Boatmaster Course Syllabus

The Study Guide is intended to provide guidance in the use of the resources supplied, and advice on how best to study for the end of course exam.

A set of flash cards are also included.  It is best to test yourself regularly using these as a means of memorising information - such as vessel lights, shapes and buoyage.

A length of cord is provided for you to learn and practice the various knots.  You should learn all of the knots thoroughly (learning to tie them with your eyes closed is a good test!).  Practice tying them with different thicknesses of rope if you can.

The end of course exam consists of written, chartwork and oral questions from the syllabus detailed below.  A good explanation of the process is detailed near the back of the student manual.  The combination of resources supplied in this pack provides answers to every question and should provide you with everything you need to know for the course, and to enable you to pass the exam.

Boatmaster Syllabus

Note: the syllabus below lists the content of the Boatmaster course, whether learnt from a tutor in a classroom environment, or by home study. Additional comments have been inserted for you in bold italics.

Equipment & Use

A good understanding of the range of equipment described is required.

• Explain the equipment which should be carried on any boat, including correct use and stowage.

Lifesaving

A good knowledge of the different types of PFDs is required — relevant to all types of boating

• Show open waters and inshore water PFDs, buoyancy vest, garment and the buoyancy aid inflatable lifejackets, wetsuit, lifebuoy, buoyant cushions, and the throwing quoit.

• Explain the purpose, use, limitations, and also care and maintenance of the above.

• Describe attachments for the above, including retro-refiective tape, drogue, whistle & light.

• Explain the use of safety harnesses, heaving lines, danbuoys.

• Understand the need for inflatable liferafts when offshore.

Signals

You need to have a thorough understanding of this section

• Recognise all the international distress signals and explain or demonstrate the use of each.

• Explain the operation of, and use of relevant flares and smoke signals for small boats, and outline the types to carry, validity, and disposal when out of date.

• Explain the operation of EPIRBS, and coverage areas. Phasing out of 121.5/243

• State the definitions of Distress, Urgency, & Securite calls by radio telephone; their conditions of use, and penalties for improper use.

• Demonstrate how each of these calls should be made, and explain the necessity for cancelling distress calls. Emphasise the distress frequencies for VHF and SSB.

• Explain the limitations of cell phones at sea. Cell phone and handheld VHF/waterproof protection.

Search and Rescue

It’s important that you are aware of the need to in form others of your intentions, and of your obligations to assist others in distress.

• Describe the N.Z. S.A.R. organisation, mention the volunteer role of Coastguard.

• Explain the importance of correct information, the use of 2 mm forms in leaving reliable details for use in emergency.

• State the obligations to assist vessels in distress.

• Describe the dangers of abandoning swamped craft.

Weather

A general understanding of this section is needed, including the supplementary information given in chapter 5 of the student manual.

• Explain anticyclones and depressions, and how they are shown on the weather map.

• Describe the weather commonly associated with depressions, anticyclones, cold and warm fronts.

• Explain wind circulation, and how to find its direction and approximate speed from a weather map.

• Outline the use of the barometer.

• Describe land and sea breezes, and the effects of terrain on local winds.

• State the sources of marine weather forecasts with emphasis on the local area.

Tides

You should have a reasonable understanding of this section, however “secondary ports” are not assessed.

• Explain the causes of tidal phenomena and the cycle of tides.

• State the definitions of: spring & neap tides, height, range and duration, MHWS, MLWS, MHWN, MLWN & chart datum.

• Explain the use of tide tables to find:

  • Times and heights of high and low water at standard ports.

  • Times of high and low water at secondary ports.

• Describe the use of charted tidal diamonds and tidal arrows to find direction and rate of tidal flow.

Fire Prevention and Fighting

It is important to have a good awareness of how to prevent fire on-board, and what to do if fire breaks out.

• Explain the fire triangle

• Describe the principal causes of fire aboard boats, and how to prevent and fight them.

• Explain the operation, suitability, and limitations of water, carbon dioxide, dry powders, B.C.F., and foam extinguishers.

• Outline the maintenance, and the need for annual checks, of portable extinguishers.

• Describe the requirements for safe installation and operation of gas cooking appliances.

• State the safety measures to be taken while refuelling.

Ropes

You should learn all of the knots listed below and be aware of the different applications of different types of rope. You will be tested on several knots during your oral exam.

• Demonstrate the single and double sheet bend, round turn and two half hitches, bowline, clove hitch, figure of eight, and reef knot.

• Explain the principal uses of these knots and their limitations.

• Explain the relative properties of commonly used ropes, i.e. laid or braid, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and modem fibres.  This to include relative strength, stretch, buoyancy, water absorption, resistance to U.V., abrasion, solvents, and temperature extremes.

• Describe their suitability for use as anchor warp, mooring lines, towing lines and heaving lines.

• Demonstrate how to make fast to a cleat or bollard.

• Show how to coil and outline the general care of ropes.

Boat Handling

A basic understanding of stability and the theory of boat handling is required.

• Explain the factors which affect vessel stability, especially load distribution, rolling and righting, shifting of weights horizontally and vertically, free water effects and dangers. Mention stiffness and tenderness, and the importance of the awareness of handling changes.

