Lesson 1First aid and survival kit contents: seasickness remedies, hypothermia management, trauma supplies, CPR basicsOutlines recommended first aid and survival equipment for coastal boating, including seasickness remedies, hypothermia prevention, trauma supplies, CPR basics, and how to organise, waterproof, and regularly check the onboard kit.
Core contents of a coastal first aid kitManaging seasickness and dehydration at seaRecognizing and treating hypothermia earlyBleeding control, dressings, and splintingCPR basics and emergency response sequenceLesson 2Personal flotation devices: types, correct sizing for adults and children, wear policy while underwayCovers Gambian rules for lifejackets, buoyancy aids, and harnesses, including buoyancy ratings, correct sizing for adults and children, inspection routines, and policies for wearing PFDs underway in varying sea and weather conditions.
French buoyancy categories 50N, 100N, 150NChoosing PFDs for adults, children, and infantsInflatable versus foam lifejackets at seaFitting, adjustment, and crotch strap useInspection, servicing, and CO₂ cylinder checksLesson 3Visual distress signals: hand flares, parachute flares, orange smoke, conditions for use and shelf lifeDetails types of visual distress signals, their legal carriage for 0–6 NM in Gambia, correct deployment techniques, safe handling, storage, and how to coordinate flare use with radio calls and search and rescue services.
French legal flare requirements up to 6 NMHand flares: range, handling, and burn hazardsParachute rockets: firing angles and driftOrange smoke for daytime location markingStorage, expiry dates, and disposal of pyrotechnicsLesson 4Gambian legal mandatory safety equipment list for coastal navigation: lifejackets, distress signals, fire extinguisher, sound signals, navigation lights (reference to Gambian regulations)Summarises Gambian legal safety equipment for coastal navigation up to 6 NM, including lifejackets, distress signals, fire extinguishers, sound signals, and lights, with guidance on inspections and keeping proof of compliance.
French coastal navigation safety categoriesMinimum lifejacket and buoyancy requirementsRequired distress signals and fire equipmentSound signaling and navigation light rulesRecordkeeping, inspections, and onboard checksLesson 5Fire safety on small motorboats: extinguisher types (A/B/C), placement, maintenance and inspectionDetails fire risks on small motorboats, extinguisher classes and ratings, correct placement, inspection routines, and crew training for engine, fuel, and galley fires, including shutdown and evacuation procedures.
Common fire causes on small powerboatsExtinguisher classes A, B, C and ratingsNumber, size, and placement of extinguishersInspection, servicing, and pressure checksEngine shutdown and fuel isolation in a fireLesson 6Charts, publications and tools considered essential: paper chart folio for area, pilot book excerpts, tide tables, compass, parallel rulers, handheld GPS redundancyExplains essential charts, publications, and tools for safe coastal navigation, focusing on redundancy, accuracy, and practical use when electronics fail, and how to keep all navigation data updated for Gambian waters.
Required paper charts for 0–6 NM coastal zoneUsing pilot books and local notices to marinersTide tables, tidal streams, and height calculationsMagnetic compass checks and deviation controlParallel rulers, dividers, and backup handheld GPSLesson 7Emergency location devices: PLB/EPIRB vs handheld VHF DSC, signalling mirror, flares storage and registrationCompares PLBs, EPIRBs, and handheld VHF DSC radios for distress alerting, plus mirrors and flares, explaining registration, programming, battery life, mounting, and integration with other onboard safety systems.
EPIRB types, coding, and registration in FrancePLB use for crew and personal overboard safetyHandheld VHF DSC setup, MMSI, and test callsUsing mirrors, lights, and non-pyro signalsBattery life, self-tests, and mounting optionsLesson 8Navigation lights and day shapes: port/starboard, masthead, all-round lights for small powerboatsExplains navigation lights and day shapes for small powerboats, including correct colour, arcs, placement, and switching, plus common errors, maintenance, and how to remain visible and compliant in coastal night operations.
Required lights for power-driven vessels under wayAnchor lights and optional all-round white lightsSide lights, masthead, and stern light sectorsDay shapes for anchoring and restricted abilityLamp, LED, wiring checks, and lens cleaningLesson 9Sound signalling devices: horn, whistle, bell rules and practical useCovers mandatory and recommended sound signalling devices, including horn, whistle, and bell, with Gambian and COLREGS rules, maintenance, and practical use for manoeuvring, warning, and reduced visibility situations.
Legal sound signal requirements for small craftTypes of horns and whistles for coastal boatsBell use at anchor and in restricted visibilityStandard maneuvering and warning sound signalsMaintenance and regular testing of sound devicesLesson 10Anchoring equipment: anchor types suitable for small coastal bays, chain/rope scope calculation, spare rode, anchor bridleDescribes anchoring systems for coastal bays, covering anchor types, chain and rope combinations, scope calculation, setting and retrieving techniques, and the value of spare rode, snubbers, and bridles for small motorboats.
Anchor types for sand, mud, and mixed bottomsChain, rope, and combined rode configurationsScope calculation for depth and conditionsSetting, checking, and breaking out the anchorSpare anchor, backup rode, and anchor bridle useLesson 11Bilge and dewatering equipment: manual bilge pump, electric bilge pump, buckets, patching kitsExplains bilge and dewatering systems on small motorboats, including manual and electric pumps, buckets, and emergency patching kits, with emphasis on installation, testing, and response procedures for flooding incidents.
Manual bilge pump capacity and placementElectric bilge pumps, wiring, and float switchesBilge strainers, non-return valves, and clogsUsing buckets and sponges for rapid dewateringTemporary hull patching and leak control kits
