Day Skipper Certificate Sail
[Sail or Power]
This certificate is generally recognized as the minimum requirement to charter a vessel for Daysailing, subject to the following criteria:
The holder is certified as the Skipper, to be responsible for the safety of his/her vessel and crew, for Daysailing only, in daylight only, sailing in local waters requiring only basic navigational skills, in moderate wind and sea conditions.
Day Skipper Certificate/Operator Card
To be certified as Day Skipper the candidate must exhibit the overall aptitude to be responsible for a vessel and its crew, meet all of the requirements for the Competent Crew Certificate, have attained all of the following endorsements and the type of vessel used for the instruction must be noted on page 14 or 15.
Module 1 "Seamanship Sail 2"
Module 2 Collision Avoidance 1
Module 3 Basic Navigation
Module 4 Weather 1 - Introduction to Meteorology?
Seamanship Sail 2 Endorsement
Requirements for Certification
Dock the vessel and leave the dock using crew.
Demonstrate while underway:
hold a course on all points of sail while at the helm
lee and weather helm and how to correct it
heaving to
pick up a man overboard buoy while under sail and power
Demonstrate the process of reefing down from full sail to fully reefed down and describe the rationale for each move.
State the basic requirements for a secure anchorage.
Demonstrate the ability under power using one crew:
to anchor the vessel
maneuver under control in a marina
keep a tightly controlled holding pattern for two minutes
Demonstrate or describe the launch and recovery of a trailer-able sailboat using a launching trolley or trailer.
Describe correct propeller immersion and tilt angle on a vessel driven by an outboard motor.
Demonstrate going ahead, astern and an ability to judge way carried in neutral.
Collision Avoidance 1 Endorsement
State the factors and conditions that can both enhance and nullify the ability of radar to detect a small sailing vessel.
Describe what actions must be taken in reduced visibility to avoid a collision.
With the use of diagrams, paper models etc. be able to apply International Collision Regulations Rules - 1-37.
Basic Navigation Endorsement
Requirements for Certification
Describe the International lateral and cardinal buoyage system
& identify all navigational buoys specific to the local operating area
Demonstrate the ability to use Chart # 1 (or list of symbols) by identifying the following on a chart used for the area the Day Skipper will sail.
all rock hazards in the local area
the shallow water in the local area
different types of sea bed in the local area
any unusual local navigational hazards in the local area
overhead or submerged power cables in the local area
Demonstrate the ability to:
find the position of the vessel in latitude and longitude
work out basic speed, distance, using the equation 60 x D = S x T
define chart datum
plot a DR track and update with primary fixes
state what influences can cause compass error and deviation
state where to find Notices to Shipping
state what local shoreline safety zones are in effect
Weather 1 - * Introduction to Meteorology * Endorsement
Each student must be able to collect weather information from three sources, including Coast Guard Radio (or radio source) and accurately describe the conditions expected for that day.
Describe local weather and water conditions that might occur with little warning at anytime during the year and could prove to be a hazard for the Day Skipper sailing in local waters.
If in tidal waters Use Tide and Current Tables to calculate:
times and heights of tides at reference ports on which local tides are referenced
times, direction of rates and currents and times of slack water at reference stations
Translate the following standard meteorological terms describing wind, into wind speeds and expected conditions for sailing:
Light winds. Moderate winds. Strong Winds. Small Craft Warning. Gale Warning. Storm Warning.
Be in possession of a float plan that can be photocopied and state where a float plan should be filed.
Please Note
Operator licensing in many states in the US, and depending on age and vessel size in Canada, is already mandatory.
On Completion of the Competent Crew and Day Skipper Course you can write the exam for:
Either
Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operator Card
Or
National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (US) Certificate.