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Finding yourself in charge of a boat after the skipper has disappeared over the side is a scary proposition for most and is why Coastguard Northern Region run a course called Suddenly in Charge.
It's proved very popular, especially as it's a course run by women for women, and two courses are being run on the North Shore in the next few weeks.
The Devonport Yacht Club will host a course at their clubrooms on November 14 (7pm-9.30pm) and Hibiscus Coast Outboard Boating Club in Stanmore Bay will host another on December 3 (7pm-9.30pm). It costs $55 per person.
Suddenly in Charge has appealed to women who feel they need the basic skills, knowledge and confidence to take over in an emergency situation. The course teaches the basics of safety, communication, navigation and boat skills and the participants have come from all the different branches of boating: sail, power and even commercial.
The course answers a clear need to empower women with the skills they need to gain confidence, but also to act as a stepping stone to higher knowledge and skills aboard their boats. Participants are encouraged to carry on to the Coastguard's day skipper and radio courses. Every boat is safer when everyone has the skills, knowledge and confidence to handle any situation, especially emergencies, and is something other clubs could look at offering.
The Suddenly In Charge seminars are presented by three experienced female tutors. Each one delivers a separate interactive session and delegates are assigned to one of three small groups which rotate so everyone attends all three.
"Great evening - good tutors and a lovely setting - very positive in my quest to see if I will eventually buy a boat and feel comfortable in that world," said one attendee. "A big definite yes!"
See here for more on the course, including options to buy tickets
