Coastal Passage Making

Practical Skills

Preparation to Sail:

• Inspect the vessel for the proposed passage: hull, spars, deck, rigging, hardware, sails, engine, internal mechanical and electrical systems, head systems, freshwater systems, navigation systems, anchoring systems, galley and provisions, and stowage.
• Check the inventory, locate and inspect all required safety and emergency equipment, tools, and spare parts.
• Perform the correct lashing of the life raft or dinghy and other necessary equipment for deck stowage.
• Check the inventory of sails and their condition for the proposed passage, and justify your selection based on the expected sailing conditions.

Crew Operations and Skills:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of and correct operating procedures for Radar and GPS.
• Demonstrate a high level of seamanship skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to direct the crew and make decisions to benefit the passage goals in consideration of the weather and sea conditions, crew welfare, proper navigation, and safety.

Leaving the Dock or Mooring:

• Develop a departure plan for the vessel and crew, and demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for leaving the dock.

Boat Control in Confined Waters:

• Demonstrate boat control in close quarters in adverse conditions (actual or simulated) as you leave the harbor.

Navigation:

• Demonstrate the proper use of a thoroughly documented ship’s log.
• Demonstrate the use of tide and current tables.
• Demonstrate the use of the Light List and Coast Pilot.
• Plot danger bearings.
• Demonstrate the correct method of taking a running fix.
• Successfully navigate a passage of at least 10 miles without Radar or GPS.
• Successfully navigate a passage of at least 10 miles with Radar or GPS.

Boat Control in Open Water:

• Demonstrate leadership skills during a night passage.
• Demonstrate command and control of the vessel under all wind and sea conditions encountered during the passage.
• Demonstrate seamanship skills during a headsail change.

Heavy Weather Sailing:

• Demonstrate working on deck at night or under heavy weather conditions (actual or simulated) while using a safety harness and jacklines.
• Demonstrate the use of a boom preventer and explain how to overcome its inherent dangers.

Overboard Rescue Methods:

• Demonstrate both the Quick-Stop and Lifesling methods of overboard rescues, both day and night. Choose one of the above methods that is most appropriate for the current wind and sea conditions.

Safety and Emergency Procedures:

• Simulate a plan of action should your vessel be in danger due to fire, water intake, dismasting, steerage failure or other disasters. Demonstrate all safety considerations given the situation.

Anchoring Techniques:

• Demonstrate the ability to anchor or recover anchor while the vessel is under sail.
• Demonstrate the ability to properly execute a Mediterranean Mooring.
• Demonstrate the use of a tripline/anchor buoy.

Returning to the Dock:

• Develop an approach plan for the vessel and crew, and demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for returning to the dock.

Securing the Boat Properly:

• Coordinate the crew and demonstrate the stowing of equipment and cleaning of the vessel after returning to the dock.
• Check the vessel before leaving the dock: determine and report any required maintenance; check docklines, spring lines, and fenders; check through-hull valves, electrical system, bilge pumps, and overall security of the boat.