Nautical Fundamentals:

• Introduction to seamanship and boat terminology.
• Essential knots and techniques for berthing alongside.
• Preparing the boat for sea and basic boating manoeuvres.

Navigation Essentials:

• Chart reading and understanding depth contours.
• Plotting courses; considering tidal set and drift.
• Position fixing using different methods and accounting for tidal factors.

Tidal Streams and Passage Planning:

• Utilising tidal diamond tables and stream atlases.
• Plotting courses and estimating position using tidal data.
• Introduction to short daytime passage planning with waypoints and visual aids.

Tidal Heights and Calculations:

• Determining tidal heights for safe navigation.
• Applying tidal height tables and accounting for spring and neap tides.
• Basic secondary port calculations and time differences.

Collision Regulations and Lights:

• Understanding collision avoidance rules.
• Recognising vessel types from their lights.
• Identifying vessels by day shapes and using appropriate signals.

Electronic Navigation:

• Practical usage of chart plotters and electronic instruments
• Incorporating depth and wind data into navigation decisions

Weather and Forecasting:

• Causes of weather systems and their impact on sailing.
• Reading and interpreting weather forecasts and charts.
• Accessing reliable weather information sources.

Buoyage and Navigation Marks:

• Recognising buoys based on their characteristics.
• Understanding buoyage systems and their significance.

Safety at Sea:

• Essential safety practices and equipment onboard.
• Handling life rafts, life jackets, and flares.
• Mayday calls and communication during emergency situations.