ORCV Pre-season Victoria, Tasmania and Bass Strait sailing update.

Having trouble keeping up with all the changes going on around the place? Barely got enough time to keep your boat ship shape and read to sail? Wouldn't it be nice if you could get a complete update on what's changed, what's new and what's going on in your favourite sailing areas and all in time for the start of the summer season? Well now you can, courtesy of our hardworking volunteers at the ORCV. One evening session in the warmth and comfort of our favourite location in South Melbourne and you'll have a good idea of all the latest news to do with weather forecasts, radio communications, wrecks/rocks/obstructions, harbour works, sailing programs and the like.

Overview.

The ORCV will be hosting an evening session with experienced ocean sailors and other presenters from various organisations giving you the latest information to help you enjoy your summer sailing. The session will suit experienced skippers and navigators as well as those who are considering heading out the heads for the first time this summer. The session will cover the coastal waters of Victorian and Tasmania as well as Bass Strait including the island groups therein.

Outcomes.

The session is designed to make you aware of recent developments and goings-on in and around our favorite sailing areas.

At the end of the session participants will have a good idea of particular topics or issues which are likely to affect their intended sailing plans for the summer and know where to go to obtain further information. This would include:

  • Check out the Bureau of Meteorology website for new forecasting services.

  • Amendments or additions they may need to make to their charts (electronic and paper)

  • Major works planned for the season which affect navigation.

  • What's on for the summer sailing program outside Port Phillip.

  • Changes to coast radio networks, repeaters and other tracking technology.

  • Guest speakers from Search and Rescue authorities.

Prerequisites

Participants should have a working knowledge of the following areas -

  • Bureau of Meteorology marine forecasting website services.

  • How to use a nautical chart including basic symbols.

  • VHF marine radio Operations including repeater operations.

  • Preferably completed a Safety and Sea Survival Course.

What to bring

Notepad and pen or pencil. Summary notes and supporting material will be provided.

Course Outline.

This session will be divided into a number of topics. Time spent on each topic will depend on the level of relevant content available at the time. The geographic scope of session is the coastal waters of Victoria and Tasmania and Bass Strait including the island groups. Topics will include -

  • Latest developments in Bureau of Meteorology services with particular emphasis on new internet based services.

  • Summary of recent, major changes affecting navigation including activities planned for the summer period.

  • Latest information on coast radio stations, repeater channels, hours of operation and channel monitoring, VHF and HF. AIS monitoring services.

  • ORCV Racing, cruising and training program for the summer season.

  • Other breaking news from the ORCV.

Assessments

No assessment is conducted, this is primarily an information session although there will be ample opportunity for questions from the floor and feedback is welcome from the participants.

Qualifications

ORCV requires that at least one, and for Category 2 and above events and double handed entries, two members of the crew hold suitable qualifications, knowledge and experience. In addition it is recommended that at least one of the crew is familiar with ORCV routine communication protocols for position reporting.

Course Materials

All participants will be provided with -

  • Summary of significant Notices to Mariners

  • Outline of changes to the BOM weather information services - internet and radio.

  • Sailing program summary.

  • Coast radio station summary.

Dates, Locations, Times, Duration

Monday, September 28th 2015

Duration 2.5 hrs

7:00pm – 9:30pm

Bells Hotel.

157 Moray St,

South Melbourne

Cost

ORCV members $20

Non-ORCV members $50

Cost includes course handouts and up to $20 toward a main course choice from the Bell's Menu.

Enrolment

Online registration is available through the “register” button. Course numbers are limited and payment is required when enrolling to secure your place.