GUIDANCE FOR CANDIDATES FOR COASTAL SKIPPER & YACHTMASTER ASSESSMENT

Contrary to popular belief, examiners are actually human. Like you, they are there for the love of yachting so you and your examiner already have a lot in common. The examiner will give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you are suitable for the award of the certificate to which you aspire; he wants you to succeed. Avoid trying to second guess him or from saying that you "would not normally have done it that way"; if there is something you do not understand, seek clarification. RAFSA is a recognised RYA sailing establishment so the assessments are based on the syllabus outlined in your RYA logbook.

Different examiners have different priorities but all will consider safety of fundamental importance. If you are not confident in your ability to undertake certain manoeuvres then attend a course to practice until you are satisfied that you can undertake any task safely. Inadvertent gibes and lack of awareness of impending dangers are a common weakness, particularly at Coastal Skipper. Read the charts thoroughly, particularly the magenta notes.

To gain a yachting qualification you will be expected to sail! Coastal Skippers are expected to demonstrate the principles safely whilst Yachtmasters are expected to execute sailing manoeuvres effectively, normally with a good effort at the first attempt. During a Coastal Skipper course, the Instructor does not have the time to teach you to sail so if you are unsure of your ability, try some dinghy sailing.

During an assessment, crew members will be asked not to take the initiative in an attempt to make the Skipper's job easier. The examiner will probably spot the deliberate mistake before you do and your ‘help’ will show the examiner that the candidate did not spot the problem; your well intended intervention will have denied the candidate the opportunity to redeem himself.

The examiner will ask various questions but this should not be an inquisition to intimidate you. The examiner appreciates the pressure you will be under but still needs to establish your understanding of the theory as outlined in the syllabus. Poor theoretical knowledge demonstrates a lack of preparation for which there are few credible excuses. Particular attention should be paid to the following:

IRPCS. Know your Rules of the Road; examiners will expect a thorough understanding.

IALA System. Again, know your buoyage, lights and shapes.

Meteorology. Take your forecasts and maintain an awareness of the meteorology around you. Good theory is wasted if you do not apply it in practice.

Chartwork. Sharpen your skills with some homework to give you more time during the assessment. Pay special attention to tidal streams and heights. Running fixes and blind pilotage exercises are normally quite weak, particularly with Coastal Skippers.

Safety. Be prepared to give a safety brief, but please, keep to the point and get on with it! There are many safety publications and the issues will not be prioritised here. Good preparation is the key to success and use a check list to help you.

Sail Trim. Ensure that the sails are efficiently trimmed. Try to learn how to change the shape of the sails and why you would do so. For example, what does adjusting the backstay tension achieve and why would you adjust it. A thorough knowledge of this theory is expected in Yachtmasters and a working knowledge by Coastal Skippers.

Good skippers are good managers who can stand back and watch the boat function efficiently under their guidance. Delegate responsibilities; you cannot skipper a yacht in a busy tideway from the chart table nor should you attempt to do the same from the helm. Give a good brief and cover aspects such as victualling, watchkeeping, destination, safety and expected problems en-route etc. Brief your crew, not the examiner.

Before the assessment you will be required to confirm your membership of RAFSA. You must also hold a VHF or GMDSS certificate BEFORE presenting yourself for Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster assessment.

On completion of the examination, the examiner forwards a report and recommendation to the Training Officer (Offshore). The report and recommendations are the basis on which the decision to award a certificate is taken. Unsuccessful candidates will be advised after the examination of any weaknesses which are considered to be within their ability to rectify. The RYA will normally support the recommendations of the examiner.

Finally, the aim of the course and examination is to help you to develop your skippering skills. Despite the added pressure of an examination you should hopefully find it rewarding.

M Wilson 
Flt Lt
RAFSA Trg Officer (Offshore)