SKYDIVING CERTIFICATION
HANG-GLIDING CERTIFICATION
PARA-GLIDING CERTIFICATION
SCUBA DIVING
YACHT SAILING CERTIFICATIONS
HANDGUN HANDLING CERTIFICATIONS
SKYDIVING CERTIFICATION
Becoming A Certified Skydiver
If you've never made a skydive, Extremethings.com highly recommends a Tandem Skydive for your first jump. A tandem jump allows you to experience the thrill of a freefall from 13,500 feet, with minimum training and set up time. You can simply relax and enjoy your skydive, while an experienced professional instructor handles the equipment procedures.
If you've already made a jump, and are interested in becoming a regular skydiver, you will need to go through an approved training program. The Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) program is the industry standard for skydive certification. A typical program requires eight skydives or more before you are cleared to jump without supervision. After which you'll need at least 25 skydives before you can qualify for your first United States Parachute Association (USPA) license.
USPA issues four skydiving licenses, A through D, indicating progressive levels of skill and accomplishment. USPA licenses remain current with membership and are recognized by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
AFF Overview
The accelerated free fall program consists of a combination of ground school and training jumps. Training begins with 6-8 hours of ground school, where the student learns everything he or she needs to know in order to make a safe skydive. Ground school is followed by a series of training jumps designed to build the student's knowledge and skills to a point where he or she can safely supervise himself or herself on a solo skydive. During the first few jumps, the student will be accompanied by two instructors during the skydive. Later levels will require only one instructor, and when the student has demonstrated sufficient skills and knowledge, he or she will be cleared to jump without supervision.
ACCELERATED FREEFALL (AFF) PROGRAM
Level 1 – You will begin your training with an intensive ground school that lasts approximately 6 hours. You will receive a basic orientation to skydiving, and learn aircraft procedures, freefall body position, canopy (parachute) control, safety procedures, and much more.
After completing your ground school, you will be assigned two Accelerated Freefall Certified Jump Masters. You will make your skydive with your Jumpmasters, and practice some predetermined maneuvers, including aircraft exit, stable freefall, and parachute deployment and control. Your Jumpmasters will remain with you during freefall which will last approximately 60 seconds. You will then deploy your own parachute and pilot your canopy into the landing area under radio supervision and using the landing principles taught in the ground school.
Level 2 – You exit the plane with 2 jump masters, and continue to learn basic skills such as relaxing in the skydiving environment, heading awareness, more on parachute deployment and landing principles, and airport orientation.
Level 3 – You exit the aircraft with 2 jump masters and continue to enhance your basic skills. As you progress, and your flying skills improve, your jump masters will release you, but remain close to you at all times. You'll now experience the feel of acceleration on your first solo freefall. Skills learned during this unassisted freefall include heading maintenance, hover control, landing patterns for higher winds, wing loading, turbulence, obstacle recognition, and others.
Level 4 – As your skills continue to improve, you will be learning more "heading control" techniques using 90 degree turns and forward movement, this time with only one jump master. Introduction to three-ring release operation, cloud clearance and visibility, and back riser control are also observed.
Level 5 – This level continues instruction, with more controlled 360 degree turns, and forward movement with one jump master. Aerobatics, stalls, recovering stability and awareness, high-wind landings, and aircraft emergency procedures are also covered.
Level 6 – You learn more advanced maneuvers as you dive out and demonstrate delta tracking (gliding across the sky), freefall flips and recovery from pre-planned unstable body positions. Group exits, equipment packing are also reviewed.
Level 7 – One jump master remains with you in freefall while you make a solo diving exit and demonstrate your newly acquired skydiving skills, including swooping, floater position, forward and backward movement, adjusting fall rate, docking, breakoff, front riser control, maximum performance canopy turns, and collision avoidance.
After completing the accelerated freefall program you are now ready to pursue your USPA “A” license.
HANG-GLIDING CERTIFICATION
Hang Gliding is a self-regulated sport, so no official certifications are required by law to own or operate a hang glider. However, most launch sites and landing zones appropriate for hang gliding require a certification by the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA).
The USHGA has organized a system of skill level ratings. A pilot achieves a rating when he demonstrates the skill and experience level necessary to perform the flying tasks associated with each level: Beginner = low altitude gliding; Novice = high altitude gliding; Intermediate = soaring; and Advanced = cross-country flying. When unknown pilots show up at a flying site, their ratings give the local pilots a measure of their skill levels.
