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RYA SHOREBASED, (Nav, VHF, First Aid)

VHF SRC Marine Radio Course

The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures.

Course topics include: The basics of radio operation, the correct frequencies (channels) to be used, distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, making ship to shore communication, Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) Search and Rescue (SART)

Prior to the course we will send out a book for you to complete pre-course reading. This will enable you to get the maximum from the course and you should expect to spend three hours on this work. Although indoors for the course you will spend a significant amount of time on our training radios practicing radio calls. Our instructors are keen to ensure you get the information relevant to your water activities whilst still covering the mandatory syllabus. We pride ourselves on conducting the assessment in a friendly and relaxed manner whilst still maintaining the standards required.

We run this course at least once a month in Poole.  Dates are on our website or contact us for an extra course date if you have a group of four or more people to be trained.

RYA Essential Navigation & Theory

The RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course can be taken online or in the classroom.   Please visit our section on online courses page for details of the online course.

The course is suitable for all boaters, both sail & motor, and whether for leisure, fishing or diving.  It is the first theory course in the RYA program.  Its a great complementary course for your Level 2 Powerboat, Start Yachting or the Helmsman practical courses.   The course pack includes an exercise book, a plotter and dividers and access to a training electronic chart plotter.  There is no final ‘exam’ but instead the course is based on continuous assessment.

RYA Dayskipper Theory

The RYA Dayskipper Theory (shorebased) Course is a great course to increase your navigation and safety knowledge.  It is a perfect step on from the Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course and prepares you for more Advanced Powerboat Courses or the Dayskipper Practical course on Motor Cruisers.  The course is run in the classroom and we usually run this over 6 days but occasionally we run courses over 3 weekends.  The aim of the course is to equip you with sufficient knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day and to give you the confidence to move onto practical courses.   The course also includes an introduction to lights in preparation for a night exercise in more advanced practical courses.

The course is suitable for those who are looking to move onto more advanced powerboat courses, those who wish to take the Dayskipper Practical course, those who are looking to work commercially whether instructing or on coded boats and also for those who wish to study for their own development.  It is suitable for both sailors and motor boaters.  Our instructor uses a range of boats and is a Commercially Endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore for both Power & Sail.  He works as a commercial skipper as well as instructing and sails for both leisure and work including on a youth sail training boat so has relevant examples he can bring into the course.

Course topics include: the basics of seamanship, the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage, chartwork, electronic charts, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting and meteorology, tides,  collision regulations, construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat, emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and liferafts.

RYA Yachtmaster Theory

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course otherwise known as Yachtmaster Theory is the next step after the Dayskipper Theory, refining the skills learnt and focussing on advanced navigation and meteorology.  The course alongside the practical gives you the skills towards undertaking longer passages offshore.  The course is run in the classroom and we usually run this over 6 days.

The course is suitable for those who are looking to undertake the Advanced Powerboat Course or the Yachtmaster offshore practical courses and exams. It is suitable for both sailors and motor boaters.  Our instructor uses a range of boats and is a Commercially Endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore for both Power & Sail.  He works as a commercial skipper as well as instructing and sails for both leisure and work including on a youth sail training boat so has relevant examples he can bring into the course.

Course topics include:  position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications, electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer and by observation, collision regulations, customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

RYA Sea Survival

The RYA Sea Survival Course includes a mix of theory and practical which takes place in a local swimming pool.

The course is suitable for all boaters, both commercial and leisure and sail or motor.  For those working afloat it is an important component of the training route to obtain a commercial endorsement. For leisure boaters venturing along coastlines and across open water it a important safety briefing.  It is a great opportunity to inflate and climb into life-rafts.  You will be in the water in full waterproofs and see how your lifejacket supports you.

RYA Diesel Engine

The RYA Diesel Engine course is an introductory course aimed at preventing breakdowns and solving basic problems at sea. Suitable for leisure boaters and those working on the water.   It is a one day course based in our training room.  We have training engines and parts to examine and work on.

RYA First Aid

The RYA First Aid course is suitable for leisure boaters, those participating in racing or safety boating and also for those working on the water as watersports instructors or commercial skippers. Its a one day classroom course with a focus on the particular issues or difficulties that may be faced on the water where help may be at a distance.

The course covers the standard First Aid topics but also includes CPR, recovery position, cold water shock, hypothermia, advice by VHF radio and rescue by helicopter.  Particular emphasis is given on how to administer first aid in confined spaces and challenging conditions.

