Lesson 1Bilge and fuel safety: bilge operation, ventilation for petrol fumes, fuel spill kits and containmentYou will discover how bilge systems function, testing pumps and float switches, ventilating areas to clear petrol fumes, preventing and addressing fuel spills, and using absorbent pads, plugs, and containment tools safely and within regulations.
Manual and electric bilge pump operationTesting float switches and discharge hosesPre-start ventilation and sniff test routineFuel system inspection for leaks and odoursFuel 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 learn anchor varieties and suitable bottom types, sizing rode and chain, calculating secure scope, setting and verifying the anchor, and procedures for swimming stops and holding in sheltered harbours or bays.
Plough, 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 harboursLesson 3Pre-departure equipment checks: battery state, fuel system leak inspection, fire extinguisher service tags, PFD condition checks, lighting testThis section outlines a methodical pre-departure checklist, covering batteries and electricals, fuel and ventilation, fire extinguisher tags, PFD status and quantity, navigation lights, and recording observations before leaving the dock.
Battery charge, terminals, and shutoff switchesFuel level, lines, primer bulbs, and ventsVentilation blowers and odour 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 addresses required and suggested visual and sound signals, including navigation lights for poor visibility, sound signals for encounters and crossings, and approved distress signals like flares, V-sheets, and orange smoke for day use.
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 clarifies marine fire extinguisher classes and ratings, required units per vessel, inspecting gauges and seals, mounting for easy access, and applying the PASS method while ensuring a safe escape path.
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 specifies boating-focused first aid kit items, including trauma aids, burn and wound treatment, seasickness solutions, sun and heat safeguards, and techniques for waterproofing, organising, and updating 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 7Zimbabwean legal requirements for safety equipment: personal flotation device (PFD) types and carriage requirements by age and type of vesselThis section outlines national and provincial rules for life jackets and wearable PFDs, covering approved types, carriage and wear mandates by age, vessel size, and activity, plus enforcement and documentation for operators.
Approval labels and PFD performance typesCarriage rules by vessel length and propulsionWear requirements for children by age groupSpecial rules for PWCs, towed sports, and kayaksProvincial 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 learn selecting, sizing, and fitting life jackets for various body shapes, contrasting inflatable and foam types, assigning PFDs to three passengers, labelling and stowing them for quick, dry access in crises.
Reading PFD sizing charts and weight rangesFitting tests: strap adjustment and lift testInflatable vs foam: pros, cons, and limitationsAssigning PFDs to three named passengersLabelling, drying, and storage best practicesInspection intervals and replacement criteriaLesson 9Throwable flotation devices, when and how to use them, and proper stowageHere you learn throwable flotation types, legal mandates, accurate deployment to overboard persons, maintaining clear lines, avoiding tangles, and stowing for immediate, unhindered 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 will investigate emergency tools like VHF marine radios, essential channels, DSC distress calls, mobile phone backups, and registering, testing, activating PLBs and EPIRBs only in genuine 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
