Lesson 1Bilge and fuel safety: bilge operation, ventilation for petrol fumes, fuel spill kits and containmentYou'll learn how bilge systems function, testing pumps and float switches, ventilating areas to clear petrol fumes, preventing and handling fuel spills, and using absorbent pads, plugs, and containment gear safely and in compliance with regulations.
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 (plough, fluke, mushroom), rode and chain sizing, scope calculation, and anchoring procedures for swimming/holding in protected harboursHere you'll learn anchor types and suitable bottom conditions, sizing rode and chain, calculating safe scope, setting and checking the anchor, and procedures for swimming stops and holding in protected harbours or coves in New Zealand.
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 section guides a systematic pre-departure checklist, covering batteries and electrical systems, fuel and ventilation, fire extinguisher tags, PFD condition and count, navigation lights, and recording findings before leaving the dock.
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 signalling equipment: navigation lights requirements for dusk/low visibility, daytime signals (whistle/horn, air horn), distress signals (flares, V-sheet guidance)This section details required and recommended visual and sound signals, including navigation lights for low visibility, sound signals for meeting and crossing, and approved distress signals like flares, V-sheets, and orange smoke for daytime.
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 section explains marine fire extinguisher classes and ratings, required units for your vessel, inspecting gauges and seals, mounting for quick access, and using the PASS method while keeping a safe escape route.
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 section outlines boating-specific first aid kit items, including trauma supplies, burn and wound care, seasickness remedies, sun and heat protection, and ways to waterproof, organise, and refresh medical supplies regularly.
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 7New Zealand legal requirements for safety equipment: personal flotation device (PFD) types and carriage requirements by age and type of vesselThis section explains national and regional rules for life jackets and wearable PFDs, including approved types, carriage and wear requirements by age, vessel length, and activity, plus enforcement and documentation for operators.
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 passengersHere you'll learn to choose, size, and fit life jackets for various body types, compare inflatable and foam designs, assign PFDs to three passengers, label and stow them for easy, dry access in emergencies.
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 stowageHere you'll learn throwable flotation device types, legal requirements, accurate deployment to a person overboard, maintaining a clear line, avoiding entanglement, and stowing for instant deck access.
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 correctlyYou'll explore emergency tools like VHF marine radios, key channels, DSC distress calls, mobile phone backups, and how PLBs and EPIRBs are registered, tested, and activated only in real emergencies.
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
