Nautical Studies

Examining Body:Accredited by a school certificate with a portfolio of achievements gained from the Royal Yachting Association

• This course is unique to Graham School.  Participants are selected by letter of application in the Spring Term.
• Meteorology -  the climate and weather of the United Kingdom with particular emphasis on weather systems and sources of weather forecast.
• Chartwork - to give a basic understanding of Admiralty Charts and the use of chartwork instruments in order to demonstrate basic navigational techniques.
• The effect of tides and tidal data leading on to tidal calculations.
• Theory of Floatation and Stability - basic ship design and safety.  Students learn to calculate cross-sectional stability functions.
• An introduction to basic Marine Biology and Oceanography.
• 5 days sea experience with the Ocean Youth Trust leading to the practical Certificate of Start Yachting (RYA/DoT)
• 5 days dinghy sailing and Power Boat course at East Barnby Centre for Outdoor Education, leading to RYA Scheme Awards

Strong emphasis is placed upon the practical component and the practical tests include: -

• Handling and management of craft
• VHF Radio telephone procedures
• IALA Buoyage
• Measurement of direction, speed, distance & depth
• Pilotage - international Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
• Safety at Sea
• During the course suitable candidates may be entered for the Royal Yachting Association. Shore based Schemes - Day Skipper/Coastal Skipper, Sea Survival, VHF Radiotelephone Certificate of Competence, and First Aid.

Published February 14, 2011