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
• teach at least one sailing class session at the pavilion each season
• illustrate your comprehension of the 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
• solicit approval from two other bluewater skippers by acting as captain on trips with them
• complete a US Coast Guard OUPV (6-pack) license course (or other course?)
• be approved by the MIT Sailing Master

Bluewater Skills

• sailing onto and off of a mooring
• proper use of lines when docking
• proper use of winches and general line handling
• understanding of mainsail and genoa trim, including proper use of sheets, traveler, vang, etc.
• sail reefing techniques
• anchoring skills
• reading nautical charts
• navigation techniques, such as dead reckoning and determining a fix
• identification of bouys, lights, daybeacons, and other aids to navigation
• understanding of tides
• proper use of the ship's compass
• proper use of GPS
• proper use of Radar
• VHF radio protocols
• knowledge of distress signals and other emergency procedures
• comprehensive knowledge of U.S. and international Navigation Rules
• understanding of state and federal boating laws
• understanding and proper use of ship systems
  • electrical systems (12v and 110v)
  • diesel engine
  • head, pumping out
  • freshwater system
  • refrigerator