Practical Seamanship Course

Marine Rescue Central Coast’s Practical Seamanship Course is intended for those who wish to cruise  or crew on a recreational vessel to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to do so in safety.

Who should attend?

Those persons who wish to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to handle or crew on a vessel under power in a safe manner for themselves and others on board the vessel.

Course Admission:

Prerequisite: a NSW Maritime Authority Boat Driver’s Licence.

Learning Outcomes:

Attendance at this course will enable participants to gain nautical knowledge of:

  • the terms used at sea.
  • about hull shapes and construction materials.
  • about propulsion units.
  • about manoeuvring a small vessel in various conditions.
  • about the safety equipment required on a small vessel.
  • to assess the forecast weather conditions and the actual conditions to determine action for safe operation of small vessels.
  • to apply navigation techniques to identify vessel position and course to steer.
  • basic knots, bends and hitches and their application.
  • how to select an appropriate anchorage to anchor a small vessel safely.
  • to identify potential fire hazards on a small vessel.

Course Duration:

The course is conducted over a period of 8 weeks of two hour theory sessions on Tuesday nights plus two practical days on weekends which will include fire fighting.

General Notes:

Course participants are expected to bring their own seaman’s clasp knife for practical rope work sessions and wear suitable clothing and footwear for practical boat handling. Click here to check course dates

Progressive assessments are conducted throughout the course.

Course Fees:

General public       $TBA
MRSS member      $TBA

Course fee includes Course Notes, revision questions and a length of cordage for practical knot tying.