Certified USHGA instructors can witness your flight, administer a short written test, and provide you with a rating. What follows is a brief summary of each rating:
• Hang-1: Beginner
o Set up and preflight of glider and harness, including familiarity with owner's manual(s).
o Demonstrate proper ground handling of equipment.
o Launch unassisted showing:
• Aggressive run, if foot launched.
• Good angle of attack and pitch control.
• Directional control.
• Smooth transition to flying, during launch.
o Airspeed recognition and control.
o Shows ability to recognize and understand different wind conditions.
o On each flight, demonstrates proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited t
• Setting glider down.
• Unhooking.
• Checking traffic.
• Removal of glider from landing area.
o Demonstration of understanding of proper breakdown, packing, transportation, and storage of glider.
o Must pass USHGA Hang Gliding Beginner written exam.
The Hang-1 Beginner certification allows the pilot to fly training hills without an instructor.
New pilots spend anywhere from 4 to 10 days at the training hill learning and practicing their basic hang gliding skills. Each day is designed to build on the last as you move from simple to complex tasks. The program should be tailored to each student.
• Hang-2: Novice
o Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school theory.
o Demonstrates set-up and preflight of glider, harness, and reserve parachute.
o Demonstrates control of the glider in turns and has more advanced launch and landing skills in a variety of flying conditions.
o Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or emergency conditions.
o Must pass the USHGA Novice Hang Gliding Written Examination.
This allows the pilot to fly most mountain sites and tow parks, under supervision by an observer.
• Hang-3: Intermediate
o The pilot has 10 hours of air time, understands right-of-way rules, wind and site conditions, spot landings & approaches.
o This allows the pilot to fly nearly all mountain sites and tow parks.
• Hang-4: Advanced
o Must have significant experience with extended flights and thermals at a variety of intermediate sites.
o The pilot has years of experience and their mentoring skills allow them to be an observer.
• Hang-5: Master
o Pilot is probably a competition pilot, with tandem flights, cross-country flights, and all special skills sign-offs.
o The pilot is likely an instructor with a decade of experience.
The most effective way to learn to hang-glide is to work with a good instructor who has a well-organized lesson program that can be tailored to your needs and progressive proficiency. Contact the USHGA to find hang-gliding schools near your location.
What to Expect
Hang Gliding is a little different from other flying action sports in that an instructor cannot just sit in the back seat and take over the “controls” if something goes awry. Unless you’re doing a tandem flight, in hang-gliding, you "solo" on your very first flight leading to a certification. So instead of practicing at a high altitude, you must first learn to fly the glider with your feet firmly on the ground. Therefore, before you go to the training hill for your first lesson, you will attend an orientation and ground school which will probably include a video demonstrating what your first lessons will cover.
After ground school, you will learn the takeoffs and landings. Here you’ll begin to understand what the glider feels like over your head as you run along a flat training field. When you finally get a feel for the glider and its controls, you move onto a slope or hillside. An instructor will give control input suggestions via harness mounted radio to encourage you to act and react as needed. These flights are short at first, to enable you to keep everything under control. But as your skills improve, you’ll make longer and higher flights. When your skills are solid after practice low on the hill you can fly from the higher levels with control and confidence.
PARA-GLIDING CERTIFICATION
Para-gliders are regulated under the Federal Aviation Regulations Section 103 and therefore a license is not required to paraglide. However, para-gliding is a self-regulated sport under the auspices of the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA). The vast majority of pilots and gliding instructors adhere to the policies and guidelines of the USHGA. As such, local flying regulations will require pilots to have certain USHGA certified ratings, such as Novice (Para 2) or Intermediate (Para 3) in order to fly at a particular site.
The basic beginner program (para-glider one rating) is a 3-4 day program. This is not a solo certification and is only good for training purposes. Actual solo certification comes at the Novice stage. The novice program is the primary goal for most new pilots. Once the student has received a novice rating, they are technically qualified to fly without an instructor.
What follows is a brief summary of each rating:
• Para-1: Beginner
o Attends and completes a basic ground school.
o Layout and preflight of canopy and harness.
o Demonstrates canopy handling skills sufficient to launch from a training hill under control.
o Launch unassisted showing:
• Aggressive inflation and run.
• Pendulum control during launch.
• Directional control.
