Bluewater Crew Rating

This is a list of the bluewater ratings and the skills required to obtain them. This document is a work in progress (oct08). Once it stabilizes, the official ratings and checklists will be posted at the sailing.mit.edu site proper.

Bluewater Ratings

Bluewater Skipper Basic

Bluewater Skipper Night

Bluewater Skipper Intercoastal

Procedure

To become an MIT bluewater skipper, you must:

   * obtain the Provisional, Crew, Rhodes-19, and Helmsman ratings
   * illustrate your comprehension of the Nevermore ship systems
   * illustrate your mastery of ocean sailing skills
   * demonstrate your ability to direct a crew
   * actively participate in the maintenance, upkeep, and improvement of the boat
   * participate in at least two skipper training cruises
   * teach at least one sailing class session at the pavilion each season
   * solicit approval from two other bluewater skippers by acting as captain on Nevermore trips with them
   * complete a US Coast Guard OUPV (6-pack) license course
   * be approved by the MIT Sailing Master

Bluewater Skills

1. sailing onto and off of a mooring
2. proper use of lines when docking
3. proper use of winches and general line handling
4. understanding of mainsail and genoa trim, including proper use of sheets, traveler, vang, etc.
5. sail reefing techniques
6. anchoring skills
7. reading nautical charts
8. navigation techniques, such as dead reckoning and determining a fix
9. identification of bouys, lights, daybeacons, and other aids to navigation
10. understanding of tides
11. proper use of the ship's compass
12. proper use of GPS
13. proper use of Radar
14. VHF radio protocols
15. proper use of the diesel engine
16. knowledge of distress signals and other emergency procedures
17. comprehensive knowledge of U.S. and international Navigation Rules.
18. understanding of state and federal boating laws