RYA Radar

The RYA Radar course is suitable for leisure boaters and those working on the water.  For those looking to take Yachtmaster exams or who have a radar on board this is essential training.  If you have radar on board then it is a requirement under the IRPCS (International Regulation for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea) that you know how to use it.  Its a one day course and you will look at how radar sets work, how to use the different adjustments and the implications, radar reflectors, plotting and how to use the radar for navigation and collision avoidance.  During the course you will use radar simulators to put the theory into practice.

This is a course we arrange on demand so please contact us to discuss.

Further Information:

Who can take the theory courses ?

These courses are aimed at adults.  We are however keen to encourage youngsters so if they are keen to learn please contact us to discuss the best approach for their studying.

Where are the courses run ?

They are usually run from our training rooms in Poole but if you prefer one to one teaching or have a small group we are happy to run the course at your premises.  Please contact us for details.

When are the courses run and how is availability?

We publish course dates on our website but we are able to add extra courses and often have people who will wait until a group is put together that they can join.  If you don’t see a course date to suit please contact us and we’ll let you know our plans for the next course.  We operate all year and as most of the courses are taught by one of the partners in the business we can run courses at any time.

Who is the Instructor ?

Our Chief Instructor, Dom Coleman teaches the Dayskipper & Yachtmaster Theory whilst both Sarah and Dom teach the VHF course.  We use both motorboats and sail so are keen to ensure the courses are inclusive to all and examples are relevant to your boating.  We both work as  commercial skippers so have practical experience to bring illustrative examples from.  We have taught these courses on a private one to one basis as well as to groups of 12 so are very adaptable.  Our First Aid Courses will be taught by an Instructor known to us, experienced in their field. The online Dayskipper & Yachtmaster Theory Courses are provided by our partners at SkippersOnline

What is the course cost ?

All prices are given on our prices webpage here – Prices

MOTOR CRUISING, (Dayskipper/YM)

Covid –  This is a rapidly changing situation so please drop us an email to discuss the availability & current situation.   For our Motor Cruising Courses we are speaking with each individual booking personally to ensure suitability, rather than advertising course dates.  Courses are available but we’d rather chat to you first to discuss the arrangements. 

We run the full range of RYA Motor Cruising Courses but by far the most popular is the RYA Dayskipper Practical (Motor) particularly as this also enables many to apply for an ICC or International ‘License’ (over 10m).  The course can be taken on your boat or ours, either as an individual or by joining a group.  Dates for courses on our boat are given in our calendar but we are happy to arrange other dates so please give us a call to chat through your requirements and we’ll to schedule something to meet your needs.  If you’re looking to take the course on your own boat we can be even more flexible and can often arrange things quick quickly if needed, just email us your preferred dates and we’ll try to accommodate.

You do not necessarily need to have worked through the whole scheme in order to move onto the advanced courses. If you already have boating experience please contact us to discuss the most appropriate level of course to join.

RYA Start Motor Cruising & Helmsman Courses

These are one and two days courses respectively, one focussing on crew members and the other on those wishing to handle motor cruisers in very local waters.  The content of the Helmsman course is similar to that covered on the powerboat level 2 course but covers the techniques required for bigger boats.  It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.  It can be taken by those aged 12 and over if accompanied by other adult family members.  Please contact us to arrange courses or discuss potential course dates.

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RYA Dayskipper Practical Course (plus option for ICC over 10m)

This is a four day course which looks at the techniques required to handle a motor cruiser both in confined spaces but also undertaking short passages.  It includes an introduction to night navigation.  In order to gain the maximum benefit from the course your navigation skills should be at the level of Dayskipper Theory standard. For further information on our Dayskipper Theory Courses please look at our Shorebased Theory courses. We run these courses on demand so please contact us to arrange a convenient course date.  The Dayskipper Certificate can also be used as evidence of competency for your ICC (International Certificate of Competency) over 10m.

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RYA Advanced Pilotage & Coastal Skipper

These are more advanced courses designed for those who have progressed past the Dayskipper level who wish to develop their skills further perhaps looking at more advanced passages or potentially certificates of competency.   Please contact us to discuss course dates as these courses are run subject to demand.

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Yachtmaster Prep

There is no formal Yachtmaster Course but instead we can offer bespoke prep weeks based on your current skills.  Please contact us to chat through your requirements with our Chief Instructor in more detail.  He has prepared many candidates for their exams and a chat will help confirm the most appropriate prep route required for you as an individual.

