This course is preparation for a cruise, whether the cruise is for a day, a week,
a month or longer. Whether you are going to cruise on rivers, lakes, the coasts,
or across the oceans, very valuable information is provided by those who have
been there. The topics discussed are: planning the voyage, financing the voyage,
equipping the boat, crew selection, provisioning, voyage management, navigation
planning, weather, communications, entering and clearing foreign and domestic
ports, anchors and anchoring, emergencies afloat, medical emergencies and security.
This course covers the general construction, operating principles, maintenance and repair of
marine gasoline and diesel engines, cooling, electrical, fuel, and lubricating systems and
associated propulsion components - clutches, shafting and propellers. Since one of the major
objectives of the course is to help the student become more self-reliant afloat, trouble
diagnosis and temporary remedies are emphasized along with safety measures. The course is
intended to make you a more intelligent and more resourceful boat engine operator.
The development of practical skills and methods in preparing for both classroom and meeting
presentations are the objectives of the unique course. The course includes practice assignments
in preparation and delivery of presentations in the classroom, including the use of visual and
other aids. All types of aids that can enhance a presentation are studied and the student is
afforded the opportunity to become familiar with their best use.
Essential knowledge about your boat's electrical and electronic systems is studied in this
course. Proper wiring, grounding, electrolysis control, and batteries and their maintenance
are included. Depth finders, marine radio telephones, radar, loran, GPS, and advanced systems
for electronic navigation are also studied. Information is provided on FCC requirements for
station licensing and operator permits for radio telephone.
This course provides a through study of the terminology of sailing; types of hulls, rigs, and
sail-plans;. Running and standing rigging and their adjustment and tuning; and sailboat
marlinespike. The dynamics of sailing are covered including: hull and water forces caused by
wind and waves; forces versus balance; techniques of sailing; points of sail; sail handling;
sailing under various wind conditions from light air to storm survival; boat operation and
emergency techniques unique to sailboats.
Awareness of weather phenomena, how to read the weather map and the sky, and understand and
anticipate weather developments for more pleasurable boating are the objectives of this course.
Subjects studied include: characteristics and structure of the atmosphere, what weather is and
its basic causes, normal development and movement of weather over the earth, and the factors
considered in weather forecasting. Observations that the skipper can make afloat include both
instrumental and visual: cloud sequences and the weather they predict; air masses, fronts,
storms, and fog; and the use of radio and television weather broadcasts. Throughout the course
the student is encouraged to make observations and predications in order to gain experience in
applying the principles taught and develop greater insight into weather phenomena.
