CARDINAL MARKS
Part of the IALA Buoyage System (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) the Cardinal Marks are designed to show us the safest water in which to navigate. The “Cardinal Rule” is to stay on the side of the cardinal that it is telling you i.e. A North Cardinal mark means the safest water is to the NORTH. […]
What makes a good Master, Captain or Skipper?
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. […]
What is Automatic Identification System?
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 […]
Boat Licensing in Victoria
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 […]
Mediterranean Mooring
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 […]
Cruising the Mediterranean
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 […]
Bareboat Yacht Chartering
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 […]
Anchoring
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 […]
Launching at Boat Ramps
Launching a boat or Jet Ski can be the most stressful thing you do when boating. Planning and preparation is the key to stress free boating and launching is no different than any other boating activity. Procedure Prepare vessel as much as possible on the trailer including safety equipment. Remove tie downs, refit bung plugs, […]
Ocean Bar Crossings
During my training sessions, people often ask about bar crossings. Crossing a bar can be the most dangerous thing we will do in our recreational boat. Bars located throughout Victoria include Port Phillip Heads, Lakes Entrance, Patterson River, Anderson’s Inlet, Barwon Heads, McLaughlin’s Beach and Port Albert. My experience crossing The Heads is that it […]