Lesson 1Bilge and fuel safety: bilge operation, ventilation for gasoline fumes, fuel spill kits and containmentLearners will grasp bilge system functions, testing pumps and switches, airing out areas to clear petrol vapors, averting and managing fuel leaks, and employing absorbent materials, seals, and containment tools safely and within Eritrean laws.
Manual and electric bilge pump operationTesting float switches and discharge hosesPre‑start ventilation and sniff test routineFuel system inspection for leaks and odorsFuel spill kits: pads, socks, and plugsReporting and cleaning up small fuel spillsLesson 2Anchoring equipment: anchor types (plow, fluke, mushroom), rode and chain sizing, scope calculation, and anchoring procedures for swimming/holding in protected harborsThis lesson covers anchor varieties and ideal seabed types, sizing ropes and chains, determining secure scope, placing and verifying anchors, and methods for anchoring during swims or staying in sheltered bays or inlets in Eritrea.
Plow, fluke, and mushroom anchor usesSelecting anchor weight for boat lengthRode composition: rope, chain, and shacklesScope ratios for calm, rough, and overnightSetting, backing down, and checking holdingAnchoring for swimming and crowded harborsLesson 3Pre-departure equipment checks: battery state, fuel system leak inspection, fire extinguisher service tags, PFD condition checks, lighting testThis lesson guides a methodical pre-departure list, covering batteries and electrics, fuel and airing inspections, extinguisher labels, PFD status and numbers, navigation lamps, and noting results before departing the dock in Eritrea.
Battery charge, terminals, and shutoff switchesFuel level, lines, primer bulbs, and ventsVentilation blowers and odor checksFire extinguisher tags and access pathsPFD count, condition, and accessibilityTesting nav lights, horn, and electronicsLesson 4Visual and sound signaling equipment: navigation lights requirements for dusk/low visibility, daytime signals (whistle/horn, air horn), distress signals (flares, V-sheet guidance)This lesson addresses essential and suggested visual and audio signals, including lights for dim conditions, sound alerts for encounters and passes, and sanctioned distress tools like flares, V-sheets, and orange smoke for day use in Eritrea.
Navigation light configurations by vessel typeRules for lights at anchor and while adriftWhistles, horns, and sound signal meaningsTypes of pyrotechnic flares and expiry datesUsing V‑sheets, flags, and orange smokeStowage and safe handling of distress signalsLesson 5Fire extinguishers: classification, rating, inspection, mounting, and location checksThis lesson outlines marine extinguisher categories and strengths, required quantities per vessel, gauge and seal examinations, secure mounting for easy reach, and applying the PASS technique with a safe exit path under Eritrean standards.
Fire classes A, B, C and marine rating labelsRequired number and size by vessel lengthMonthly inspection: gauge, pin, and corrosionMounting locations near but not on enginesPASS technique and safe firefighting stanceService intervals and replacement guidelinesLesson 6First aid kit contents specific to boating, seasickness remedies, and waterproofing medical suppliesThis lesson specifies boating-tailored first aid kit items, including injury supplies, burn and cut treatments, motion sickness aids, sun and warmth safeguards, and ways to waterproof, arrange, and renew medical resources periodically.
Core trauma and bleeding control suppliesBurn, cut, and fishhook injury materialsSeasickness prevention and treatment optionsSunburn, dehydration, and heat illness careWaterproof boxes, bags, and desiccantsInventory checks and restocking scheduleLesson 7Eritrean legal requirements for safety equipment: personal flotation device (PFD) types and carriage requirements by age and type of vesselThis lesson clarifies national and regional mandates for life vests and wearable PFDs, covering approved kinds, carrying and usage rules by age, boat size, and pursuits, along with compliance and record-keeping for operators in Eritrea.
USCG approval labels and PFD performance typesCarriage rules by vessel length and propulsionWear requirements for children by age groupSpecial rules for PWCs, towed sports, and kayaksState variations and checking local regulationsPenalties, inspections, and recordkeepingLesson 8Selection, sizing, and fitting of life jackets; inflatable vs foam PFDs; assigning and stowing PFDs for three passengersLearners discover selecting, measuring, and adjusting life jackets for various builds, contrasting inflatable and foam models, allocating PFDs to three travelers, marking and storing them for quick, dry access in crises on Eritrean lakes.
Reading PFD sizing charts and weight rangesFitting tests: strap adjustment and lift testInflatable vs foam: pros, cons, and limitationsAssigning PFDs to three named passengersLabeling, drying, and storage best practicesInspection intervals and replacement criteriaLesson 9Throwable flotation devices, when and how to use them, and proper stowageThis lesson teaches throwable flotation types, legal obligations, precise deployment to overboard persons, keeping clear paths, avoiding tangles, and storing for immediate, unhindered deck access in Eritrean boating scenarios.
Types IV devices: cushions and ring buoysLegal carriage and placement requirementsPerson‑overboard throw and aiming techniqueUsing heaving lines and avoiding entanglementInspection for damage, rot, and UV wearMounting brackets and grab‑and‑go storageLesson 10Emergency communication options: VHF marine radio operation and channels, mobile phone best practices, PLBs and EPIRBs, and using them correctlyThis lesson explores crisis contact devices, including VHF radios, vital channels, DSC alerts, secondary mobile phone uses, and registering, testing, activating PLBs and EPIRBs solely in genuine emergencies on Eritrean waters.
VHF radio basics and channel 16 monitoringRoutine, urgency, and distress call formatsDigital Selective Calling setup and MMSILimitations and best use of mobile phonesPLB and EPIRB registration and testingActivation steps and post‑rescue procedures