• Describe the actions of rudders and propellers, how to steer a vessel, pivot points, effects of tide and windage.

• Outline the principles of handling techniques, including — stopping and turning in limited space. Approaching other boats or wharves.

• Leaving or entering berths or moorings. Use of springs or warps in making fast or departure.

• Demonstrate anchor types and explain their suitability, the use of chain & the correct type of warp.

• Describe the effect of scope in different conditions, the selection of position, setting the anchor.

• Outline the use of 2 anchors, the risks of fore & aft anchoring, freeing fouled anchors.

• Describe the principles of boat handling in difficult conditions or rough weather. Describe the hazards of surf and sand bars, dangers of following Manual seas.

• Mention the trimming of small craft to suit conditions, selection of speed and track, and the use of drogues to control speed or drift.

• Explain the safe use of dinghies including boat tenders getting in and out, and the dangers of overloading.

• The handling of special craft, e.g. PWCs, jet boats, or kayaks as Sea Kayak applicable.

• Precautions to be taken when crossing a bar.

Accidents

You will need a general understanding of this section, and are likely to be questioned on various aspects during the oral.

• State the responsibilities of a skipper involved in a collision, and explain the actions needed to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel after a collision.

• The legal responsibility of the Skipper to report all incidents and accidents to Maritime NZ.

• Explain the actions to be taken after running aground/stranding (with regard to injury/damage) and the methods of re-floating small vessels safely.

• Describe the precautions to be taken to prevent persons falling overboard.

• Explain the actions to be taken in case of person overboard.

• Describe the use of equipment and techniques to locate, approach and recover victim.

• Outline means of the prevention of, and actions to be taken in the event of a mechanical breakdown.

• Describe the causes of, and methods of controlling, leaks in a vessel.

• Explain the equipment and techniques used for towing.

• Describe the advantages and dangers of spring in the towline, setting up a tow, trimming the towed vessel, towing in calm and rough seas.

• Outline the basic first aid methods, with special reference to an understanding of the cause, prevention, recognition and treatment of hypothermia; first aid equipment to carry.

• Dangers associated with alcohol and boating.

• Outline the availability of first aid assistance and advice from coastal radio stations.

Buoys and Beacons

You must learn all of the buoys listed, and be able to recognise or describe them, including their lights, and know their meaning.

• Outline the purpose of the Buoyage System and explain IALA Regions.

• Explain the conventional direction of buoyage in NZ.

• Explain and show the colours, shapes, topmarks, lights and meaning of Lateral Marks, Preferred Channel Marks, Cardinal Marks, Isolated Danger, Marks, Safe Water Marks and Special Marks.

• Demonstrate the use of the above marks to enable the safe passage of a boat, and mention the need to use the system in conjunction with chart and Compass.

• Describe the marks used to show submarine cables/pipelines, overhead power lines, and the marking of bridges. Include the dangers associated with insufficient clearance under power lines, both at sea and on land, e.g. at launching ramps. Mention marks for marine farms.

• Explain the substantial penalties for damaging cables and the action to be taken if a cable is fouled.

• Illustrate the chart symbols for each of the above marks and features.

Rules and Regulations

You need a fairly good understanding of all aspects of the rules listed below.

Maritime Transport Act

The important point to be aware of from this section is that the skipper has legal responsibility for the vessel and all aboard.

• Section 19 Duties of Master
  Responsibilities and authority for safety and compliance

• Section 65 Dangerous Activity & Definition of an offence
  (Causing danger or risk to persons or property)
  Fines up to $10,000.

Maritime Rules Part 21 (Collision Prevention) 22.1 — 22.40

You need to know all the rules, and be able to identify different vessels by lights or shapes displayed. Having completed this section, the best way to commit them all to memory is to utilise the
flash cards provided.

• 22.1 Entry into Force — Feb 1998

• 22.2 Definitions — general terms & classes of vessel

• 22.3 Application — NZ Ships and all vessels in NZ waters.

• 22.4 Application of sub section 1 — any condition of visibility

• 22.5 Look-Out — all vessels by all means at all times.

• 22.6 Safe Speed — at all times to enable avoiding action/stopping include factors to determine safe speed

• 22.7 Risk of Collision — (series of compass bearings over time) use all available means to establish risk including radar

• 22.8 Action to Avoid Collision — Positive, in ample time and readily apparent to the other vessel.

• 22.9 Narrow Channels — Keep to starboard and crossing

• 22.10 Traffic Separation Schemes — Brief overview only

• 22.11 Application of subsection 2— applies to vessels in sight

• 22.12 Sailing Vessels — port/starboard windward/leeward, motorsailing

• 22.13 Overtaking — overtaking vessels keep clear

• 22.14 Head-on situation — both alter to starboard

• 22.15 Crossing — give way to vessels crossing from starboard (avoid crossing ahead)

• 22.16 Action by Give-Way Vessel — early and substantial

• 22.17 Action by Stand-On Vessel — Maintain course and speed. Avoid turning to port, but take any necessary action to avoid collision.

• 22.18 Responsibilities Between Vessels

• 22.19 Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility — safe speed, and action on hearing fog signals.

