"otnmbrd" wrote in message
ink.net...
Comments interspersed: See John E's response

I've seen it, and it looks like he has done the test recently.


Donal wrote:


The question was "How can this be done?".

I've tried to answer the question, but Joe doesn't want to believe me.
I've also tried to give "real life" examples.

As far as I remember, you have no inputs at all. You issue orders from
down below, and you predict your position from tide tables. etc.

I believe the "tide tables. etc." was the info joe was looking for. As I
said, I was getting a "glimmer" of this from your responses, but wasn't
absolutely sure.


I thought that I mentioned these fairly early in the conversation.




I'm only talking about standard stuff, currents, leeway, etc.

It is probably designed to show your real passage planning abilities,
and
your likely performance in fog.

.... and as you say, "passage planning" is an area that many people do
not make enough use of, and an area that can save a good deal of grief
if properly employed.

Before taking the family on cross-channel trips, I always make sure that my
wife and eldest son do a passage plan. That way, if anything happens to me
they should be able to carry on.

I've also taught my kids that using the GPS means a longer crossing, even
when you allow for the *predicted* tide. The tides are rarely exactly as
predicted. This doesn't matter much on a 12-14 hour crossing, because if
the tide goes faster one way, then it will also go faster the other way. So
we usually stick to our course. Big errors usually correct themselves when
the tide turns.





I, for one, would be interested in the specifics of this test, but from
your description, don't have a clue as to what's involved, though I'm
beginning to pick up some glimmers, that it's a basic piloting exam.


I've described the test several times.
You are sent below, where the ports(windows) have been blacked out.
You have your starting position clearly marked on the chart.. After 1/2
hour you are asked to mark your current position on the chart.

While you are below, you may issue instructions. eg course to steer.
I don't remember if you are told the speed.

The examiner will check the accuracy of your plot, and decide if you
merit
a pass. The examiner decides what accuracy he requires.

Again, see John E's response.

It's 13-14 years since I did the course, so I'm cannot give you the
specifics of what is required.

understood


13 years ago, there was far less electronics on boats. There wasn't
even
GPS.

I think it's been a bit longer than that....course, the time element of
change from "sat nav" to "gps" is kinda blurry ... sat nav being in the
early 80's

The only nav systems that I saw on boats was Decca. Maybe GPS sets were too
expensive???



Hmmm, who's trolling? Joe claims that doing 25 knots in fog under
radar
alone is safe. He refuses to believe that you can use tide tables and a
chart to plan a course that you can actually use without much further
assistance. Now you expect me to remember all the precise details of
something that I studied 13 years ago!

G I think you misread/understood what Joe was saying (at least, I read
his statement differently) No one runs the type of boat he was talking
about, in fog, at those speeds, under radar "alone".

Did you read the thread? He seemed pretty clear on the subject, and
defended his position quite vigourously.


The route is well known, local knowledge is extensive, tides and
currents are well known and specific, as are traffic patterns,
densities, etc., and a lookout is normal (lookout may not be on the bow
as this could be dangerous, but there will be one, though I recognize
"idiots" exist in all quarters).

Joe was adamant that he used radar, and didn't need any other form of
lookout.

Now, as to your memory ..... of course I expect you to remember those
details .... just don't expect me to remember the details of my "radar
recertification" I did @6 mos ago.


I've come to the conclusion that you remember the things that are of
practical use. For example, I have forgotton almost all of the morse code.

I've also forgotton what most identification lights mean. If they have
anything unusual, then I give way.


Regards


Donal
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