COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

	By the end of this two day course the successful participant will be capable of helming without supervision in good conditions and familiar waters. They will also be safety conscious and have a basic knowledge of jet-ski preparation and handling both ashore and afloat. Experienced handlers may also achieve this award through direct assessment.
Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is required. Jet-ski's are provided if required.
Equipment: This course is run on ISA Jet-ski's in Malahide Marina. Alternatively, if a group has access to suitable equipment in another suitable location, the course can be run on-site.
Ratio: Minimum 3, maximum 6 clients per instructor
Duration: 2 days (10am to 5pm each day)
Cost: €300 per person
Award: ISA National Personal Watercraft Certificate (on successful completion)
To book this course by phone, simply call 01-8456946, by email to info@dmgsailsports.com or by post, simply complete our booking form and return to us along with a cheque made payable to DMG Sailsports for €70pp. Postal address is DMG Sailsports, Malahide Marina, Malahide, Co. Dublin.

Course Program

• Instruction Ashore
  • Introduction: PWC layout & controls, Personal equipment, Pre-launch checks, Safety Info.
  • Collision avoidance: Rules of the road, Look out, safe speed, overtaking, Local rules/ Bylaws.
  • Orientation at sea: Charts & basic interpretation, Basic tides.
  • Weather, Safety, Courtesy to other water users: Weather forecasts, lee shores, Safety & emergency equipment, Courtesy to other equipment, Avoiding pollution.
• Instruction Afloat
  • Launching and familiarisation: Launching from a trailer, Controlling at low speed, Falling off & re-boarding, Control at speed.
  • Orientation: route planning.
  • Collision Avoidance: Recognising potential collision situations, taking correct avoiding action.
  • Control at speed: Slalom exercises.
  • Emergencies: Towing

The certificate can also be achieved through direct assessment by a PWC Instructor at an ISA Recognised Teaching Establishment.

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All safety equipment and course notes are provided, but for your own comfort we advise you to bring the following:

• Oilskins or rain gear
• Foot wear that can get wet (i.e. wellies, old runners or hiking boots)
• Plenty of warm clothing including woolly hat and gloves
• Sun cream and sun glasses
• Change of clothing (in case of very bad weather)
• Towel (there are showers and changing facilities in the Marina Centre)
• Read and approve the terms & conditions on your booking confirmation email/letter
• Powerboat log book & certs (if applicable)

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• Make sure your craft is full of fuel and is in good condition. Does it need to be lifted and cleaned? Has the engine been serviced? The care you give to your car is needed for your craft too.
• Check the Weather
  • Know what the conditions are like, or are forecast to be, before you go - pay attention to the wind speed, wind direction, air and water temperature and be prepared. See the Met Éireann map in the right column of this page and link to latest forecasts and conditions. You can also get forecasts from Weatherdial 1550 123 588; Teletext; Irish Coast Guard Weather Forecasts VHF Channel 16.
• Tide Check
  • Check how the tides will affect your sailing. EasyTide provides up to date tidal predictions.
• Equipment and clothing check. Make sure your craft is in good condition and that our clothing is appropriate and according to safety guidelines. Make sure to bring sunglasses, sun block and plenty of water. And why not arrange a SEA Check with the RNLI for free.
• Get the appropriate training, certification or licences. Although they are not always a legal requirement, your safety is your responsibility. Be safe!
• Know the Rules of the Road.
  • Boats under power give way to sail
  • Two boats under power approaching each other head-on should both turn to starboard (to the right)
  • When boats under power are crossing, the vessel with the other vessel on its starboard side (on the right) must give way
• Click here for details on more safety guidelines for Powerboating as outlined by the Irish Water Safety.

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