Boat Course

Lesson 1 • Anatomy of a Boat

Identifies structural and mechanical components from bow to stern. Provides the naming framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Types of Boats and Vessels

Covers major vessel categories by hull design, propulsion, and intended use. Establishes vocabulary for all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 3 • Essential Maritime Terminology

Introduces directional, navigational, and operational vocabulary. Accurate terminology is required for safe communication on the water.

Lesson 1 • Man Overboard Procedures

Teaches immediate actions and recovery manoeuvres when a person falls overboard. Connects to vessel handling skills introduced in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Personal Flotation Devices

Covers PFD types, fit, and mandatory wear scenarios. Proper PFD selection is the single most critical safety decision on any vessel.

Lesson 3 • Distress Signalling and Communication

Explains visual, audible, and electronic distress signals and their proper use. Students can summon help effectively in any emergency scenario.

Lesson 4 • Hypothermia and Cold-Water Survival

Explains physiological effects of cold-water immersion and survival techniques. Prepares students to act correctly if they or others enter cold water.

Lesson 1 • Tides, Currents, and Water Levels

Explains tidal cycles, current patterns, and their effect on navigation and safety. Students apply this knowledge when planning routes and anchoring.

Lesson 2 • Recognising Developing Weather

Identifies visual and instrument-based signs of approaching storms. Early recognition allows operators to seek shelter before conditions deteriorate.

Lesson 3 • Reading Weather Forecasts

Teaches use of marine weather forecasts, NOAA broadcasts, and apps. Accurate forecast interpretation prevents departure into dangerous conditions.

Lesson 1 • Aids to Navigation

Identifies buoys, beacons, lights, and their lateral and cardinal meanings. Correct interpretation of aids prevents grounding and channel violations.

Lesson 2 • Dead Reckoning and Position Fixing

Explains how to estimate position using speed, heading, and elapsed time. Students combine dead reckoning with fixes to maintain situational awareness.

Lesson 3 • GPS and Electronic Chart Systems

Covers GPS operation, chartplotter setup, and electronic chart use. Students integrate electronic tools with traditional methods for redundant navigation.

Lesson 4 • Compass and Bearing Navigation

Teaches magnetic compass use, deviation, and variation corrections. Compass navigation remains essential when electronic systems fail.

Lesson 1 • Vessel Encounter Scenarios

Applies rules to head-on, crossing, and overtaking situations. Students practise identifying the correct action for each encounter type.

Lesson 2 • Core Collision Regulations

Introduces the international framework governing vessel encounters and safe speed. These rules apply to every vessel on navigable waters.

Lesson 3 • Navigation Lights and Shapes

Identifies required lights and day shapes for vessel type and activity. Correct light recognition prevents misidentification and collision at night.

Lesson 1 • Throttle and Steering Fundamentals

Introduces throttle response, steering lag, and pivot-point behaviour. Understanding these dynamics is the foundation of all manoeuvring skills.

Lesson 2 • Docking and Undocking Techniques

Teaches approach angles, line handling, and use of spring lines. Controlled docking prevents vessel damage and crew injury.

Lesson 3 • Operating in Confined Waters

Applies manoeuvring skills in marinas, channels, and congested areas. Students practise slow-speed control and collision avoidance in tight quarters.

Lesson 4 • Towing and Being Towed

Explains tow line rigging, speed limits, and communication between vessels. Students handle both the towing and disabled-vessel roles safely.

Lesson 1 • Bilge, Pumps, and Through-Hulls

Covers bilge pump operation, through-hull fittings, and flooding prevention. Students respond quickly to water ingress before it becomes critical.

Lesson 2 • Routine Maintenance Schedule

Establishes daily, seasonal, and annual maintenance tasks for key systems. Consistent maintenance reduces breakdowns and extends vessel service life.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Systems Aboard

Introduces 12-volt DC systems, battery banks, and circuit protection. Students troubleshoot common electrical faults and prevent short-circuit fires.

Lesson 4 • Fuel Systems and Management

Explains fuel tank design, venting, and safe refuelling procedures. Fuel mismanagement is a leading cause of fires and engine failure.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Departure Planning

Covers route selection, hazard identification, and float plan filing. Thorough planning before departure prevents most foreseeable emergencies.

Lesson 2 • Contingency and Diversion Planning

Prepares students to identify alternate harbours and execute unplanned diversions. Flexibility in planning is essential when conditions change unexpectedly.

Lesson 3 • Passage Monitoring and Log Keeping

Establishes watch routines, position logging, and course correction procedures. Continuous monitoring catches navigational errors before they become hazards.

Lesson 4 • Navigating in Restricted Visibility

Applies radar, sound signals, and reduced-speed rules in fog and darkness. Students maintain situational awareness when visual navigation is impaired.