Hello!

narked · 20 April 2002, 23:07

First of all I'd like to say hi!

New to the site and the forums, only discovered them today, while looking for info on RIBs as I'm doing the practical part of the BSAC Boat Handling course tomorrow, to add another sticker to my diving log book.

Really looking forward to it, especially as it'll only be my second time on a RIB, and this time I get to drive the thing.

Also, love the site, and the forum and the people on it seem interesting.

Can't wait to get a decent paying job so I can get my own RIB!

John Kennett · 21 April 2002, 07:07

Welcome!

What does the BSAC boat handling course cover? Do you need to have any previous experience?

John

narked · 21 April 2002, 07:16

The BH course is simply an intro. 4 lectures, one covering navigation, then a full day out on the RIB. Once you've done the course, you get an RYA logbook, and once you've logged 9 hours in the boat driving it (signed by someone else of a certain qualification) you can then take the Diver Coxswain examination, which is not only a BSAC qualification, but also includes the RYA Powerboat level 2, so you get the certificate for that too.

Oh well, now I'm off up to Knott-End, this should be fun

Keith Hart · 21 April 2002, 07:23

Hello Narked, welcome.

Quote: the people on it seem interesting

Substitute 'completely mad'

for 'interesting'. I'll tell you one thing you'll always get an opinion on any matter and there are some VERY experienced and Knowledgeable people on this forum.

Keith (not one of the knowledgeable) Hart

narked · 21 April 2002, 18:23

Well I've just got back from the boat handling course. I now wish I hadn't done it, because now I really really want my own RIB, but being 17 and having no money, it's unlikely!

Really enjoyed it, great fun. Some aspects were a lot easier than I'd expected, but other bits were a bit tricky. Made a great day out. Can't wait to get behind the wheel of the dive club's new Tornado once it's been built.

parahandy · 21 April 2002, 18:58

Hi Narked,
Did mine a few years ago now, found it very usefull. The RYA ones are also very worthwhile. Do they still have that horrendous parbuckling exercise in it? As you gathered amongst good company here.

narked · 21 April 2002, 20:28

Well now I just can't wait to get out in a RIB again, I think there's gonna be fights breaking out when we take the club's new boat up to Trearddur Bay as to who is going to be the cox...

Luckily I'm the biggest so I'll win, plus I did the most controlled figure 8s! So obviously I'm the best choice

Worst bit was the instructor decided to do a man overboard drill just as the bloke having his go at a high speed drive was at the weel. This bloke seemed to only know 3 throttle positions: full reverse, full forward, and neutral. Nearly ended up being a "whole crew overboard" drill.

Really tempted to do some RYA courses now, get more knowledgable on navigation and stuff, maybe even do some night based stuff.

Seems I've been bitten by the RIB bug....

Jono Garton · 21 April 2002, 22:44

Hi Narked

Did you do your cousre with Dave Mallet????

narked · 21 April 2002, 23:06

Who? (that would most likely be a "no" then

)

Did it with my BSAC club, Northwest Divers (BSAC 1004) based in Manchester.

We took 3 boats down (2 RIBs, one speedboat), and only 1 of the RIBs got away from the slip as the gears on the club's boat decided to stop working, and then the speedboat started having engine troubles about halfway through the day. Luckily I had got on the working RIB from the start, so didn't have any problems!

And, for the amusement of the others in the group, I found the end of the slipway, by walking straight off it. But I wasn't alone, as one of the others managed to find the edge of the slip by stepping backwards off it whilst holding the RIB steady. Apart from that, nothing went wrong, and I managed to soak everyone in the boat as soon as we got out to sea, BONUS!

Now then, who wants to buy me a car, a RIB, and a trailer?