Training

 New courses are planned during May, in the Clubhouse: a re-run of the two-evening First Aid course that proved so popular last year that it was over-subscribed; and a Short-Range Radio (VHF) Operator's course.  Watch this space, or email Annabel (memsec@royalthames.com) to get the latest.

We shall also run a direct examination day on Saturday 23rd May (and another the next day) for members requiring an International Certificate of Competence, either for their own satisfaction or to have with them on the Turkish Rally. Members who already hold any of the RYA Yachtmaster scheme Cetificates from Coastal Skipper up do not need to do the test - just apply direct to the RYA. See below for how.

GOING FOREIGN AND NEED A TICKET?

Whether taking your own yacht out of British waters and to another country or whether going on holiday and seeking to charter, our increasingly bureaucratic world appears to tighten its grip every year. \Most countries now require some form of certification from the skipper of a yacht sailing or seeking to charter in their waters.

 

The internationally accepted British document is the International Certificate of Competence, issued by the RYA. Holders of any of the RYA Yachtmaster certificates from Coastal Skipper up can obtain an ICC simply by applying to the RYA. The Application form is here.

 

Competent skippers not holding an RYA certificate can obtain an ICC by direct examination, then send the completed test certificate duly signed by an RYA-appointed examiner to the RYA in lieu of their RYA Cetificate of Competence.

 

On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May Peter Innes-Ker our Captain of Cruising will make Resolution available for any member not holding an RYA certificate to take the direct assessment test. The test will be conducted by our Chief Sailing Officer Malcolm McKeag who is an RYA-appointed tester for the ICC. The test can be conducted for up to three candidates at a time and can be completed in half a day. There is no charge for this service to Members, nor does the RYA make a charge to issue the certificate to RYA Personal Members. If you are not already a personal member of the RYA, you can join using the ICC application form. The cost is £36.00 per year if paying by direct debit. The more personal members there are in the RYA, the more powerful its voice when it lobbies on our behalf with the many bodies that clamour for a chance to further regulate our pastime.

 

The test itself is straightforward and involves some simple boat handling exercises under both sail and power, and some navigation and IRPCAS theory questions. The test format and syllabus are on the application form.

The ICC

Send an email via this link to the CSO if you would like to do the test.

 

 

 

THAMES FIVE

 

We plan on running some RIB courses using Thames Five, and in particular are keen to widen the pool of members qualified not just to drive T5 but to take command of her for course-laying for our events. The skills required, in addition to merely driving, are a knowledge of basic navigation and how to set tidal offsets; how to run the GPS and Yeoman plotter; how to rig, lay and recover anchored marks in varying depths of water and sea states; how our own systems are set-up, worked and maintained. Click here for more information. You don't need to be a gorilla (the hydraulic winch takes care of the grunt) but you do need to be a good and sensible seaman (of any gender).

 

Send an email to the CSO via this link if you would like to become involved in running Thames Five.