• Smooth transition from running to flying, during launch.
o Airspeed recognition and control.
o Shows the ability to recognize and understand different wind conditions.
o On each flight, demonstrates proper post-landing procedure, to include, but not limited t
• Canopy deflation.
• Canopy immobilization.
• Checking traffic.
• Removal of canopy from landing area
• Disconnection from the canopy.
o Demonstration of understanding of the importance of proper packing, storage, and care of the canopy.
o Has read and understands USHGA statements regarding good judgment and maturity.
o Must pass the USHGA Beginner Paragliding written exam.
One of the advantages of para-gliding is that you can be flying solo during your first day of instruction. However, in order to acquire the basic skills necessary to fly on your own without instructor supervision, you need to take a Novice (Para 2) Certification Course, which generally takes a total of 7 to 10 days and a minimum of 25 flights. During such a course, you will complete the USHGA-mandated amount of ground-school time, flights, and flying days, and will learn about high altitude flight, advanced maneuvers and reserve parachute deployment. Whether you complete your training in consecutive days or spread out over several months is up to you, although a more concentrated training is better.
• Para-2: Novice
o Attends a minimum of 8 hours of ground school, 25 flights, and 5 flying days.
o Demonstrates layout and preflight of the canopy, harness, and backup reserve parachute.
o Demonstrates control of the glider in turns and has more advanced launch and landing skills in a variety of flying conditions.
o Demonstrates 2 no-wind (0-5 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.
o Demonstrates 2 high-wind (10-15 m.p.h.) inflations/launches.
o Demonstrates flight with smooth variation in airspeed, from above minimum sink to fast flight, while maintaining a heading.
o Demonstrates hands-off flying, weight-shift turns, and rear-riser turns.
o Demonstrates 5 landings within 25' of a target, safe, smooth, on the feet and into the wind.
o Explains correct canopy maintenance.
o Explains how to lengthen and shorten the flight path.
o Explains the right of way traffic rules.
o Demonstrates reserve deployment while hanging in a harness in simulated turbulence or malfunction conditions.
o Demonstrates proper and effective PLF technique.
o Must pass the USHGA Novice Paragliding written exam.
The Novice program is a thorough and intensive course designed to produce a safe, confident and competent pilot. During this program you will learn about glider aerodynamics, meteorology, thermal flying, ridge soaring, flight maneuvers, and emergency procedures. The program should focus on building your launching, landing and flight techniques through intensive ground handling and repetition of flights.
• Para-3: Intermediate
o Pilot must have logged a minimum of 30 flying days; a total of at least 90 flights; and a minimum of 20 hours of solo airtime.
o The pilot has 10 hours of air time, understands right-of-way rules, wind and site conditions, spot landings & approaches.
• Hang-4: Advanced
o The pilot must have 250 flights; made 5 flights at each of 5 different sites in Intermediate level conditions.
o Must have logged a minimum of 80 flying days.
o Must have logged a minimum of 75 hours total airtime, with no more than 25 of these hours to be tandem. Of these 75 hours, 25 must be in thermal lift, with no more than 10 of these 25 hours to be tandem flights.
o Must have flown a minimum of 5 different canopies.
• Hang-5: Master
o Must be a current USHGA Full Member.
o Must have all Special Skills witnessed except Para Ski (PS).
o Must have a minimum of 400 hours airtime with at least 200 hours in thermals, and at least 500 logged flights.
o Must obtain at least 3 letters of recommendation from USHGA Paragliding Observers or Examiners who will attest to the flying requirements and especially the good judgment and maturity of the applicant.
o Must possess the Bronze Safe Pilot Award
SCUBA DIVING
The Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI), the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), SCUBA Schools International (SSI), and the National Association of SCUBA Diving Schools are the largest diving certifications in the world. PADI is the most widely recognized and respected rating and it their system from which most of the following information is derived.
Virtually anyone who is in good health and reasonably fit can become a certified scuba diver. The basic certification is the Open Water Diver program offered by PADI. To qualify, you must be at least 15 years of age and able to swim a minimum of 200 yards (using any stroke you want) and able to float or tread on water unassisted for 10 minutes.
(There is also the PADI Jr Open Water Diver program is available to minor under 15 years of age.)
The PADI Open Water Diver program takes approximately 20 hours to complete and will involve the swim test, 5 academic lessons, 5 confined water sessions, 4 open water dives. Most diving facilities will offer a either a 5 day intensive program or a one that this spread over several weekends.
