Powerboat Handling Certificate

(Option 4 RST Course)

This course is aimed at people with a desire to own and/or be in charge of a recreational powerboat. The course covers the content of the Yachting Australia Powerboat Handling Certificate and the competencies and assessments required to obtain a Recreational Skippers Ticket.  Students can choose to enrol in either the 12 hour Option 3 program which prepares you for the RST Assessments or the 24 hour Option 4 program which provides additional boating skills.

The first 12 hours of the course (RST Option 3) covers the knowledge and skills required to pass both the theory and practical assessments of the Recreational Skippers Ticket.  There is time included in the course to complete these assessments.

The second 12 hours of the course (to complete RST Option 4 and Powerboat Handling Certificate) covers

·         GPS usage and navigation skills

·         Nautical terminology

·         Trailer launching and retrieval

·         Sea search and rescue procedures

·         Rope work and knots

·         Maintenance for owners of hull and boat trailer

·         Operating in poor visibility

·         Vessel design and construction types

·         Vessel stability

·         Environmental impacts of boating

1. Weather reports

       Interpret weather conditions from sources of information

2. Plan and prepare a powerboat activity

       Comply with safety procedures when conducting maintenance

       Demonstrate methods to remove vessels from the water and to haul and launch
vessels to assist in slipping and launching vessels.

       Select suitable equipment.

       Prepare all equipment.

       Plan clothing requirements to the participants' needs and the length of the voyage

       Plan provisions calculating the participants' usage and boat requirements, including water needs.

3. Operate a powerboat safely

       Identify and implement strategies to avoid unsafe practices when handling ropes

       Correctly coil, stow and secure ropes to cleats and bollards, bits and samson posts

       Determine and demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of different hitches, bends and knots and use them appropriately

       Identify the safety considerations related to teh use of correct terminology on the powerboat

       Anchor power boat in accordance with prevailing and forecasted conditions and legislation, rules and regulations

       Identify the precautions and practices for overcoming potential dangers associated with getting under way and returning to berth

       Identify specific tasks associated with getting under way and berthing when using different kinds of berth

       Identify the affects of winds and current on manoeuvrability

       Identify fire hazards on board and fire prevention strategies

       Determine search and rescue procedures, including drills used in the "person overboard situation

4. Operate Engines

                   Operate engines and craft to ensure safe handling during manoeuvring

5. Perform a Safe Power Boat Activity

       Organise all the requirements for a safe power boating activity

       Safely get under way, navigate a planned course and return to berth whilst complying withy all related rules, regulations and legislation

       Demonstrate power boat handling techniques while adopting minimal environmental impact practices

6. Vessels Knowledge

       Identify vessel design and construction features in order to determine the factors that affect safety, vessel stability and maintenance requirements

       Maintain vessel stability through the implementation of procedures to reduce inadvertent movement of heavy loads and to reduce the amount of free water on decks / bilges and tanks

       Determine the short and long-term maintenance requirements for particular vessels using knowledge of the materials used in hull construction

       Implement general maintenance procedures for a vessel including maintenance of hull, rudder and stern gear, standing and running rigging and engine

       Identify the location of safety equipment on board the vessel

       Demonstrate the correct use and stowage of safety equipment

       Identify specific precautions necessary when making a coastal passage in limited visibility and implement specific tasks as designated by the skipper

        Implement methods to ensure personal safety in conditions of poor visibility, at night time and during heavy weather in accordance with operating procedures, including the use of life jackets, safety harnesses and lifelines

       Demonstrate specific actions to be taken by crew for a person-overboard situation in coastal waters

       Identify fire fighting equipment for different types of fires and ensure such equipment is correctly stowed

       Respond to distress situations in accordance with operating procedures, demonstrating correct care and use of emergency/safety equipment

7. Working with the environment

       Identify the interrelationships occurring within a natural environment

       Identify sources of environmental impact as related to the marine environment

       Plan for minimal impact as related to the marine environment

       Implement methods to minimise impact as related to the marine environment

Nominal duration    24 hours

Log Books to record personal experience are issued.  Students successfully completing Option 3 will receive a Recreational Skippers Ticket.  Students successfully completing Option 4 will receive both a RST and a Yachting Australia Powerboat Handling Certificate.

Please contact the Training Office on 9435 8882 for course dates.