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The A to B of going to sea
The A to B of going to sea
The objectives of a day out on the water will include having fun and arriving safely at your destination. Sure to Shore boat training focuses on two areas to help you achieve these every time you go out.
Capabilities (skipper, crew and boat)
Passage planning
Capabilities
Every boat will handle differently depending on size and shape as well as propulsion (outboard, outdrive, shaft, IPS - single or twin). This is especially true when manoeuvring in confined spaces. Familiarity with other equipment such as thrusters, anchors, warps, fenders, sea-cocks, fuel inlets etc will also be needed - by skipper and crew. All of these are covered as needed.
Passage planning
In order to plan a passage there is a thought process which should be followed. Information sources need to be understood and referred to (such as charts, almanacs, tidal information and possibly navigation apps). You'll gain a solid introduction to these in the training.
Why invest in training?
Why invest in training?
The biggest problem when you start out boating (or any new activity) is - you don't know what you don't know. Yes, it is possible to learn as you go, but working with an experienced trainer will accelerate your journey to confidence and help you identify any potential gaps. Here are some pointers:
Always
have a plan
Always
have a plan
"Always have a plan" is foundational to our training. Whether simply heading to the fuel dock, across to the Isle of Wight, or beyond.
Passage planning is a huge topic which is covered in multple RYA courses. The challenge is, you want to start your adventures now.
Sure to Shore boat training will introduce you to passage planning and get you confidently out there sooner.
Watch out
for the others
Watch out
for the others
To drive on our roads you need a licence and knowledge of the Highway Code. It's this common understanding of the "rules of the road" that keeps us all safe.
In boating, there are also rules called the Collision Regulations. Unlike driving however, there is no mandatory test or licence.
In the training, we mostly cover these rules while out on the water. Experiencing the rules in action makes them easier to remember.
Know your obligations
Know your obligations
Beyond the "rules of the road", all skippers, including leisure boaters, are obligated by an international convention called SOLAS (Safety Of Lives At Sea).
Depending on the size of your boat, there is a list of safety equipment which you should carry and know how to use.
Being prepared for when things go wrong can literally be a life-saver.
Achieve safer landings
Achieve safer landings
A bit like flying planes, it's the landings which are scary.
Boat handling in confined spaces and coming alongside, with wind and tide to contend with, are commonly requested elements for own-boat training.
Every boat handles differently. However, there are strategies and techniques which can be taught which will accelerate confidence and avoid expensive knocks.
Still unsure?
Still unsure?
How about doing a quick assessment of your knowledge and skills against each of these statements:
I am fully familiar with my boat, the operation of systems onboard, electrical and mechanical, and their limitations.
I know how to plan a passage including the route (where), restrictions based on tides or currents (when), and risks and hazards I may encounter on the way.
I feel confident that when I get there, I can manoeuvre my vessel in confined spaces and working with my crew, safely tie up to a berth (or buoy or deploy the anchor).
I know my obligations as a skipper of a vessel with regard to the safety of lives at sea (my crew and passengers as well as other seafarers).
I know the regulations for avoiding collisions between vessels (rules of the road) and feel confident sailing across busy waters.
My boat is fully equipped with the safety equipment I need and I know how to use it.
RYA Courses
RYA Courses
Sure to Shore training is designed to accelerate your journey to confidence and safety at sea - so you can enjoy the experience. Although there is a syllabus to draw from, each session is bespoke - personalised for you and your crew. It is highly recommended that you consolidate your learning with formal RYA courses too.
As a qualified RYA Powerboat instructor up to Advanced level, Simon will happily discuss the options with you and make some recommendations.
What customers say:
"Patient and consciencious"
"Lots of extra tips given by Simon for boating newbies"
"Excellent"
"Thoroughly enjoyed doing my PB2 course. As a novice boater I came in knowing very little but I’ve come out feeling confident and knowing far more than I started! Simon the trainer was personable and clearly knew his topic! Would recommend to anyone!"
"We had a great instructor called Simon, overall thoroughly enjoyable experience doing PB2 course."
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