On course to be master

Internationally recognised boating and yachting qualifications are on offer for the first time in this country, writes ROBIN BAILEY.

Maritime education in this country has just taken a huge leap forward. Coastguard Boating Education has concluded an exclusive arrangement to supervise and accredit providers of the world-renowned Royal Yachting Association navigation and seamanship courses here in New Zealand.

This means that for the first time an internationally recognised range of boating and yachting qualifications can be offered to our sailors. Practical and theory courses covering both power and sail start from boating for beginners through to the Yachtmaster Ocean certificate that qualifies the holder to command yachts up to 200 tonnes anywhere in the world.

"We are delighted to be administering the RYA programme in New Zealand," says CBE general manager Mark Bright. "Elsewhere in the world these programmes are delivered under direct RYA supervision. The fact that we have been accredited to undertake the lead role in this country means increased education opportunities for the boating public, including some excellent practical courses for both sailing and motor cruising."

RYA chief cruising instructor Penny Haire and CBE training and development manager Neil Murray have spent several months arranging the structure whereby the delivery of the strictly controlled RYA courses has been devolved to CBE, the first time this has been done anywhere in the world. The courses will be run by accredited providers in partnership with CBE. The first to be accredited include NZ Sail and Power Academy (Mahurangi Technical Institute), Sunsail South Pacific and Gulfwind Sailing Academy.

Sunsail South Pacific chief instructor Tristan Kinloch, who supervises the charter company's courses out of the Bay of Islands and Westhaven, says the RYA courses are recognised throughout the maritime industry worldwide and ensure a firm grounding in sailing/boating knowledge and seamanship skills.

"Our satellite base in the Bay of Islands provides access to the ideal training ground for beginner and intermediate courses," he says. "On the doorstep of our Westhaven headquarters, the Hauraki Gulf provides the greater challenge for students undergoing the practical tests necessary for yachtmaster qualification."

Mark Rothwell, who heads the maritime department at Mahurangi Technical Institute, says the institute has been providing training for both recreational and commercial skippers for 10 years and had always had a concern there was nothing here that was internationally recognised.

"I had often been asked about qualifications that would allow people to work overseas on yachts," he says. "So when I heard of the opportunity to provide RYA courses I realised the huge potential for Kiwis to participate in the superyacht industry and I quickly became involved. We have everything in place to deliver both the practical and theory courses, including three qualified Yachtmaster instructors on our staff and all the necessary seagoing and shoreside facilities."

Rothwell plans soon to introduce courses for fast powerboats to complement the sail and launch-handling aspects of the RYA programme.

The courses

Competent Crew: A five-day or three-weekend practical course to introduce the complete beginner to sail cruising. This includes the skills required to be a safe and competent crew member aboard a keeler.

Day Skipper Practical: A five-day or three-weekend course in boat handling (power and sail), pilotage, navigation and seamanship to the level required to skipper a yacht by day. This course is the practical component of Boatmaster.

Coastal Skipper Practical: A five-day practical course for sailors with some skippering experience. The day course focuses on the skills needed to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.

Coastal Skipper (Certificate of Competence): A practical qualification that requires 30 days' seatime, including two days as skipper and 12 night hours.

Yachtmaster Offshore (Certificate of Competence): Calls for 50 days' sea time, including 2500 miles logged, five days as skipper and five passages over 60 miles, including two passages overnight and two as skipper.

Yachtmaster Ocean (Certificate of Competence): Involves an oral examination and written assessment. Seatime necessary includes an ocean passage (600nm) as skipper or watch captain. Candidates must have the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate and have passed the written Yachtmaster Ocean exam.

Coastguard Boating Education