EDUCATION

Knowledge:

The DSC Instructors and Cruising Committee Staff require that Cruising Skipper Candidates (CSCs) self-administer the Sailing Online Basic Cruising Test. Passing of this examination and submission of the available Certificate will establish with the DSC Cruising Committee that the CSC possesses the minimum baseline knowledge required for Cruising Skipper Status at the DSC. Upon successful passing of this examination the CSC should download and print from the website the available certificate with the CSC name and date of the examination and submit a copy to the DSC Cruising Committee. Submission of this certificate to the DSC will serve as the CSC's representation to the DSC that the CSC possesses minimum baseline knowledge necessary to fulfill the DSC Cruising Skipper examination requirement and the CSC further represents he or she understands inherent dangers of the sport of sailing and recognizes these dangers and understands it is the responsibility of the CSC to have the skills required and to perform them safely with confident command of the boat in wind ranges from 5 to 15 knots and be aware of his or her limitations in these conditions. Further, the DSC recommended continued training and experience to further enhance knowledge and skill required under a much broader range of potential sailing conditions.

On-the-water Skills Test:

This check-list shows the knowledge and skills that will be tested by the Cruising Program Instructors during the Cruising Skipper on-the water check-outs. Prospective skippers will be expected to demonstrate these skills without prompting or assistance from the Instructors.

• Presail:
  • Weather:
    • Places to check:
      • Newspaper
      • Radio
      • Television
      • VHF Radio
      • Internet
    • Signs to check for:
      • Thunderhead clouds
      • Dark clouds approaching
      • Temperature change
      • Thunder & Lightning
      • Drop in Barometric Pressure
  • Boat Inspection:
    • Standing Rigging:
    • Loose or missing pins or O-rings
    • Life lines secured and in good shape
  • Running Rigging:
    • Halyards & sheets in servicable condition.
    • Blocks and pulleys in servicable condition
    • Proper knots tied on lines
  • Safety Equipment Inspection:
    • USCG approved PFDs for crew in good shape
    • Type IV throwable PFD
    • Whistle or Horn and bell
    • USCG approved Visual Distress Signals
    • USCG approved fire extinguishers
    • < 26 ft one Type B-1
    • > 26 ft two Type B-1 or one Type B-2
    • Other recommended safety equipment
    • Bilge Pump
    • Paddle
    • Basic first aid kit
    • Tool Kit
    • VHF radio
    • Compass
    • Anchor & Anchor line
    • Navigation charts and compass
    • Lifesling or horseshoe with Polypro line
    • Location and operation of Aux steering system
  • Engine system Inspection:
    • Throttle controls
    • Transmission controls
    • Oil level
    • Fuel level
    • Engine cooling system
    • Fuel ventilation system
    • Belts proper tension
  • Explains proper fueling techniques
    • Engine off
    • Crew off boat
    • No open flames
    • Windows and hatches closed during fueling
    • Vent gasoline fumes 4 min before engine start
    • Fuel extra cans off boat
    • Don't overfill fuel tank
  • Electrical System Inspection:
    • Explain 4 positions of main battery switch
    • Don't change switch when engine running
    • Explain use of electrical panel
    • Explain shore power hookup
    • A/C power vs D/C power
  • Bilge Inspection:
    • Checks bilge for water level
    • Checks to ensure elec bilge pump works
    • Checks locn & operation of manual bilge pump
    • Location of all thru hulls on boat
    • Location of wooden plugs for each thru hull
  • Head Inspection:
    • Checks for proper position of valves for use
    • Checks valve to overboard discharge is closed
    • Checks valve to holding tank is open
  • Anchoring System Inspection:
    • Sufficient Anchor line for destination
    • Anchor on board boat
    • Anchor line secured to Anchor and boat properly
  • Explains operation of a VHF Radio
    • Weather channel (1, 2, 3 & 4)
    • Hailing channel (16)
    • Communications channels
    • Other vessels (9)
    • Non-commercial vessels (68,69,71)
    • Non-commercial ship-to-ship (72)
    • When to use PanPan
    • Urgent - not life threatening
    • When to use MayDay
    • Urgent - life threatening
    • When to use Securite
    • Danger warnings
  • Explains when to use running lights, masthead light and anchor light
    • Between dusk and dawn
    • During fog or limited visibility
  • Explains information to include in a float plan
    • Names and phone#'s of all crew members
    • Name of boat
    • Color of boat
    • Registration number of boat
    • Sail numbers if any
    • Boat type and length
    • Radio type and call sign
    • Departure location and time
    • Destination and expected arrival time
    • Expected return time
    • Expected return no later than time
    • Call USCG if not back by no later than time
  • Describes at least 3 international distress signals that can be used
    • Smoke signal giving off orange colored smoke
    • Rocket or hand flare with red light
    • Rocket with red stars
    • Flashlight signaling SOS
    • Flames such as fire in a bucket
    • Continuous sounding of a foghorn
    • Mayday over VHF or radio telephone
    • Square flag with ball above or below
    • Repeadely waving both outstretched arms
  • Describes Nav Rules for Stand-On and Give Way
    • Power boat vs Sail Boat crossing situation
    • Power boat vs Power Boat crossing situation
    • Large vessel in a channel
  • Demonstrates a comprehensive crew briefing
    • Can Elephants Float In Deep Water
    • C = Crew Capabilities
    • E = Equipment Check
    • F = Float Plan
    • I = In or Out
    • D = Dress
    • W = Weather
  • Demonstrates possible crew limitations
    • Medical conditions
    • Can they swim?
    • Physical handicaps
  • Starting Engine:
    • Ensures engine raw water intake valve is open
    • Follows safe precautions when starting engine
    • ie. Blower on 4 min for gas powered engine
    • Checks for water flowing from engine exhaust outlet within 30 seconds of starting engine
  • Launches boat including:
    • Demonstrates appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for departure
    • Line handling
    • Casting off & dock line handling
    • Fending off
    • Proper boat maneuvering
    • Proper stowing of docking equipment
• Under Way:
  • Demonstrates proper speed, momentum, windage and prop walk control under power
  • Demonstrates command of crew while underway to raise the sails
  • Demonstrates helm and boat control and command of crew while underway
  • Demonstrates proper reefing techniques
  • Demonstrates helm & boat control while sailing under shortened sails
  • Demonstrates shaking out a reef, rehoisting sails and getting under way under full sail
  • Demonstrates Quick Stop MOB recovery
  • Demonstrates proper Life-sling MOB recovery
  • Demonstrates a Heave-to maneuver
  • Demonstrates selecting an anchorage and anchors under power with both appropriate helmsman and crew coordination
  • Explains how to determine proper anchor scope
  • Demonstrates how to tell if anchor is set and boat is not drifting
  • Demonstrates appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for retrieving anchor under power
• Post-sail:
  • Return to docks:
    • Demonstrates appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for preparation and arrival to the dock
    • Identifies current or windage issues
    • Slow approach
    • Fenders out
    • Proper deployment of docklines
    • Refuels boat before returning to dock
    • Head pump out before returning to dock
  • Derigging of boat
    • Stowing of sails and rigging equipment
    • Checks electrical and bilge systems
    • Checks docklines for proper tension
    • Checks fenders for proper placement
    • Checks battery in OFF position

If you have questions or comments about the Cruising Program please e-mail cruising@downtownsailing.org