The because the certification process can take valuable time away from one’s vacation or holiday, Extremethings.com advises students to take all the classroom and pool sessions locally in their home town, and then go to warmer climates to do the open water dives. Besides, it sounds so much cooler to say you got scuba certified in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, for instance, than New Jersey!
One thing to keep in mind, however, is to make sure that your travel to a warmer environment to complete your open water dives is not too long delayed after finishing up with your confined water training. If too much time has elapsed, you could very easily forget the skills learned in the pool by the time your vacation comes along.
Note: Some vacation resorts offer scuba courses lasting a day or two which offer beginners very basic instruction in order to try out scuba diving. These are generally not certification programs. Full certification involves classroom work, exams, practical skills sessions at a pool and usually four or more open water dives.
There are 5 Training Modules in the PADI Open Water Diver Certification:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
At the end of each class module there is generally a short quiz which allows the instructor to gauge the students’ knowledge intake, and at the end of Module 5 the students take a formal exam which has a pass mark of 75 %.
Confined Water Dive Training
You first scuba experience will probably be in confined water such as a neighborhood swimming pool. During your confined water training you’ll learn how to use the scuba equipment, achieve neutral buoyancy, share air, equalize the pressure from your ears, and empty the water from your mask while underwater. Every test maneuver you’ll be asked to complete during your open water training will be taught during your confined water training.
Upon completion of this course you will have earned the PADI Open Water Diver certification and be qualified to rent equipment and conduct dives independent of a professional up to a depth of 18 meters anywhere in the world
PADI Open Water Divers are qualified t
• Dive with a buddy independent of supervision; and
• Dive to depths of up to 18 meters (about 60 feet) below the surface.
Advanced Scuba Training
You can also go on to Advanced Open Water Training that offers more lessons in navigation, deep diving, photography, night diving, search and recovery of lost items, etc. Some advance diver courses are described below.
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Advanced Open Water Course: Develop skills and knowledge in a fun and practical course, no theory examination! The course consists of 5 dives, covering underwater navigation, deep diving, and a selection of 3 dives from drift, night, search and recovery or boat diving, or perfect buoyancy skills with the peak performance buoyancy dive.
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Rescue Diver Course: An important and crucial step in expanding a divers knowledge and experience beyond purely recreational level. It is a comprehensive course covering a wide range of accident avoidance and practical, in water rescue skills. Learn cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid techniques covering a wide range of accidents. This course is a prerequisite for the divemaster course and open water instructor.
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Divemaster Course: The first professional level in the PADI system. A qualified and insured Divemaster can be employed by a diving center as an underwater guide and as an assistant to an instructor (not to be confused with the Assistant Instructor grade). This is generally a two week course at the end of which you will be able to perform all the skills at demonstration quality, have a professional standard of diving theory, organizational and leadership skills. Alternatively, this course can be offer by internship, a two month period spent gaining experience in the dive center, working in return for the training.
YACHT SAILING CERTIFICATIONS
US Sailing, the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing and sailboat racing in the United States, certifies instructors in dinghies, keelboats, sailboards and powerboats. The Instructor Courses typically run three to four days and combine both on the water skills and an assessment of presentation and classroom skills. Courses are held throughout the country. Once earned, these certification credentials, in conjunction with your continuing experiences, are recognized by charter companies and sailing schools worldwide as the status of your accomplishments in the world of sailing.
Extremethings.com recommends two progressive sailing certifications: Basic Keelboat Certification and Basic Cruising Certification. The differences and requirements for each is explained below, but briefly, the Basic Keelboat Certification course is designed to educate and train each student to sail a basic 18 - 27' sailboat with a ballasted keel and tiller steering on their own. The Keelboat course is an excellent foundation on which to build future sailing skills. Lessons cover nomenclature, rigging, knots, sail theory, motoring, points of sail, sail trim. Crew overboard recovery, reefing, and safety procedures are covered at this level.
The Basic Cruising Certification course builds on the skills and experiences learned in Basic Keelboat course. A Cruising Certification allows the successful student to advance to larger cruising sailboats which includes larger hull sizes 23 - 35', sloop-rigged cruising keelboats with auxiliary power. Expanded knowledge includes more time spent docking, maneuvering, and learning large boat systems and handling.
Basic Keelboat Certification
The Basic Keelboat graduate will have successfully demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a simple daysailing keelboat in familiar waters in light to moderate wind and sea conditions. The certified candidate will be able to skipper a tiller steered keelboat up to 27 feet in length.
