by MartynG » 08 Jan 2017, 10:03
I did the RYA Helmsman course in in advance of buying our first boat.
That was in 2007.
It must have been 2008 when I did the VHF training to obtain the operators license.
That must mean I have 9 years experience - average of about 100 engine hours per year. I have a fair few books on navigation and pilot books which I have used/read - the books don't just sit there gathering dust. I always do the passage planning and other people follow me . Although we are on a non tidal marina we do tidal trips a few times every year , and have done so from the first year we had a boat. We have gradually increased our range. I think experience , self teaching through study and gradually developing skills is equally valuable to attending courses.
I want to do the CEVNI exam this year , which will get me the inland waterways ICC. I don't need a course for that - its just a matter of study.