Pdsd Courses Yachting

PDSD (Professional Development and Safety at Sea) courses are designed specifically for recreational yachtsmen and yachtswomen, designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to feel confident and safe when out on the water. PDSD courses include safety-at-sea, navigation, meteorology, marine engines and maintenance, communications, and watchstanding. Specific PDSD courses available for yachtsmen and yachtswomen include: basic seamanship, chart navigation, customized courses, collision regulations, and personal vessel safety. The basic seamanship course covers the basics, such as steering and heaving-to, anchoring and mooring, sailing techniques, and right-of-way rules. The chart navigation course covers electronic chart plotters, chart analysis, GPS and digital charting, routes of travel, and fixing positions. The open water course includes buoys and markers, cruising, coastal navigation, passage planning, and search and rescue. The collision regulation course covers the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and practices and techniques to prevent collisions while underway. The personal safety course includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, boatsmart information, and other essential safety problems. PDSD courses are a great way for recreational yachtsmen and yachtswomen to stay up to date on the latest safety information, enhance their basic seamanship skills and prepare for a safe and enjoyable voyage. The PDSD program can open doors to valuable knowledge and experiences for life, expanding one’s sailing horizons and inspiring others to do the same.