Powerboat Level 1
This course provides a practical introduction to boat handling skills and is often used by families wishing to introduce their children to the joys of powerboating at a young age. The Level 1 course is the ideal first step to a life time of safe boating. The minimum age for this course is 8 and the course duration is 1 day subjects areas covered include:
• Pre-launch preparation
• Boat handling and manoeuvres
• Basic theory ( Rules of the road, ropework & awareness of other water users)
On completion of the course all candidates under 16 years will receive the level 1 certificate endorsed “The holder should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult.”
Please contact the centre for the date of our next Level 1 Course.
Introduction to Powerboating Level 1 Course Syllabus
AIM: To provide a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats.
Section A
Practical boat handling
1. Launching and recovery: (8 to 11 year olds to observe this session only)
a)Considerations to be taken during the launch
b)The use of a trailer or launching trolley
c)Consideration to be Knowledge of:
d)Construction, width and condition of ramp/slipway
- 2. Preparation of boat and crew:
Understands:
a)Personal buoyancy and appropriate clothing
b)Use of the following equipment: lines, fenders, anchor and warp, bailer, fire extinguisher, pump, paddles or oars, compass, flares, torch, whistle, charts, first aid kit, sharp knife
Can:
a)Perform the following: fasten to a cleat and stow an - 3. Boat Handling:
Knowledge of:a)Planning boats: propeller angle and immersion, use of shallow drive
b)Low speed handling: ahead and astern
c)Displacement boats: handling ahead and astern, carrying way in neutral
Understands:
a)How to carry out pre-start checks, including fuel tank and fuel bulb
b)Steering controls and windage
Can:
a)Steer and control boat speed
b)Start and stop engine
c)Demonstrate the use of an appropriate length kill cord at all times - 4. Picking up and securing to a mooring buoy:
Knowledge of:
a)Preparation of mooring warps
b)Use of a boat hook
c)Method of approach
d)Crew communication
e)Making fast - 5. Leaving and coming alongside:
Knowledge of:
a)Wind effect
b)Approach in tidal stream or current
Understands:
a)Leaving - ahead or astern
Can:
a)Demonstrate the use of painter, lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
b)Control speed and angle of approach
c)Make fast alongside - 6. Being towed:
Knowledge of:
a)Preparing own lines for towing
b)Accepting a tow
c)Securing tow lines
d)Trim and balance under tow
SECTION B
Theory
Knowledge of:
a)Loading and balancing the boat and the effect on handling and performance
b)Local byelaws and insurance
Understands:
a)Crew numbers: minimum number in the boat, keeping a look-out
b)Awareness of other water users, including effect of wash
c)Application of IRPCS. Understands rules 5, 6, and conduct around commercial shipping in confined waters