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Further Information:

When do the courses run? How do I find out course dates?

We run the courses to suit you, our client. Our courses run seven days a week so if you want to book a course with a friends or family or on your own boat just contact us with your preferred dates and we will do our best to accommodate you. Dorset Marine Training operates all year round. If you would like to join a scheduled course please have a look at our calendar or just give us a call to discuss.

Why should I choose Dorset Marine Training for my course?

We want people to enjoy being on the water and whilst there is a syllabus and a standard to be achieved, we also want to work with you to ensure you meet your own objectives. Some people want advice on how to get afloat after the course, others how to get started in a career on the water and other people how to take control of the boat if their partner is incapacitated. Whatever your reasons for taking the course we are keen to help you achieve these objectives. Our courses are usually run by our Chief Instructor so you can be assured that you will receive enthusiastic and attentive instruction.

What if I want to book just one place?

There are two options: You are welcome to book the full course for yourself to ensure one to one tuition, to bring along friends or family to take the course with you or to book on a scheduled course with other students.

Do I need my own boat? What if I already have a boat?

Many of the courses can be taken on our boat or yours. If taking the course on your own boat then we can train at a location suitable for you and a number of people can betrained at a time. Your boat should be at least 7m and will generally be over 10m for the motor cruising courses.

How many people will be on a course with me?

We usually run these courses for three or four people who book together and there is normally just one course running at a time which means we can give you our full attention. If you have booked an individual place then there may be other students on the course with you.

Can I obtain an ICC or International ‘License’?

Yes the RYA Dayskipper Practical Course does allow you to apply for an ICC. In the UK this is administered via the RYA and you should ensure you meet their eligibility requirements listed here – RYA ICC Information . We are happy to assist with the application at the end of your course if needed.

What if the weather is bad?

It is rare that we have to cancel a course. We are very lucky with the area in which we operate that we can usually find a protected part of the harbour to train. In the rare event of inclement weather, we will contact you to discuss. We can either postpone the training or issue a refund for the course if the training has not yet started.

What if I need to cancel?

Our full cancellation terms are given in our terms and conditions attached to the enquiry email we send out. Please be assured that we understand that circumstances do occasionally change and we will do our best to work with you to rearrange training if necessary.

Who will be teaching me?

Your course will almost certainly be taught by our Chief Instructor. You can therefore be assured that you will receive enthusiastic instruction from an Instructor who is keen to ensure you achieve the most from your training.

Where does the course take place?

We operate from the Port of Poole & Poole Quay Boat Haven Marinas. This allows us to get out in the harbour and to our training ground very quickly. It also means we have easy access to facilities for food stops! If the training is on your own boat we are happy to discuss other locations.

How do I know what to expect from the course/what to bring etc

It is our belief that people get the most from their course when they are fully prepared. We plan our courses carefully and you will be a sent an email containing full joining instructions. If you have any questions at any time we always encourage you to contact us as we are happy to chat through any queries.

Can I find out any more information before booking?

Yes! Please send us your contact details and we will send out an enquiry email to you with more details.

What boat will I use?

If booking a course on our boat then the courses are usually run on a Trader 475.

Where can I find out information about the course from an independent source?

You can visit the RYA page to find out information about the courses within the Training scheme and to confirm that we are a recognised training centre www.rya.org.uk.

RYA POWERBOAT, (Level 1&2, Int, Adv)

We run the full range of RYA Powerboat Courses including PB2.  Please contact us to book or click the tab above and book online. We regularly add extra courses to the schedule and will run a private course for two or more people booking together (or you can pay for one to one tuition at a time to suit you).  We schedule courses around you, the diary is completely flexible.  You do not necessarily need to have worked through the whole scheme in order to move onto the advanced courses.  If you already have boating experience please contact us to discuss the most appropriate level of course to join.

RYA Powerboat Level 1 Course:

This course is an introduction to boating techniques, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment.   It is a one day introduction to powerboating and perfect for those who are unsure about going afloat, those who intend to mainly crew and youngsters from the age of 8.  Please note adults do not have to undertake Level 1 and can instead start at Level 2 if preferred, even as beginners.  For many people though the PB1 is a great introduction to the water with no pressure.  There is time to enjoy simply being on the water and driving a boat. The PB2, by contrast, is a more intense 2 days with a lot of material covered.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence.  It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.  There is no requirement to have completed Level 1 and you may start as a beginner at Level 2. Please be aware it is a comprehensive course with a lot of material to cover. It can be taken by those aged 12 and over but those aged 12-16 should book on a young persons course or on a private course with another family member.  The aim at the end of the course is to produce a self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft.

