to Coast Guard messages. It is an important piece of safety equipment on most yachts.
I’ll be dragging the Can Opener with me on a course to get our licenses soon. And this is the textbook that goes with the RYA licensing course…
How do you use a VHF? What can it be used for anyways? How do you send a distress message properly? 
These answers could save our lives one day, so I made sure the Can Opener paid careful attention to this valuable little book.


Best Thing About This Book

  • clear
  • concise
  • has all the info in it we need to know to get our VHF Operator Licenses



Wild Wishes

  • There was no brand to brand comparison of VHF equipment – just general explanations of what an average VHF looks like and how it works.
  • But hey – that was not the goal of this book. This little book did the job it promised to do.



Conclusion 

We like books that do their job. And if you are going to get your VHF license with RYA… you kind of have to buy it. So we did.

Fortunately this is a well written and useful little text.




–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

* Very high frequency (VHF) is the radio frequency range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz…Currently VHF is at the low-end of practical frequency usage, new systems tending to use frequencies in SHF and EHF above the UHF range…. 

Common uses for VHF are FM radio broadcast, television broadcast, land mobile stations (emergency, business, private use and military), long range data communication with radio modems, amateur radio, marine communications, air traffic control communications and air navigation systems (e.g. VOR, DME & ILS). –wikipedia

In the US

 
In the UK

Book Reviews
Next: The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat, by John Vigor
Previously: Celestial Navigation, by Mary Blewitt

The Plan to Get Trained

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How much education and training is enough before you shove off on your first really long term voyage? Offshore passage making certifications? First aid courses? Diesel maintenance? Celestial navigation?

It’ll never be enough!

But there are some fundamental courses the Can Opener absolutely must pass before we head out on our merry transatlantic.

Taking care of yours truly is our first priority. Making sure the Can Opener stays safe ranks right up there too. Someone’s got to cut open the clear packs and sauté the deli sausages for my breakfast!

Here’s the sea knowledge and training programme I’ve planned for the Can Opener:

On the Water
  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
   
Theory
  • RYA Yachtmaster Stellar Navigation theory – done!
  • RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Prep Theory   done!
  • RYA Day Skipper Theory   done!

Specialist Courses
  • Diesel Engine Maintenance
  • Marine Radio Short Range Certificate/VHF Operator done!
  • Sea Survival/ Emergency Preparedness
  • Offshore Safety
  • RYA Offshore First Aid – scheduled May 2013

Other Study

  • Courses run by manufacturers on servicing and maintaining their equipment – Feb 2013 – done!
  • Electrical Systems and Solar 
  • How to catch a fish


That should do it… till I think of something more to decree the Can Opener shall study. Like useful languages for shopping in island markets for breakfast treats… Or electrical systems

The best thing about sailing is there is always something new to learn. Constant challenges and education. What could be better?


Any critical courses / topics to add to the study list?



–Captain Cat