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CruiseMaster PROGRAMS

A Helm BASIC SKILLS PROGRAM

Ten hours of practical training on the water and at dockside, plus private study. Check here to see a typical three day training syllabus.

A HelmA HelmADVANCED (OPTIONAL) MODULES

Transiting the Locks

A HelmA Helm{short description of image} LIMITED NEED COURSES

Specially designed courses, combining certain topics and drawing from the Basic Skills and optional Advanced Modules,

can be arranged. An excellent resource for skippers "moving up" or upgrading their skills.

A HelmA Helm{short description of image}A Helm VESSEL DELIVERY SERVICE

Vessel delivery throughout the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, lower Vancouver Island, and Canadian Gulf Islands

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A Helm BASIC SKILLS PROGRAM

Ten hours of practical training on the water and at dockside, plus private study.

A Typical Three Day Training Syllabus

DAY 1 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Marine Safety (dockside)

  • Life saving equipment
  • First Aid
  • Fire fighting equipment
  • Visual distress signals

Close quarter-maneuvering (on the water)

  • Going ahead
  • Backing down in reverse
  • Turning
  • Holding your position

Boat handling theory (dockside)

  • Characteristics of maneuvering
  • Maneuvering in close quarters
  • Docking and leaving the dock

Docking (on the water)

  • Coming alongside the dock
  • Leaving the dock
  • Entering and leaving a slip
  • Using lines to help dock as well as to leave the dock

Mooring at dockside (dockside)

  • Use of dock lines and fenders

DAY 2 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pollution (dockside)

  • International Regulations
  • Fuelling and bilging
  • Sanitation

Close-quarter maneuvering practice, continued (on the water)

Communications (dockside)

  • Cell phones, CB radios, and VHF radios
  • Frequencies
  • Radio procedures
  • Emergency and distress calls

Docking practice, continued (on the water)

DAY 3 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Basic navigation (dockside)

  • Rules of the road
  • Right of way
  • Lights and sounds signals
  • Introduction to charts
  • Local Notices to Mariners
  • Buoys and the buoyage system
  • Puget Sound's Vessel Traffic System

Anchoring and mooring buoys (on the water)

  • Setting the anchor
  • Checking for dragging
  • Hauling the anchor and getting underway

Anchoring theory (dockside)

  • Stowage
  • Rhode and scope
  • Anchoring theory
  • Getting underway
  • Cautions

Docking practice, continued (on the water)
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