SAMSA Skipper Category B (Coastal, up to 40 nm) Exam (South Africa) study plan
SAMSA Skipper Category B (Coastal, up to 40 nm) Exam (South Africa) · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Navigation and Position Fixing
Define latitude, longitude, and the difference between true, magnetic, and compass bearings
Calculate a running fix from three plotted bearings on a practice chart
Convert between true and magnetic bearings using variation and deviation given in a worked example
Plot a dead-reckoning position for a 3-hour leg at a set course and speed
Your checkpoint
One fully plotted passage extract with three fixes and a DR position, each annotated with the bearing conversion shown
Navigation and Position Fixing & Communications and Electronic Aids
Determine position by transferring a bearing and using a transit or two-point fix
Explain how a GPS receiver derives a fix and list two failure modes to plan around
Compute estimated position using set and drift over a 2-hour leg
Read a depth sounder and log reading and record them in a position log
Your checkpoint
A 6-fix position log for a simulated coastal leg, with GPS positions cross-checked against at least two visual fixes
Charts, Publications and Passage Planning & Tides, Currents and Meteorology
Interpret chart symbols, depths, and chart datum on a coastal chart extract
Identify the main publications needed for a coastal passage and state what each is used for
Apply the rule of twelfths to compute tide height at a given hour
Draft a simple passage plan with waypoints, courses, and estimated times
Your checkpoint
A one-page passage plan with tide-height calculations at two waypoints and a list of charted hazards marked along the route
Collision Regulations and Buoyage & Tides, Currents and Meteorology
State the give-way and stand-on obligations for head-on, crossing, and overtaking situations
Match IALA region A buoy shapes and topmarks to their meaning
Interpret a basic weather forecast and identify a wind shift affecting a planned leg
Apply the steering and sailing rules to three written collision scenarios
Your checkpoint
A scored 20-question self-test on collision regulations and buoyage, with every wrong answer corrected in writing
Safety of Life at Sea and Emergency Procedures & Ship Handling and Seamanship
List the mandatory safety equipment for a Category B vessel and state each item's purpose
Sequence the actions for a man-overboard recovery under power
Describe the steps for abandoning ship and deploying a liferaft
Demonstrate knots and a basic anchoring procedure in a practical drill
Your checkpoint
A written MOB and abandon-ship checklist, plus a signed practical drill record for knots and anchoring
Safety of Life at Sea and Emergency Procedures & Communications and Electronic Aids
Transmit a correct MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURITE call using a written script
Explain DSC, VHF channel usage, and the purpose of an EPIRB
Describe fire prevention and the correct use of a fire extinguisher on board
Outline hypothermia recognition and first-aid response for a crew member
Your checkpoint
Three recorded or written distress-call scripts, each checked against the required call elements
Maritime Law and Local Regulations & Collision Regulations and Buoyage
Summarise the skipper's legal responsibilities for crew safety and vessel documentation
State the local reporting and entry requirements for a coastal passage
Explain the rules on alcohol, lifejackets, and pollution discharge
Re-test buoyage and collision rules to confirm retention
Your checkpoint
A one-page legal and regulatory checklist covering documents, reporting, and skipper duties
Navigation and Position Fixing & Charts, Publications and Passage Planning & Tides, Currents and Meteorology & Collision Regulations and Buoyage & Ship Handling and Seamanship & Safety of Life at Sea and Emergency Procedures & Maritime Law and Local Regulations & Communications and Electronic Aids
Complete a full timed mock exam across all eight domains
Review every incorrect answer and identify the underlying weak domain
Re-drill the two weakest domains with targeted practice
Confirm all deliverables from weeks 1-7 are complete and filed
Your checkpoint
A completed timed mock exam with a scored review sheet and a final list of weak areas to revise before the test
Milestones
Week 2: Can produce an accurate fix by two independent methods within 5 minutes
Week 4: Scores at least 80% on the collision-regulations and buoyage self-test
Week 6: Recites a complete MAYDAY call from memory without prompts
Week 8: Scores at least 75% overall on the timed mock exam with no domain below 60%