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Operating a boat is a wonderful experience, but it also is a
challenging one. If you are looking to learn additional skills so
you can to be more confident, make a commitment to learn the skills
of good seamanship. Whether you have never handled a boat before, or
would just like to brush up on your skills, taking advantage of our
personalized instruction is a great way to assure that you, your
family and friends will enjoy many years of safe and enjoyable
boating.
FYI
is offering personalized instruction in seamanship and boat handling
(Hands-on)
in piloting, navigation, docking and anchoring. We have designed
this instruction to coincide with your vacation, so that you may
learn while your guests enjoy other activities. The instructor may
accompany you on your cruise while giving instruction, or you may
elect to take the training.
Below are a few questions our captains are asked frequently.
How
many days is this course?
This is not a course. This is personalized instruction in the areas
that you would like and need to learn. The captain will instruct you
in the required procedures and skills so that you may be a more
confident and safe boater. Depending on your past experience, this
may take only one day or as many as five days.
What
would be the cost for more than one person?
Our captains will instruct up to two people for the same daily fee.
How
many hours a day will this be?
We have found that a five to six hour day makes it easier to
understand and absorb the information.
What
type of boat and size?
If you take our "custom package", the type of boat and
size is up to you. You may select and charter the boat you wish to
learn on, or you can use a boat that is owned by yourself or a
friend. The size of the boat can be up to 150 feet. Provided you pay
the captain's travel expenses, you may enjoy customized instruction
anywhere in the country. However, most clients come to South
Florida. If you are a beginner, the best size to charter is usually
between 30-40 ft.
When
I charter a boat what skills will I need?
Charter companies require certain skills and procedures to be
performed. The required skills are: exhibiting proper understanding
of charts, navigational signs, and equipment, client maneuvered the
boat appropriately while at sea, demonstrating skill at handling all
helm controls. Client must successfully move the boat off the dock,
re-dock the boat and retie lines without any problem. All these
required skills and procedures you will learn and more.
What
will I learn from the captain?
You will be reviewing and learning the items below:
We will locate and inspect all U.S.C.G.- approved safety equipment
onboard the vessel, as well as how to properly operate and maintain
the safety equipment.
We will locate and inspect all navigational lights: sidelights,
sternlights, masthead lights and anchor light for proper color and
working order.
Boat
Handling and Docking
Maneuvering in narrow channels, clockwise 360° turns,
counterclockwise 360° turns, pivoting off the dock using forward
spring, pivoting off the dock using both engines, dock vessel using
forward spring line, pull into a slip, backing out of a slip,
backing into a slip, man overboard, Williamson turn, racetrack turn,
line handling.
Anchoring
Things to look for in a good anchorage, setting and retrieving an
anchor, know the plow and where to use it, know the Danforth and
where to use it, using the correct anchor, understand rode and
scope, know the reasons why chain is used, how to pick up a mooring
buoy (or ball), how to release a mooring buoy (or ball), determine
the bottom from local chart.
Electronics
and VHF Radio
Depth finder, GPS, VHF radio, Channel 16, working channels, NOAA,
weather channels, contacting other stations, Mayday, security, Pan
Pan.
Engine
Room
Engine and generator coolant levels, engine and generator oil
levels, transmission fluid levels, engines, generator, sea
strainers, air conditioner sea strainer, checking for fuel, oil and
water leaks, checking for exhaust leaks, checking hoses and clamps,
checking for fumes, understanding alarms and gauges, testing
throttle and clutch controls, testing steering, knowing how to
change a sea water impeller, knowing how to change a belt, how to
drain the water separators, how to change fuel filers, how to add
oil and what type, how to add coolant and what type.
Shore
Power
How to connect and disconnect, stow the cables, the difference
between 30 and 50 amp.
Generator
Switching power, understanding DC and AC systems, function of
breakers.
Fueling
Precautions taken when refueling, fuel consumption , and how to
calculate.
Head
How to use, holding tank, where and how to pump out, Y valve - where
it is and how to use it.
Knots
Bowline, cleat hitch, clove hitch, figure eight, sheet bend, square
knot, round turn and two half hitches. |
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INSTRUCTION
PACKAGES OFFERED: |
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"CUSTOM
PACKAGE"
The captain charges a daily instruction fee plus expenses. The
additional expenses you may incur will be transportation and meals.
You supply the boat - either by charter agreement or personal
ownership. The captain will personalize the length, location, and
intensity of instruction to your needs.
FEE:
$200.00 per day plus expenses.
"BEGINNER'S
PACKAGE - BASIC BOAT HANDLING"
2 days of instruction aboard one of our 30-40 ft power boats. Live
aboard the boat at our base in South Florida while you learn the
basics of boat handling and navigation.
FEE: $900.00 per person/double occupancy
Maximum 2 students. Additional guests: $200 per person
Includes boat, captain, dockage, and fuel for 2 days/2 nights.
Check-in 5 pm the night before. Instruction 9 am - 5 pm the
following two days/Check-out 5 pm on last day. Based on availability
and subject to vessel change. Invalid for holidays or between Feb
15-April 15. |
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Click Here To Fill Out The Instruction Request Form |
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