Recommended Equipment: It is recommended that Basic Keelboat Certification courses and examinations be conducted on 18’ to 27’ daysailing sloop-rigged keelboats with tiller steering and with adequate equipment inventory to complete all required certification outcomes.
Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for Basic Keelboat Certification.
Certification Requirements: Basic Keelboat Certification requires the successful completion of the following knowledge and skill requirements. These requirements are expected to be able to be performed safely with confident command of the boat in familiar waters with a wind range of 5 to 15 knots. Some regions may have stronger prevailing conditions, which are acceptable if the candidate can safely control the boat and be aware of his or her limitations in these conditions. The certified candidate will be able to skipper a tiller steered keelboat up to 27 feet in length.
Practical Skills
Preparation to Sail:
1. Demonstrate ability to recognize and forecast prevailing local weather conditions.
2. Demonstrate how to properly board a boat.
3. Perform a presail check for the boat’s flotation integrity, safety and legally required equipment, and crew indoctrination.
4. Demonstrate the proper rigging of the sails, halyards, sheets, blocks, and winches.
5. Check all other equipment specific to your boat not indicated above.
Crew Operations and Skills:
6. Demonstrate how to put on a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
7. Demonstrate tying and use of knots: stopper knot, bowline, cleat hitch and sail lashing knot.
8. Demonstrate the use of these sail controls: halyards, sheets, cunningham/downhaul and outhaul.
Leaving the Dock or Mooring:
9. Demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for departure suitable to the conditions: raising sails, line handling, casting off and boathandling.
Boat Control in Confined Waters:
10. Demonstrate in close quarters under sail: starting, stopping, speed control, tacking, jibing, steering control, sail luffing, the No-Go Zone, getting out of irons, backing the jib, and crew coordination and communication.
11. Demonstrate sailing a predetermined closed course and maneuvering around obstacles.
Navigation (Piloting):
12. Point out Aids to Navigation in the harbor and local waters that you are sailing, and respond accordingly.
Navigation Rules, International-Inland:
13. Demonstrate use of Navigation Rules while sailing.
Boat Control in Open Water:
14. Demonstrate proper sail trim with accurate sheet adjustment of the main and headsails. Make use of the sail telltales and identify points of sail.
15. Perform a heaving-to maneuver per the prescribed method.
16. When appropriate, demonstrate sailing "by the lee" and explain the inherent dangers involved.
Heavy Weather Sailing:
17. Demonstrate how to reef and/or depower sails.
Overboard Recovery Methods:
18. Properly demonstrate one of the overboard recovery methods, which is most appropriate for: your sailing ability, boat type, crew experience, wind and sea conditions, and maintaining constant visual contact with the victim.
Safety and Emergency Procedures:
19. Explain the proper procedure for using an approved distress signal.
Returning to the Dock or Mooring:
20. Demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for arrival under sail and/or power suitable to the conditions: boathandling, deploying fenders, stopping, tying up and lowering sails. Explain at least two different approach plans for other conditions.
Securing the Boat Properly:
21. Demonstrate stowing of sails, rigging and equipment. Thoroughly clean the boat, and install any covers.
22. Check both the electrical and bilge systems for dock operation if required.
23. Check the locks on companionway, lockers and hatches. Make a final check of docklines, spring lines and fender placement.
Knowledge
Preparation to Sail:
1. Describe personal preparation such as clothing and sun protection.
Crew Operations and Skills:
2. Be familiar with the nomenclature for basic parts of the boat, sails, battens and rigging.
3. Describe the proper use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and throwable flotation devices.
4. Describe the use of sail controls.
5. Explain potential electrical hazards such as overhead electrical wires and lightning.
Sailing Theory:
6. Describe basic sailboat design, sail theory and boat dynamics.
7. Explain how to read the wind and determine all points of sail.
8. Understand what is meant by the term "sailing by the lee" and explain the inherent dangers involved.
Leaving the Dock or Mooring:
9. Understand the effects of wind, tide and currents in relation to the boat and surrounding area while preparing to get underway.
10. Describe the differences and alternatives for leaving under sail and/or power in upwind, crosswind and downwind situations.
Navigation (Piloting):
11. Be familiar with basic chart reading specific to your local waters.
12. Describe Aids to Navigation: buoys, daymarks, regulatory markers, and other markers specific to your local waters.
Navigation Rules, International-Inland:
13. Describe the Navigation Rules, International-Inland, for Stand-On and Give-Way sailboats and powerboats for collision avoidance and understand your state and local boating regulations.
