BSAC Boat Handling Course
The BSAC Boat Handling course delivers the basic knowledge and practical skills needed for safe, responsible powerboat handling and general seamanship.
Scheduled over two days the BSAC Boat Handling course includes a mix of theory and practical work using powerboats of up to 10 metres in length.
The course includes the excellent BSAC Seamanship Manual, plus Boat Handling student notes.
Theory Lessons
The course starts by discussing the characteristics of different types of powerboats [inflatable versus ridged hull inflatable] and what safety equipment should be carried such as flares, communication and navigation equipment, anchors etc.
We look at the responsibilities and legal implications of skippering a powerboat, then make a dry practical session where you’ll practice some commonly used knots, discussing the appropriate times to use each.
Next we’ll cover the typical duties involved in acting as the dive boat skipper [aka Dive Coxswain], and discuss in detail the steps involved in voyage planning, such as anticipating potential problems, consulting tide and weather data, reading charts etc.
Finally we’ll review everything you’ve learned before proceeding to the practical part of the boat handling course.
Practical Lessons
We kick off with a walk around the boat familiarization session, checking out key features of the boat before moving onto the start up procedures. Once the fuel lines are primed, all checks are complete, boat is properly loading and everything is in order it’s onto the maneuvers.
First we’ll practice low speed maneuvers in sheltered water. This will include steering on a straight compass bearing, reverse steering, coming alongside another boat or jetty, bringing the boat onto shore, stopping at a buoy, performing three point turns and 360 degree turns.
Next medium speed maneuvers. You practice turning to part and starboard, learning proper observation and motion of the bow and stern.
Then everyone’s favorite – high speed maneuvers. You’ll learn to get the boat on the plane, trim the engines, practice tight turns and emergency stops, and learn to deal with approaching waves or crossing the wake of a boat.
Next we’ll run through some practical seamanship techniques such as anchoring, deploying a shot line, dropping off and picking up divers, rough water handling techniques and man overboard procedures.
The BSAC Boat Handling course is an introduction, giving you the necessary knowledge and skills to handle a boat safely. If you intend to drive a powerboat, your next step should be to log at least 5 hours driving experience, then take your BSAC Diver Coxswain assessment – essentially a ‘driving test’ which certifies you to drive powerboats up to 10 metres in length.
