Boatschool Victorian Boat Licence Training

Legal responsibilities of a Master The Master is responsible for: – Navigation and control of the vessel. In the event of a collision, first rule applied may be “was the vessel travelling at a safe speed”? Collision Avoidance Rules state that vessel must always travel at a safe speed. Preparation and safety of the vessel. Was the vessel and all ...

There are many tips and tricks to berthing in marinas, many of which are obvious when you are there. These are the ones many people miss. 1. Tie your boat up securely so it doesn’t cause damage. When alongside you need a minimum of a bow, stern and two spring lines. Check out other boat lines to see what may ...

AIS is a maritime communications device. It uses the Very High Frequency (VHF) radio broadcasting system to transfer data. AIS equipped vessels and shore-based stations can send and receive identification information that can be displayed on an electronic chart, computer display or compatible navigation radar. AIS improve navigation safety and environmental protection by assisting in the effective navigation of ships. The ...

History Recreational boat licensing was introduced into Victoria on December 8, 2001 following the Marine Amendment Act November 2000. This Act followed on from a fatal incident in Werribee South in February 1995 involving a Jet Ski. There had been several accidents involving serious injury and there was clearly a need for education and more skilled operators of power driven ...

This type of docking is space efficient, is used nearly everywhere around the mediterranean and may eventually become common in Australia as the cost of marina berthing increases. Simply it means backing up to a wharf, securing stern lines and then securing the bow with either lazy lines or using the anchor to hold the bow. This method maximises marina ...

I’m very fortunate to do what I love. My job for the next two months is to get a boat ready for launching after it’s been in winter storage and then deliver it to the owner’s some 800 nautical miles away. After arriving in Montenegro we will be cruising the Adriatic through the islands of Croatia. This journey starts in the ...

Melbourne days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder so maybe you’re not using the boat as much as you could? Before you put your boat away for the Melbourne winter, consider some tips to get a longer season and a better return on your investment. 1. Read the weather to your advantage. In stronger conditions, launch or ...

The most calls I get from boat owners are ones that go “I need some help getting my boat in and out of the marina or boat ramp”. This is the time when you are most likely to hit something or another boat. It is also the time when the most pressure is on you from watching bystanders, family and ...

Hiring a large cruising yacht Most people have not experienced the responsibility of a boat and its passengers for extended periods. Cruising the Whitsunday Islands in Australia or the European Coast is a lifetime dream for many. Boatschool provides a one day practical course that helps ease the stress and upskill the skipper and crew. Preparation and awareness from this course can ...

Anchoring I have spent more than 600 nights at anchor and if you and your crew want to be safe and/or have a good nights sleep, here are a few tips to know.   It’s all in the planning Look for protection from the wind and good holding for the anchor. Check your Chart/Plotter/Ipad for depths and nature of seabed ...