Heavy Weather Sailing:
14. Describe weather warning sources.
Overboard Recovery Methods:
15. Understand the Quick-Stop and Quick-Turn overboard recovery methods to include: constant visual contact with the victim, communication, recovery plan, sequence of maneuvers, boathandling, course sailed, pickup approach and coming alongside the victim (or simulated object).
16. Describe methods of getting an overboard recovery victim back on deck after the vessel is stopped alongside.
Safety and Emergency Procedures:
17. Be familiar with treatment of victims of overheating, hypothermia and seasickness.
18. Describe the use and regulations for flares.
19. Be familiar with at least six different distress and emergency signals per Navigation Rule 37.
20. Be familiar with the U.S. Coast Guard requirements for safety equipment.
Anchoring Techniques:
21. Be familiar with anchoring procedures for emergency situations such as loss of boat control, sudden storms, prevention from going aground or injured crew situations.
Returning to the Dock or Mooring:
22. Describe the differences and alternatives for arrival under sail and/or power in upwind, crosswind and downwind situations.
Basic Cruising Certification
The Basic Cruising graduate will have successfully demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat, during daylight hours, within sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions.
Recommended Equipment: It is recommended that Basic Cruising Certification courses and examinations be conducted on 23’ to 32’ sloop-rigged cruising keelboats with auxiliary power and with adequate equipment inventory to complete all required certification outcomes.
Prerequisite: The prerequisite for Basic Cruising Certification is Basic Keelboat Certification.
Certification Requirements: Basic Cruising Certification requires the successful completion of the following knowledge and skill requirements. These requirements are expected to be able to be performed safely with confident command of the boat in a wind range of 5 to 15 knots. Some regions may have stronger prevailing conditions, which are acceptable if the candidate can safely control the boat, and be aware of his or her limitations in these conditions. The certified candidate will be able to skipper a keelboat up to 32 feet in length.
Practical Skills
Preparation to Sail:
1. Demonstrate ability to recognize and forecast prevailing local weather conditions.
2. Perform an inspection of running rigging, standing rigging and hull integrity.
3. Check the inventory, location and operation of required safety equipment.
4. Check the auxiliary power systems (as applicable to your boat): location and operation of engine controls, engine mechanical and fluids check, transmission controls, ventilation system and cooling system.
5. Check the electrical system (as applicable to your boat): main battery switch, electrical control panel and battery terminals.
6. Check the bilge pump system (as applicable to your boat): operation of manual and electrical pumps, intake maintenance and bilge pump alarms.
7. Check the head systems (as applicable to your boat): location of controls, equipment operation, holding tanks and proper setting of valves.
8. Check the fresh water system (as applicable to your boat): adequate quantity, operation of manual and electrical pumps, and proper setting of valves.
9. Check the anchoring system (as applicable to your boat): anchors, shackles, rodes, chafing equipment and windlass.
10. Check all other equipment specific to your boat not indicated above.
Crew Operations and Skills:
11. Demonstrate winch operation and the proper procedure for clearing a fouled winch.
12. Demonstrate tying and use of knots: clove hitch, sheet bend and rolling hitch. Review stopper knot, bowline, cleat hitch, round turn & two half hitches and sail lashing knot.
13. Demonstrate how to heave a line.
14. Demonstrate the use of sail controls: halyards, sheets, traveler, cunningham/downhaul, outhaul, adjustable backstay (if applicable), boom vang, leech lines, jib fairleads and boom toppinglift.
15. Demonstrate the operation of a VHF radi operation of controls, channel usage, call sign, weather channels and simulate an emergency call.
16. Demonstrate a comprehensive crew briefing and plan of responsibilities.
Leaving the Dock or Mooring:
17. Demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for departure under power suitable to the conditions: line handling, casting off, fending off and boathandling.
18. Demonstrate the use of docklines, including springlines, for boat control while departing.
19. Demonstrate stowing of docklines and fenders.
Boat Control in Confined Waters:
20. Demonstrate in close quarters under power: speed and momentum control, windage and prop walk control, and command of the crew.
21. Demonstrate ability to maneuver under sail in close quarters: short tacking and controlled jibes.
22. Demonstrate a recovery plan for an engine failure in a crowded and busy harbor.
Navigation (Piloting):
23. Demonstrate ability to identify chart symbols and corresponding visual observations.
24. Demonstrate basic dead reckoning: plotting course and position, calculating time/speed/distance, taking bearings and fixes.
