AFLOAT SKILLS

Section I: Preliminaries

The candidate must be able to:

1. File a sailing plan;
2. Demonstrate (on shore) the correct method of putting on a personal flotation device (PFD) while in the water;
3. Describe the purpose of a safety harness and dangers of improper attachment to boat;
4. Demonstrate the correct use of a heaving line;
5. Carry out a check of the vessel's gear and equipment in accordance with CYA Cruising Boat Checklist and demonstrate use and care of onboard equipment;
6. Coil a line and secure (sea coil);
7. Properly stow lines and fenders;
8. Demonstrate how to belay to a cleat (round turn, figure eight finish with a half hitch).

Section II: Manoeuvering Under Power

The candidate must be able to:

9. Plan and execute an undocking using correct commands and lines with varying wind and current conditions;
10. Manoeuvre from and to a side dock correctly under the following wind and current conditions:
    a) Wind/current parallel to dock,
    b) wind/current away from dock,
    c) Wind/current towards the dock;
11. Bring the boat to a mooring buoy and successfully retrieve the lines;
12. Manoeuvre a boat under varying sea and wind conditions with the wind from the following points: Ahead, Astern, Abeam, Quarter;
13. Come to a full stop with bow one half boat length away from a buoy using reverse. [The objective of this manoeuvre is to learn how much distance is required to bring a vessel to a full stop. Vessel is to be kept on a straight course while the manoeuvre is being carried out];
14. Manoeuvre a vessel under power to a position alongside and parallel to a dock, portside to and starboard side to, not more than two feet off without the aid of lines, without the stern passing a given mark at any time during the manoeuvre;
15. Anchor the boat in water more than 3 metres deep, so as not to drag the anchor when tested under engine power at half-throttle astern;
16. Raise anchor with boat ready and get under way;
17. Demonstrate skipper's actions/commands from the time a member of the crew falls overboard without warning, until the crew is safely recovered. Consider the crew overboard wearing a PFD and able to assist him/herself. Include the following minimum actions:
    a) Sound alarm,
    b) Deploy marker and buoyant object(s),
    c) Appoint and maintain a look out,
    d) Williamson or Anderson method of return,
    e) Describe at least two methods of getting a person out of the water and back aboard.
18. Demonstrate the basic principles of handling a boat under adverse weather conditions such as zigzagging while heading broadside to the waves and while heading into the waves;
19. Apply Rules 5 through 18 of the Collision Regulations as applied to a vessel under power.

Section III: Making Fast and Snugging Down

The candidate must be able to:

20. Secure a vessel to a dock so as to prevent excessive movement and set out fenders correctly;
21. Demonstrate how to secure a vessel for the night using appropriate dock lines;
22. Tie each of the following knots, bends and hitches within 30 seconds:
    Bowline, Reef knot, Round turn & two half hitches,
    Figure eight, Clove Hitch, Double sheet bend.

BASIC POWER COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT

To be taught on vessels under 12 Tons, up to 40 feet LOA

Afloat Skills

The candidate must:

1. Demonstrate methods to communicate effectively with crew working in various positions on the vessel when vision between those working may be obscured.
2. Demonstrate use of the VHF Radio;
3. Demonstrate use of and basic competence with Radar (if fitted);
4. Understand the importance of and demonstrate the filing of a float plan.;
5. Discuss and demonstrate safety precautions while using the boat as a work platform;
6. Describe and demonstrate precautions for operating the vessel at night;
7. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of the lights and sound signals used by both pleasure craft commercial vessels;
8. Demonstrate setting 2 anchors and anchoring at night;
9. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the vessel systems;
10. Understand procedures and precautions when towing;
11. Understand the required navigation publication required by a vessel and the importance of for local knowledge;