skipper training 2011

i have decided to get a proper skipper training this year. this time the training will focus on motor boats. an international sailing license could be something for next year if i like the motor boat part. the following courses (education & licenses) i will participate in. click on the timeline (picture below) to see its bigger version and how everything should fit together at the end. 

upcoming courses / events already booked

here is a list of upcoming courses and events i have already booked towards my skipper-training:

• march 23-25 2012: sailing weekend (milebuilder) in london/chatham
• april 28-may 20 2012: sailing trip (milebuilder) from madeira to the azores.
• june 16 2012: rya vhf radio short range certificate
• june 24-july1 2012: stcw '95 course on the isle of wight, uk

swiss national license, inland water ways motor boat (type a)

this is the first course i'm taking. the course consists of a theory (self-study) part and a practical part. for the practical part i do have a teacher. at the end there is a theory exam and a practical exam, which is evaluated by a state examinator. the license will allow for motor boats, up to 12 people for pleasure & business within inland water ways. this license is also known and accepted by most other countries.

rya/isa day skipper motor (ireland)

the second course i will take, will take place in killybegs, ireland. it will be a full week and is provided by the royal yachting accociation (rya from great britain), as well as the isa (irish sailing association). the certificate will be titled " rya day skipper motor". The main aim of the course is: able to skipper a motor cruiser in familiar waters by day. this will be a good basis experience to have for the next step.

rya day skipper course sailing (tidal) in portugal

from december 27th until 31st 2011 i attended to a rya day skipper course in sailing to get some sailing experience and also logged miles. 120 nautical miles were made in that week in between christmas and new years. course was conducted by faro sailing school ltd. a perfect place to get involved in sailing.

international certificate for operators of pleasure craft (icc, switzerland) this next step will last for over two months theory: every saturday a full day. it will end in january 2012 with a theory exam. once this exam is passed, i have to gain 500 logged miles experience on a motor boat (2 weeks). for the the latter practical part i will have about 5 years time. the certification at the end will be named "hochseeschein b" in german and "international certificate for operators of pleasure craft" in english. it is internationally recognized and valid in coastal waters and also the open sea (ocean). it is not limited geographically, nor by time.