Irish National Sailing School
Introduction to Powerboating (Level 1) C-18
Overview
Who should do this course?
No previous experience required! If you have never driven a powerboat before and are looking for an informative and exhilarating day on the water this is for you. Participants must be aged 16 years or older.
What’s covered?
- Preparation of powerboat for going to sea
- Starting the engine and safety checks
- Basic manoeuvres and ropework, e.g. parking and tying up to a dock
- Undertaking a RIB trip
- High Speed Handling
- What to do in a Man Over Board situation
- 3 students to 1 instructor per boat
Our cancellation policy for this course can be viewed here.
What to Bring
We provide waterproofs, lifejacket / buoyancy aid and all other safety equipment but it is necessary to bring the following:
Warm layers to wear underneath water proofs.
Grippy footwear that you don't mind getting a splash or two, old runners are ideal.
Suncream and hat!
Woolly Hat (for the colder days)
Change of clothes, you're unlikely to fall in, but better to have them just in case.
Shower Gear - Towel, Shampoo etc - for the same reason.
Packed Lunch
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Competent Crew Course - Excellent Instructor - Having done a few courses with the INSS over the summer of 2023, and some sailing on the Mediterranean, doing the Competent Crew course with others who were doing the Day Skipper course at the same time was the highlight of my time learning how to sail. The reason it was the highlight was largely due to the course instructor Shona O'Dowd (I made certain to get her full name before leaving to give her the credit she deserved). Huge knowledge and experience mixed with a great attitude, with friendliness, patience and approachability making Shona stand out and make each day of the course something to look forward to regardless of weather or experience level. Shona guided practical use of all facets of sailing knowledge excellently and never micromanaged or tried to exert too much control, thereby never limiting the learning that can take place for students.
This teaching style is difficult to find, having seen a variety of instructors and their styles, in different countries and even within the INSS, and so you will be very lucky if you get Shona on your boat when it comes your turn to learn the ropes (literally). All in all, the Competent Crew course was very enjoyable, and I just wanted to give credit where it was due.
20/08/2023