| Practical Skills |
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| Preparation to Sail: |
- Inspect the vessel for the proposed passage: hull, spars, deck, rigging, hardware, sails, engine, internal mechanical and electrical systems, head systems, fresh water systems, navigation systems, anchoring systems, galley and provisions, and stowage.
- Check the inventory, locate and inspect all required safety and emergency equipment, tools and spare parts.
- Perform the correct lashing of the life raft or dinghy, and other necessary equipment for deck stowage.
- Check the inventory of sails and their condition for the proposed passage, and justify your selection based on the expected sailing conditions.
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- Develop a detailed passage plan to include weather forecasts, strategies and tactics for all potential conditions, and navigation strategies.
- Coordinate the crew with a watch schedule and responsibilities during the passage.
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| Weather Forecasting: |
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- Describe the progression of cloud formations, and the weather associated with each, for both a warm and a cold front.
- Describe the function of a barometer and barograph as they relate to weather forecasting.
- Explain how high and low pressure systems are formed, why they generate wind, and how the wind is affected by geography.
- Describe the different factors responsible for both advection and radiation types of fog.
- Identify at least five sources for gathering accurate weather information.
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| Crew Operations and Skills: |
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of and correct operating procedures for such electronic equipment as: Loran, GPS and radar
- Demonstrate a high level of seamanship skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to direct the crew and make decisions to benefit the passage goals in consideration of the weather and sea conditions, crew welfare, proper navigation and safety.
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- It is recommended that all candidates have current First Aid and CPR certifications.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of onboard systems and their maintenance, types of distress flares, and the contents and stowage of an abandon-ship "grab bag".
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| Leaving the Dock or Mooring: |
- Develop a departure plan for the vessel and crew, and demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for leaving the dock.
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| Boat Control in Confined Waters: |
- Demonstrate boat control in close quarters in adverse conditions (actual or simulated) as you leave the harbor.
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| Navigation (Piloting): |
- 10.Demonstrate the proper use of a thoroughly documented ship’s log.
- Demonstrate the use of tide and current tables.
- Demonstrate the use of the Light List and Coast Pilot.
- Demonstrate the correct method of taking a running fix.
- Demonstrate the use of navigational way points.
- Demonstrate confirmation of chartwork with electronic navigation equipment such as Loran or GPS
- Plot danger bearings.
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| Navigation Rules, International-Inland: |
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- Be familiar with the application of all the Navigation Rules, International-Inland.
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| Boat Control in Open Water: |
- Demonstrate leadership skills during a night passage.
- Demonstrate command and control of the vessel under all wind and sea conditions encountered during the passage.
- Demonstrate seamanship skills during a headsail change.
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- Describe your concerns about and reactions to the following issues: breaking waves in inlets, shoals, bars and lee shores.
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| Heavy Weather Sailing: |
- Demonstrate working on deck at night or under heavy weather conditions (actual or simulated) while using a safety harness and jacklines.
- Demonstrate the use of a boom preventer and explain how to overcome its inherent dangers.
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- Describe the causes of and your concerns about, dangerous and uncomfortable sea states.
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| Overboard Recovery Methods: |
- Demonstrate both the Quick-Stop and Lifesling methods of overboard recoveries, both day and night. Choose the one of the above methods that is most appropriate for the current wind and sea conditions.
- Safety and Emergency Procedures:
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- Understand the procedures for overboard recovery in a larger cruising boat in coastal waters under all weather conditions. Understand the Quick-Stop and Lifesling-type overboard recovery methods under sail: constant visual contact with the victim, communications, recovery plan, sequence of maneuvers, boathandling, course sailed, pickup approach, and coming alongside the victim (or simulated object).
- Describe methods of getting an overboard recovery victim back on deck after the vessel is stopped alongside.
- Explain when overboard recovery should be done under power.
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| Safety and Emergency Procedures: |
- Simulate a plan of action should your vessel be in danger due to fire, water intake, dismasting, steerage failure or other disaster. Demonstrate all safety considerations given the situation.
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- Describe emergency procedures in the event that your vessel has been holed by a submerged object.
- Explain the proper procedures for protection against lightning strikes.
- Describe the procedures involved in an air rescue operation.
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| Anchoring Techniques: |
- Demonstrate the ability to anchor or recover anchor while the vessel is under sail.
- Demonstrate the ability to properly execute a Mediterranean Mooring.
- Demonstrate the use of a tripline/anchor buoy.
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- Describe an appropriate plan of action for anchoring under high wind conditions.
- Describe an anchor watch schedule and explain the watch’s responsibilities.
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| Returning to the Dock: |
- Develop an approach plan for the vessel and crew, and demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for returning to the dock.
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- Describe the difficulties and procedures of returning to the dock in adverse conditions.
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| Securing the Boat Properly: |
- Coordinate the crew and demonstrate the stowing of equipment and cleaning of the vessel after returning to the dock.
- Check the vessel before leaving the dock: determine and report any required maintenance, check docklines, spring lines and fenders, check through-hull valves, electrical system, bilge pumps, and overall security of the boat.
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