Lesson 1First aid and survival kit contents: seasickness remedies, hypothermia management, trauma supplies, CPR basicsOutlines suggested first aid and survival kit for coastal boating, with seasickness meds, hypothermia care, trauma supplies, CPR basics, and how to pack, waterproof, and check the onboard kit regularly.
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 French rules for lifejackets, buoyancy aids, and harnesses, including buoyancy levels, right sizing for adults and kids, check routines, and when to wear PFDs underway in different sea and weather.
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, legal requirements for 0–6 NM in France, right launch methods, safe handling, storage, and coordinating flares with radio calls 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 4French legal mandatory safety equipment list for coastal navigation: lifejackets, distress signals, fire extinguisher, sound signals, navigation lights (reference to French regulations)Sums up French legal safety gear for coastal navigation up to 6 NM, like lifejackets, distress signals, fire extinguishers, sound signals, and lights, with tips on checks and 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 types and ratings, right placement, check routines, and crew training for engine, fuel, and galley fires, including shutdown and evacuation steps.
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 key charts, publications, and tools for safe coastal navigation, stressing backups, accuracy, and hands-on use when electronics fail, and keeping navigation data up to date for French 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, signaling mirror, flares storage and registrationCompares PLBs, EPIRBs, and handheld VHF DSC for distress calls, plus mirrors and flares, covering registration, setup, battery life, mounting, and linking with other safety systems onboard.
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 right colours, arcs, placement, and switching, plus common mistakes, upkeep, and staying visible and compliant at night on the coast.
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 signaling devices: horn, whistle, bell rules and practical useCovers must-have and suggested sound signals like horn, whistle, and bell, with French and COLREGS rules, upkeep, and practical use for manoeuvring, warnings, and low visibility.
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 setups for coastal bays, covering anchor types, chain and rope mixes, scope calculations, setting and retrieving, and benefits 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 on small motorboats, including manual and electric pumps, buckets, and patching kits, stressing fitting, testing, and steps for flooding.
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
