Skipper School

All new members joining the club are required to attend our skipper school in Melbourne. Our members have a wide range of expertise, from novices to the very experienced. So, for our members’ safety, we conduct a five-hour introductory course. The best reason for training is that it can, without a doubt, increase one’s confidence and make boating even more enjoyable. The course is a one-on-one hands-on practical course on a luxury sports cruiser.

The course provides a comprehensive overview of all boating topics including basic boat work. It is designed for all levels of experience. The minimum age for participants is 22 years old.

Instrumentation
Fuel Gauge: Check the tanks if full before departing
Temperature
Trim tabs
Switches
Boat clears roll up

Safety Equipment
On Board: flares, fire extinguishers, life jackets, life buoy

Power Box
Understand all the power settings

Generator / Shore Power
Danger of leaving lights and appliances on

Toilet Operation
How to avoid blocked toilets, responsibility for toilet choke: $250 charge

Marine Safety Book & Parks Victoria Charts
Member to receive chart with no-go zones marked up

Leaving the Dock
The blower, lines, all aboard, clear passage, slow departure

Underway
Practical application of rules in safe loading, buoyage in the Yarra River and on the bay, speed limit in the bay and Yarra River, awareness of speeding fines, drink driving rules

Generally speaking, 5 knots is considered to be a fast walking pace.

A 5 knot speed limit applies within:

• 50m of:
  • A swimmer
  • Another vessel
  • A wharf, jetty, slipway, diving platform, boat ramp, anchorage
• 100m of an underwater diver
• 200m of the water’s edge
• 300m of a whale or dolphin

Radio
Radio Distress: How to call for help, report position, Coastguard, Water Police channel 88 or 16, Harbor Master channel 12 (listen only), Channel 77 boat to boat

Berthing
Different jetties, lines, fenders, tides, winds

Anchoring
Chain paid out should be three times the depth of water, increased to five times in rougher seas

Close Quarters Operation
Dead slow, watch for other vessels, identify wind speed and direction and adjust accordingly

High Speed Trims
Adjust slowly with multiple adjustments, use only one trim at a time, return to home position once wind or directions changes

Reefs Sandbars
Non-operational areas mark up the charts

Channel & Transit Zones
Orientation from the bay

Weather
Strong wind warning 25 knots and up to 33 knots
Gale Warning 34 knots and up to 47 knots
Storm Warning 48 knots or more

Re Fuel Procedures
The blower on for 4 minutes, unleaded fuel ONLY, fill up after use, cost of fuel not included in course fees

General Operation
Navigation lights, no cruising after sunset, night training