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Competent Crew

The Competent Crew course is designed to provide students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to become an effective and confident crew member on a sailing or motor yacht. This course is ideal for beginners who want to start their journey in the maritime world, as well as those looking to build a strong foundation in seamanship.

Competent Crew Course

Course Objectives

  • Learn the roles and responsibilities of a competent crew member.
  • Develop fundamental seamanship skills.
  • Understand safety procedures and practices on board.
  • Gain practical experience in sailing and yacht handling.

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18 years.
  • No prior maritime experience required.
  • Basic swimming skills.

Course Duration

  • Theory and Practical: 5 days (approximately 40 hours).

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Yachting
    • Overview of different types of yachts and their uses.
    • Understanding the structure and parts of a yacht.
    • Roles and responsibilities of the crew.
  2. Basic Seamanship
    • Knots, hitches, bends, and their practical uses.
    • Handling ropes, lines, and fenders.
    • Basic sail handling, including setting, trimming, and reefing.
    • Introduction to navigation and chart work.
  3. Onboard Safety
    • Personal safety equipment (PFDs, harnesses, etc.).
    • Safety procedures and emergency protocols.
    • Man overboard drills and recovery techniques.
    • Fire safety and prevention on board.
  4. Living on Board
    • Daily routines and watchkeeping duties.
    • Maintaining cleanliness and order on the yacht.
    • Understanding provisioning and stowage.
    • Basics of onboard etiquette and teamwork.
  5. Practical Sailing Skills
    • Introduction to helming and steering the yacht.
    • Handling sails and lines during various maneuvers.
    • Anchoring and mooring techniques.
    • Understanding and performing basic navigational tasks.
  6. Weather and Tides
    • Basic understanding of weather patterns and forecasts.
    • Recognizing and responding to changes in weather conditions.
    • Introduction to tides and tidal streams.

Assessment

  • Continuous Assessment: Performance evaluated throughout the course based on participation, skill demonstration, and teamwork.
  • Practical Exam: Hands-on assessment of basic seamanship skills, safety procedures, and sailing maneuvers.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, students will receive the ICT International Captain Training Academy Competent Crew certificate, recognized internationally.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course can pursue various maritime roles, including:

  • Crew member on private and charter yachts.
  • Deckhand positions on larger yachts and small commercial vessels.
  • Opportunities to advance to higher-level maritime certifications and roles.