Boat Control in Open Water:
25. Demonstrate ability to steer a compass course with changes in course to a given destination.
26. Demonstrate helm and boat control in a variety of wind and sea conditions.
Heavy Weather Sailing:
27. Demonstrate proper reefing techniques: determining when to reef, roller furling or changing headsails, reefing the mainsail, dropping sails, shaking out a reef, and rehoisting underway.
28. Demonstrate helm and boat control while sailing under shortened sail.
Overboard Recovery Methods:
29. Properly demonstrate one of the overboard recovery methods, which is most appropriate for: your sailing ability, boat type, crew experience, wind and sea conditions, and maintaining constant visual contact with the victim.
Safety and Emergency Procedures:
30. Simulate procedure and operation of VHF radio in various emergency situations.
31. Simulate failure of steering system, and demonstrate steering and boat control with sails.
Anchoring Techniques:
32. Select an anchorage, and demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for properly anchoring with a single anchor under power.
33. Demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for retrieving your anchor under power.
Returning to the Dock or Mooring:
34. Demonstrate appropriate helmsman and crew coordination and skills for arrival under power suitable to the conditions: boathandling, deploying fenders, stopping and tying up.
35. Demonstrate correct use and deployment of docklines, including springlines.
Securing the Boat Properly:
36. Demonstrate stowing of sails, rigging and equipment. Thoroughly clean the boat, and install any covers and dock power equipment.
37. Check both the electrical and bilge systems for dock operation.
38. Check the locks on companionway, lockers and hatches. Make a final check of docklines, spring lines and fender placement.
Knowledge
Crew Operations and Skills:
1. Describe typical crew responsibilities and communications while aboard an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat.
2. Explain weather recognition and forecasting techniques for a day sail.
3. Explain the sequence for determining blocked engine cooling system circulation.
4. Understand the different types and operation of stoves, and fuel systems.
5. Be familiar with the use of a float plan.
6. Understand your state and local boating regulations.
Sailing Theory:
7. Describe sailboat dynamics: Center of Effort, Center of Lateral Resistance, and effects and influences of lee and weather helm.
8. Describe real and apparent wind, and their relationship to each other.
Leaving the Dock or Mooring:
9. Understand the effects of wind, tide and currents in relation to the boat and surrounding area, while preparing to get underway.
10. Describe the differences and alternatives for leaving under power in upwind, crosswind and downwind situations.
Navigation (Piloting):
11. Be familiar with magnetic influences that may disrupt compass readings.
12. Understand variation and describe the use of compass rose.
Navigation Rules, International-Inland:
13. Know the Navigation Rules, International-Inland, Rules 4 through 10 for steering and sailing.
14. Describe the Navigation Rules, International-Inland, for Stand-On and Give-Way sailboats and powerboats for collision avoidance and understand your state and local boating regulations.
Boat Control in Open Water:
15. Explain the dangers of a lee shore.
Overboard Recovery Methods:
16. Understand the Quick-Stop, Lifesling-type, and Quick-Turn overboard recovery methods under sail to include: constant visual contact with the victim, communications, recovery plan, sequence of maneuvers, boathandling, course sailed, pickup approach and coming alongside the victim (or simulated object).
17. Describe methods of getting an overboard recovery victim back on deck after the vessel is stopped alongside.
18. Explain when overboard recovery should be done under power and the inherent dangers.
Safety and Emergency Procedures:
19. Describe recovery methods after going aground.
20. Be familiar with fire fighting equipment on board: regulations, types, location and operation.
21. Be familiar with the location and operation of emergency steering system and boat control during failure of the steering system.
22. Understand towing techniques: maneuvering onto a tow, handling and securing a towline, chafing protection, boat speed, dropping off a tow and communications.
