Our experienced maritime trainers can help you to better understand how your vessel responds in close quarter situations so that you gain more enjoyment and confidence in your boating.

What you will learn

• Line and fender preparations.
• Pre-departure checks.
• Engine controls, engine checks, twin disc express joystick system and bow thrusters.
• Close quarter manoeuvring.
  
• Assessing current strength and wind direction.
• Practice berthing procedures - departing and returning.
• Mooring and anchoring.

Requirements

Training aboard your vessel is subject to the trainer being happy you have met the following requirements:

• Current boat licence holder.
• Boat owner contact and registration details provided.
• Vessel is seaworthy and equipped with regulation safety equipment according to the size of your vessel.
• Have current fully comprehensive insurance for the vessel.
• Agree to sign the College indemnity.
  
  

An additional travel allowance charge may apply depending on how far the trainer is required to travel to get to your vessel's location.

• Do trainers hold maritime qualifications?
  

  All trainers undertaking private training on behalf of the National Maritime College are required to hold a current Coxswain, Master or Yacht Master qualification. Only our most Senior Trainers with commercial experience conduct training for clients with large cruisers and sailing vessels.

• Will I learn safety drills and steering rules?
  

  Definitely. Safety is a large part of what we are about. Feeling safe and knowledgeable makes boating a million times more enjoyable for you, your family and friends. Our courses include an emphasis on instilling confidence and learning practical boat handling and seamanship skills - docking, anchoring, navigation, engine maintenance, on board systems, overboard recovery, provisioning, crew briefing and most importantly how to be a good Skipper. What happens when the engine breaks down, or there's an emergency on board? It's the SKIPPERS job to plan for every eventuality, however unpleasant.

• Why should I get this training?
  

  No one is born knowing about boats. Boating is learned over time and in varying conditions. You don't think twice about taking golf or tennis lessons from pros. The difference between these activities and boating is the element of personal safety involved. Professional training gives people the skills and information they would not be able to acquire from hands-on experience alone. People with formal training have a deeper depth of knowledge and confidence,allowing them to make better informed decisions for keeping passengers, crew and their vessel safe As you increase your proficiency, your confidence will increase. We'll help you to overcome your boating anxieties (don't worry, you are not alone in having them). Learning the 'why' of what you are doing as well as the 'how to' gives a more complete understanding of boating.

Clients will be issued with a Completion Report at the end of the training detailing what they have done with information covering the activities completed. Based on your requirements we can also work with you to design a plan for further training which focuses on specific practices you need to consolidate your confidence and experience.