RYA Intermediate Powerboat Course

This is a two day course which develops the skills learnt on the Level 2 Powerboat course.  You will look at more advanced navigation techniques and undertaking coastal passages,  practice and refine close quarter boat handling skills and look at cruising at planning speeds.  In order to gain the maximum benefit from the course your navigation skills should be at the level of Dayskipper Theory standard.  For further information on our Dayskipper Courses please look at our Shorebased Theory courses.  We run these courses on demand so please contact us to arrange a convenient course date.

RYA Tender Operators Course

This course was designed for those operating commercially particularly in the Superyacht Industry.  It looks at skippering boats and the responsibilities towards clients with safety briefings and transfers and also looks at electronic navigation with chart plotters.  Please contact us to discuss course dates.

RYA Advanced Powerboat Course

This is a two day course looking at developing skills further and also looking at search patterns, introducing other styles of craft and night navigation.  Please note the course will involve being afloat in the dark so course times will vary throughout the year.  Your theory knowledge should be at Yachtmaster Theory Standard.  If you need to undertake additional theory training please visit our Shorebased Courses tab for information on courses or contact us to discuss bespoke training.  If you wish to work commercially please note that there is a exam to undertake which is booked separately to the course.  We can arrange this for you if needed but most candidates benefit from taking some time after the course to further develop skills learnt on the course and possibly undertake some  separate bespoke exam prep.

Further Information:

When do the courses run?  How do I find out course dates?

We run the courses to suit you, our client.  Our courses run seven days a week so if you want to book a course with a friend(s) or family just contact us with your preferred dates and we will do our best to accommodate you. The calendar is flexible.

Why should I choose Dorset Marine Training for my course?

We want people to enjoy being on the water and whilst there is a syllabus and a standard to be achieved, we also want to work with you to ensure you meet your own objectives. Some people want advice on how to get afloat after the course, others how to get started in a career on the water and other people how to take control of the boat if their partner is incapacitated. Whatever your reasons for taking the course we are keen to help you achieve these objectives. Our powerboat courses including PB2 are usually run by either our Chief Instructor or our Centre Principal so you can be assured that you will receive enthusiastic and attentive instruction.

What if I want to book just one place?

There are two options: You are welcome to book the full course for yourself to ensure one to one tuition or to bring along friends or family to take the course with you.  The cost of the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course is given on our prices page.   Alternatively, we run occasional courses on which we take individual bookings and for these you may be placed on a course with other students (max ratio 3 students to one instructor).

Do I need my own boat?  What if I already have a boat?

Many of the courses can be taken on our boat or yours.  If taking the course on your own boat then we can train at a location suitable for you and up to three people can be trained at a time.  Your boat may be a RIB or another boat generally under 10m for the powerboat courses. If it is a larger boats please contact us to discuss motor cruising courses.  The price of courses are given on our prices page.  If you don’t have a boat then join a course on our RIB.

How many people will be on a course with me?

We usually run these courses for just two or three people who book together and there is normally just one course running at a time which means we can give you our full attention.  If you have booked an individual place then there may be other students on the course with you (max ratio of three students to one instructor).

Can I obtain an ICC or International ‘License’ via a powerboat course?

Yes the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course does allow you to apply for an ICC. In the UK this is administered via the RYA.  You should ensure you meet their eligibility requirements listed here – RYA ICC Info . We are happy to assist with the application at the end of your course if needed.

What if the weather is bad?

It is rare that we have to cancel a course.  We are very lucky with our operating area that we can usually find a protected part of the harbour.  In the rare event of inclement weather, we will contact you to discuss.  We can either postpone the training or issue a refund for the course if the training has not yet started.

What if I need to cancel?

Our full cancellation terms are given in our terms and conditions attached to the enquiry email we send out.  Please be assured that we understand that circumstances do occasionally change. We will do our best to work with you to rearrange training if necessary.

Who will be teaching me?

Our powerboat courses including PB2 will almost certainly be taught by either our Chief Instructor or Training Centre Principal.  You can therefore be assured that you will receive enthusiastic instruction from an Instructor who is keen to ensure you achieve the most from your training.