23. Describe the proper function of lifelines and pulpits.
24. Explain proper fueling techniques and potential hazards.
25. Explain the purpose and use of a radar reflector.
26. Be familiar with the U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements for auxiliary powered vessels.
27. Be familiar with at least six distress or emergency signals.
Anchoring Techniques:
28. Explain different types of anchors and various bottom conditions suited for each type.
29. Explain how to determine the required scope of an anchor rode.
30. Describe accepted etiquette when anchoring in the vicinity of other boats.
Returning to the Dock or Mooring:
31. Describe the differences and alternatives for arrival under power in upwind, crosswind and downwind situations.
HANDGUN HANDLING CERTIFICATIONS
California Basic Handgun Certification
Effective January 1, 2003, a person must possess a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) or a qualifying exemption to receive a handgun through a sale or transfer. To obtain an HSC, formerly called the Basic Firearms Safety Certificate, a person must pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) written test by answering correctly 23 or more questions on a 30 question test on handgun safety.
The test is based on the Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide, and includes, but is not limited to, laws applicable to carrying and handling firearms; responsibilities of ownership of firearms; the law related to the private sale/transfer of firearms; the law as it relates to the permissible use of lethal force; safe firearm storage; and issues & prevention strategies associated with brining firearms into the home. (Penal Code § 12071(b)(8).)
HSC instructors must be certified by the Department of Justice. A fee of up to $25 may be charged by the instructor to each HSC applicant to cover the costs of providing the test and issuing the certificate. (Penal Code § 12805.)
The HSC provides that no firearms dealer may deliver a handgun unless the recipient performs a safe handling demonstration with that handgun.
The demonstration shall commence with the handgun unloaded and locked with the firearm safety device with which it is required to be delivered, if applicable. While maintaining muzzle awareness, that is, the firearm is pointed in a safe direction, preferably down at the ground, and trigger discipline, that is, the trigger finger is outside of the trigger guard and along side of the handgun frame, at all times, the handgun recipient shall correctly and safely perform the following:
1. If the handgun is a semiautomatic pistol:
a. Remove the magazine.
b. Lock the slide back. If the model of firearm does not allow the slide to be locked back, pull the slide back, visually and physically check the chamber to ensure that it is clear.
c. Visually and physically inspect the chamber, to ensure that the handgun is unloaded.
d. Remove the firearm safety device, if applicable. If the firearm safety device prevents any of the previous steps, remove the firearm safety device during the appropriate step.
e. Load one bright orange dummy round into the magazine.
f. Insert the magazine into the magazine well of the firearm.
g. Manipulate the slide release or pull back and release the slide.
h. Remove the magazine.
i. Visually inspect the chamber to reveal that a round can be chambered with the magazine removed.
j. Lock the slide back to eject the bright orange dummy round.
If the handgun is of a model that does not allow the slide to be locked back, pull the slide back and physically check the chamber to ensure that the chamber is clear.
k. Apply the safety, if applicable.
l. Apply the firearm safety device, if applicable.
2. If the handgun is a double-action revolver:
a. Open the cylinder.
b. Visually and physically inspect each chamber, to ensure that the revolver is unloaded.
c. Remove the firearm safety device. If the firearm safety device prevents any of the previous steps, remove the firearm safety device during the appropriate step.
d. While maintaining muzzle awareness and trigger discipline, load one bright orange dummy round into a chamber of the cylinder and rotate the cylinder so that the round is in the next-to-fire position.
e. Close the cylinder.
f. Open the cylinder and eject the round.
g. Visually and physically inspect each chamber to ensure that the revolver is unloaded.
h. Apply the firearm safety device, if applicable.
3. If the handgun is a single-action revolver:
a. Open the loading gate.
b. Visually and physically inspect each chamber, to ensure that the revolver is unloaded.
c. Remove the firearm safety device required to be sold with the handgun. If the firearm safety device prevents any of the previous steps, remove the firearm safety device during the appropriate step.
d. Load one bright orange dummy round into a chamber of the cylinder, close the loading gate and rotate the cylinder so that the round is in the next-to-fire position.
e. Open the loading gate and unload the revolver.
f. Visually and physically inspect each chamber to ensure that the revolver is unloaded.
g. Apply the firearm safety device, if applicable.
A good Basic Handgun course will generally be composed of two sessions: orientation and live-fire.
• The orientation class discusses everything from suitable defensive ammunition to controlling an intruder in your home. You should be able to examine and dry-fire the various kinds of handguns. You will practice different techniques of stance, grip, and learn techniques for quick sight acquisition. The orientation session will generally concludes with a lengthy discussion of the laws governing firearms, and how they effect your ability to use a firearm for self defense.
• For the second session, live-fire, the class takes place in a shooting range where, using live ammunition, you’ll review all of the techniques you’ve learned in the orientation, and then test you ability to use them practically, under a stressfire situation.
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