In September 2007 we launched the new two-day Basic Navigation and Safety course.
 
The course is aimed at a wide audience, including anyone new to sailing, motor boating, sea angling and diving as well as experienced dinghy and keelboat sailors and inshore racers.

Mindful of the fact that people are increasingly short of time for leisure pursuits we have taken a new approach, aiming to give students an awareness and knowledge of basic navigation techniques and safety in just 16 hours.

Course topics include: charts and publications, safety, engine checks, buoyage, tidal awareness, visual and electronic navigation, pilotage, rules of the road, anchoring, weather forecasts and passage planning.

This course is the perfect stepping stone to the more in-depth Day Skipper shorebased course, or to courses on the water such as the Intermediate Powerboat, Start Yachting, Helmsman or Day Skipper courses.

Below is some feedback from students on a pilot course run earlier this year:

"..an excellent introduction that all new boat users should be encouraged to complete. It gives you confidence to get the most out of your boat, whilst being aware of the risks."

"..to be recommended for newcomers, but also very useful for those who want to do more than pull ropes and tie on fenders."

"I would definitely recommend it to new boat owners or anyone keen to get into boating."

"..a great mix of information with a good hands-on feel."

"I now feel more confident in my abilities and can't wait to get on the water and put the theory into practice."

"Useful to all, regardless of experience. Good background knowledge to enhance your enjoyment of being afloat."

Want to take the course?
You can find a list of your local centres by using the 'Where to take this course' link above and entering details of your preferred location.