Where does the course take place?

We operate in Poole Harbour.  This allows us to get out in the harbour and to our training ground very quickly.  It also means we have easy access to facilities for food stops!  If the training is on your own boat we are happy to discuss other locations.

How do I know what to expect from the course/what to bring etc

It is our belief that people get the most from their course when they are fully prepared.  We plan our courses carefully and you will be a sent an email containing full joining instructions.  If you have any questions at any time we always encourage you to contact us. We are happy to chat through any queries.

Can I find out any more information before booking?

Yes!  Please send us your contact details and we will send out an enquiry email to you withs more details.

What boat will I use?

If booking a course on our boat then the powerboat courses including PB2 are usually run on our RIBs. We usually use our Ribcraft 585.  These boats are very capable craft, whilst not being intimidating in size.

Where can I find out information from an independent source?

To confirm that we are a recognised training centre www.rya.org.uk.

VHF (SRC) MARINE RADIO

Book Classroom Course Online Course Information

The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures.

Course topics include: The basics of radio operation, the correct frequencies (channels) to be used, distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, making ship to shore communication, Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) Search and Rescue (SART)

Prior to the course we will send out a book for you to complete pre-course reading. This will enable you to get the maximum from the course and you should expect to spend three hours on this work. Although indoors for the course you will spend a significant amount of time on our training radios practicing radio calls. Our instructors are keen to ensure you get the information relevant to your water activities whilst still covering the mandatory syllabus. We pride ourselves on conducting the assessment in a friendly and relaxed manner whilst still maintaining the standards required.

Course prices can be found here

We run this course at least once a month in Poole.  Please check out the website for scheduled courses or contact us for an extra course date if you have a group of four or more people to be trained.

BESPOKE TRAINING & CHARTERS

Bespoke Training:

We are able to offer bespoke training on your boat or ours.  Perhaps you have particular areas you would like to focus on without a whole course.  This might be a refresher at the start of a new season. It might be training for your crew in case they had to take over. Or it might focus on a specific topic such as berthing the boat.   Perhaps you want to go afloat at night or want to undertake your first passage a bit further afield perhaps to the Solent.  You can have the reassurance of an Instructor on board to consult about lights or passage plans.

We are able to offer training from half a day and will come to your location.  Training on your own boat is usually carried out by our Chief Instructor.  They are a Commercially Endorsed Yachtmaster for both sail and power. They have experience across a wide range of both power and sail vessels of varying sizes.

Maybe you last undertook training sometime ago and want to practice boat handling?  Perhaps you’ve hired a boat for your holiday but want a bit of practice in advance of going alone?  Have you experienced boating at night?  Whatever it is you’re looking to achieve, give us a call to discuss bespoke training.  We can offer training on your boat, our RIBs or a Motor Cruiser.

If its bespoke theory training you’re looking for we can also offer that whether its to look over a passage plan or help you prepare for an exam.

We also offer Powerboat Introductions, Refreshers and Night Time Skills for one or two people.  These are sessions which last approx 2.5hrs.  Contact us for details.

Commercial Work:

If you need people training at short notice for either RYA qualifications or bespoke training we are happy to provide a quote. Our Instructors spend time working on commercial vessels themselves as well as training others so have experience at gaining the commercial qualifications required to work in such a role. Whether its advice you’re after on how to get started, information about the most suitable courses or being set up on a PPR, Sea Survival, STCW or First Aid course, our Instructors are happy to offer advice.

If you need a PPR setting up at short notice due to an impending renewal let us know and we’ll do our best to get you set up immediately. If you need a PPR but struggle with the academic research required to take the paper give us a call and we can arrange additional training on the requirements of MGN280. Perhaps you have a team of staff to qualify and you’d prefer a classroom approach? If it is online courses you need at short notice just let us know -we don’t just work office hours! Please contact us to chat through the options.

Charters:

If you want to get onboard a RIB for a trip around the harbour or out to Old Harry Rocks or Swanage for yourself or a small group then our RIB is coded to carry three passengers in addition to our Skipper. The boat is coded under the MCA requirements including for night time.  You can do as much or as little driving as you like.  Alternatively we can organise charters via one of our partners on their coded (licensed) Motor Cruisers or even both vessels together in company for the ultimate contrasting experience.  They are licensed for 12 people and offer a more sedate option.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we are happy to work with late availability options. Please note we operate seven days a week and are not confined by ‘office hours’.