• 22.20 Application of Section 2— sunset to sunrise, in all weather.

• 22.21 Definitions Relating to Section 2— definitions of lights

• 22.22 Visibility of Lights — emphasis on <20m and < 12m.

• 22.23 Power-Driven Vessels Underway — lights < &> 50m

• 22.24 Towing and Pushing — lights (tow < and > 200m)

• 22.25 Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars — Lights Rqd.

• 22.26 Fishing Vessels — trawling/fishing

• 22.27 Vessels Not Under command or Restricted in Their Ability to Manoeuvre — lights required.

• 22.28 Vessels Constrained by Their Draught

• 22.29 Pilot Vessels

• 22.30 Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground — anchor light required even if < 7m

• 22.31 Seaplanes

• 22.32 Definitions Relating to This Section — Blast & Whistle definitions

• 22.33 Equipment for Sound Signals — Whistle, Bells and Gongs

• 22.34 Manoeuvring and Warning Signals - 1, 2, 3 and 5

• 22.35 Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility — signals and meanings (include <12m any sound every 2 minutes)

• 22.36 Signals to Attract Attention — not to confuse with other signals

• 22.37 Distress Signals — appendix 3

• 22.38 Vessels of Special Function

• 22.39 Observance of Part 22— Owner and Master obligations

• 22.40 Responsibility — consequences and limitations

Navigation and Safety Rules (Maritime Rules Part 91)

You must have a complete understanding of this section. You will be tested thoroughly during the exam.

• 91.1 Entry into Force — March 2003

• 91.2 General definitions

• 91.3 Application — which rules apply in which area.

• 91.4 PFD’s - carriage and wearing of aboard different vessels.

• 91.5 Minimum age for vessels capable of more than 10 knots.

• 91.6 Speed, safe distances, bow riding.

• 91.7 Wake restrictions

• 91.8/9 Water skiing, towing and similar activities.

• 91.10-12 Access lanes and Reserved areas

• 91.13 Anchoring.

• 91.15 Tankers and Defence Premises

• 91.16 The 500 Ton rule

• 91.17 River Safety Rules - keeping to starboard, giving way, & conditions

• 91.18 Flags & Signals — Diving

• 91.19 Speed exemptions

• 91.20 Speed Limits — local by laws

• 91.21 Safe Boating Advisors and Honorary enforcement officers

Marine Pollution Regulations

The level of detail in SISC is sufficient for your awareness.

• Regulations regarding discharge of Oil, Sewage & Garbage

Chartwork and Publications

SISC does not cover this section in sufficient detail. There is a comprehensive section containing additional information and exercises in the student manual. If you work through all of the questions provided in the manual, you should have no trouble during the chartwork part of the exam.

• Describe how to identify a position by latitude and longitude, and demonstrate the use of plotting equipment.

• Mention the principles of Mercator projection, and explain how to measure distance on Mercator charts.

• Explain the interpretation of charted data and symbols, with special emphasis on — chart datum, soundings, drying heights, charted heights.

• Identification of hazards, especially rocks.

• The nature of the bottom and identification of submerged features, e.g. cables, foul ground, wrecks.

• The nature of the surveyed coastline. The full description of the characteristics of any light from charted data.

• Interpretation and application of charted magnetic variation data.

• Amendments to charts.

• Explain and demonstrate the following specific chartwork techniques:

  • Plot & express a position using latitude and longitude.

  • Plot & express a position using distance and bearing from a specified charted location.

  • Plot a course between two defined points and determine the true and magnetic course.

  • Measure distance in nautical miles between places on the chart.

  • Plot a transit to obtain a position line.

  • Plot a fix given two or more magnetic bearings to specified points.

  • Determine a clearing bearing from the chart.

  • Determine an ETA.

• Explain the difference between course and ground track, logged speed and speed over the ground.

• Explain the limitations of GPS positions and the correlation to charts.

• Explain Chart error and systems error.

• Explain terms- SOG, COG & Waypoints.

• The dangers associated with Chart plotters without the use of a chart.

• Show and state the sources of publications associated with safe navigation:

  • Notices to Mariners

  • Boat Notices

  • Chart Catalogue and Symbols, terms and Abbreviations

  • NZ Nautical Almanac and Regional Tide Tables

Compass

It’s important that you understand, and are able to allow for variation & deviation.

• Describe the Earth’s magnetic field. Define magnetic variation and explain magnetic anomalies.

• Outline the construction, care and maintenance of the marine compass, and describe how to install and position it in a small craft.

• Explain the use of a compass to steer a course.

• Explain the conversion of true courses and bearings to magnetic.

• Describe the magnetic influences in a vessel which may affect a compass.

• Define deviation, and describe how to minimise deviation.

• Determine if a significant deviation exists

• Demonstrate the use of the hand bearing compass and describe its limitations.

What resources are included with every Boatmaster Home Study Programme?
Includes: Instructions & Home Study Guide, Boatmaster Manual, Safety in Small Craft text book, Rules of the Road at Sea reference book, Flash cards, Rope for knot tying, Examination Application Form, Sea Time Declaration Form, Feedback from with pre-paid return envelope.

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