Competent Crew course in Turkey

The course introduces the absolute beginner to sailing a cruising yacht. It is also an ideal stepping stone for dinghy sailors to try yachting and for those who have already done some crewing but wish to learn the right way. At the end of the 5 days, you will have become a competent (and confident) member of the crew. The course is designed to provide as much fun and enjoyment as possible in a safe environment.

Competent Crew Syllabus

1. Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails

Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning the sailing and day to day running of the boat.

2. Sail Handling

 Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails

 Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches

3. Ropework

 Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats and single and double bollards

 Handling warps

 Ability to tie the following knots and to know their correct use: figure-of-eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, single and double sheet bend, reef knot

4. Fire precautions and fighting

Awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fire. Knowledge of the action to be taken in the event of fire

5. Personal safety equipment

Understands and complies with rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids

6. Man overboard

Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard

7. Emergency equipment

Can operate distress flares and knows when they should be used

Understands how to launch and board a liferaft

8. Manners and customs

Understands accepted practice with regard to: use of burgees and ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other craft berthed

Aware of the responsibility of yacht skippers to protect the environment

9. Rules of the road

Is able to keep a safe and efficient lookout at sea

10. Dinghies

Understands and complies with the loading rules.

Is able to handle a dinghy under oars

11. Meteorology

Awareness of forecasting services and knowledge of the Beaufort scale

12. Seasickness

Working efficiency is unaffected/partially affected/severely affected by seasickness

13. Helmsmanship and sailing

Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and trim sails on all points of sailing

Can steer a compass course, under sail and power

14. General duties

Has carried out general duties satisfactorily on deck and below decks in connection with the daily routine of the vessel