About this course
This course builds on the knowledge gained in the OOW (Yachts) training modules and gives a greater insight into the wide range of safety and seamanship issues required of the master of a large yacht.
What you'll study
The course is made up five sections:
Seamanship
- Dangers and precautions during heavy weather
- Precautionary measures for maintaining buoyancy
- Procedures when towing or being towed
- Ship handling
- Procedures for bringing a vessel to anchor
- Navigational dangers
Navigation and passage planning
- Watchkeeping
- Navigation in ice
Meteorology
- General meteorology
- Tropical revolving storms
- Weather forecasting
SOLAS and MARPOL
- International requirements for the safety of life at sea
- International requirement for the prevention of pollution at sea
Safety management and the code of safe working practices for merchant seamen
- Personal hygiene and safety
- Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen
- Safety organisation and role and responsibility of the safety officer
- Reporting of unsafe practices and incidents
- Principles of planning work activities, setting objectives and priorities to ensure requirements are met
Useful tips
- Read through the exam syllabus.
- Your pass certificate is valid for three years.
- You do not need a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) to attend this course. However, you will need an NoE for your MCA oral examination. Download the application form. Allow at least six weeks for the NoE to be processed by the MCA.
- Do the ‘proper’ PSCRB course instead of ‘Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen’. The latter has not got an STCW Code which has the following implications: Not all flag states recognise the Advanced Sea Survival, meaning you might have to do the PSCRB later anyway. Your certificate will have a negative endorsement (‘not to be used on vessels with davit-launched life rafts’). There is also no updating course available for the Advanced Sea Survival.
- Pre-study makes the difference. That’s why we send you the course notes as soon as you book.
Notice of Eligibility (NoE) and oral exams guidance
When you have accrued sufficient sea time to sit an oral exam with the MCA, you are required to apply for a Notice of Eligibility (NoE).
This form can be downloaded from the MCA website and must be returned with original copies of your supporting documentation (sea service testimonials, STCW certificates, exam pass certificates and ENG1) to prove you are eligible for an oral exam.
Once you have your NOE you can book your oral exam at any of the MCA offices throughout the UK. The MCA office you have chosen will not confirm your booking until you have received your NOE. Be aware they do have busy periods, so it is best to book your oral exam well in advance to ensure you get your preferred date.
A Notice of Eligibility is valid for five years from date of issue, and for three years after a successful oral exam. You must apply for your NOE well in advance of your anticipated exam date as they can take up to six weeks to be processed.
