Neil and Amanda are experienced power boat owners and operators. However, even with their previous boating experience, the couple recognised the necessity of increasing their skill level when upgrading their former vessel to a new boat.
The new boat, a Mustang 3800, is much larger and far more complex than what they had been used to operating. The very popular 38-foot Queensland-built Mustang is one of the widest bodied sports cruisers in its class and, as such, they wanted to learn how to confidently handle the new vessel and its more advanced technology.
Of course, protecting their valuable new acquisition with an appropriate insurance policy is a ‘no-brainer’. As part of their due diligence, insurance companies now request evidence from prospective clients regarding their boat handling and navigation skills, to ensure that boat owners and handlers are better prepared to take their vessels offshore and on extended journeys. So, along with the confidence to competently handle the new boat, an added benefit is the ability to satisfy the insurance companies’ requirements.
After reading glowing reviews from her past ‘students’, Neil and Amanda approached Karla Herbert-Evans of Nautical Training & Marine Services and enrolled in the organisation’s vessel familiarisation, close quarter manoeuvring, and navigation training modules. The training took place out of Newport Marina, Queensland using the couple’s Mustang 3800.
The couple found that the most difficult skill to master was docking and manoeuvring the boat using only the twin drives and throttle controls but, with Karla’s calm instruction during training, they were able to overcome that challenge. Neil and Amanda’s feedback provides a glowing testimonial to the value of the courses offered by Karla.
“An absolutely fantastic session that was very well structured and professional. It gave us the confidence to be able to take the boat out and further practice our new skills. The training covered many topics that we weren’t expecting such as manual navigation / map reading, start and finish checks, engine fluid checks and maintenance, and correct setup and tying of mooring lines.”
They received a “Certificate of Completion”, which details the valuable skills acquired by the couple during the course, under the broad headings of: Voyage Planning – Moreton Bay Navigation; Vessel Familiarization Checklists; Practical Vessel Handling and Manoeuvring; and Vessel Docking Proficiency.
They will now be able to provide verification of their due diligence regarding vessel handling and navigation skills.
In addition, Karla provided the couple with practical advice on matters to address on the Mustang 3800, such as issues with the displays on the Simrad GPS Satellite positioning screens, publications, video tutorials and the possible acquisition of tear drop fenders and mooring line holders. She also made some recommendations for further training sessions including anchoring, and possible locations to explore.
Karla offers a range of services: AMSA and Qld Boatsafe Training Courses; Recreational Marine Driver Licence Course; Personal Watercraft Course; AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal Practical course. Yacht / Vessel delivery services throughout Australia and Pacific One of Nautical Training’s most popular courses is their individually tailored ‘Onboard Practicals’ which can be conducted using either your vessel or Nautical Training’s commercial vessel. This course covers Vessel Familiarisation Knots, Lines and Hitches; Broadwater Navigation Vessel Handling & Manoeuvring; and Berthing, Docking & Anchoring.
Their increasingly popular Navigation Courses, essential for insurance purposes, are offered as:
>‘Navigation Basics’ – which covers IALA Buoyage System; Chart Features; Latitude and Longitude; Compass True and Magnetic; Compass Bearings; Compass Conversions; Distance Speed Time; Tide Calculations; and Passage Planning
>‘Navigational Positioning’ – featuring Chart Plotting Shaping a Course; Calculating Set and Drift; and Dead Reckoning Position Fixing, and
>‘Night Navigation’ -helping sailors to master Night Navigation; Radar Positioning; Radar Plotting; Onboard Practical; and Navigating Broadwater or Moreton Bay Overnight.
To book these courses, or boat licence and jet ski licence training and assessment, as well as AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 practical, contact Karla directly at karla@nauticaltraining.com.au
Ph: 0412 550 570
Published in print April-June 2024
