SAMSA Skipper Category C (Coastal, up to 15 nm) Exam (South Africa) study plan

Explain how a nautical chart is laid out: title block, scale, datum, and how to read latitude and longitude off the chart edges to the nearest minute.

Convert between true, magnetic and compass bearings using variation and deviation, and calculate a course to steer for three worked examples.

Plot a three-leg dead reckoning course on a training chart, allowing for a known current, and record speed, time and distance for each leg.

Measure distance off a scale and state the latitude/longitude of five given positions to within one minute.

Fix a position by taking three compass bearings to charted objects and transferring them to the chart as lines of position.

Use a transit and a running fix to establish position when only one object is visible.

Read a South African tide table for two ports and extract the times and heights of high and low water for a chosen day.

Calculate height of tide at a given time using the rule of twelfths, and state the resulting safe clearance under the keel.

Explain how tidal streams and currents set and drift a vessel, and correct a planned course for a known tidal stream.

Identify the lights, shapes and sound signals required for power-driven vessels, sailing vessels, vessels at anchor, and vessels not under command or restricted in ability to manoeuvre.

State the give-way and stand-on rules for head-on, crossing and overtaking situations, and describe the action each vessel must take.

Apply the IALA Region A buoyage system: identify lateral, cardinal, isolated danger, safe water and special marks by colour, shape and topmark.

Interpret 20 common chart symbols covering dangers, depths, anchorages, restricted areas and traffic separation schemes.

Explain the sound signals for restricted visibility and the actions required on hearing each.

Draw a simple sketch of the COLREGs steering and sailing situations from memory and label who gives way in each.

Read a synoptic weather chart and identify pressure systems, fronts, isobars and wind direction around highs and lows.

Interpret a marine weather forecast and small-craft warning, and decide whether a planned coastal trip should proceed.

Describe local coastal weather effects relevant to South African waters, including the summer south-easter and berg wind conditions, and the sea state each produces.

Estimate wind strength from sea state using the Beaufort scale for five described sea conditions.

Tie and explain the use of a bowline, round turn and two half hitches, clove hitch, reef knot and rolling hitch, and state where each is used on board.

Describe the sequence for anchoring: selecting the anchorage, scope of cable, setting the anchor and checking for dragging.

Explain the steps for recovering a person overboard under power and under sail, including the roles of crew and the use of a throwing line.

List the actions to take on abandoning ship, including distress alerting, life raft deployment and grab-bag contents.

Describe the correct use of a VHF radio for a distress, urgency and safety call, including MAYDAY, PAN PAN and SECURITE formats and channel 16 procedures.

State the skipper's legal duties under South African maritime law regarding safety of the vessel, crew and passengers, and the requirement to render assistance at sea.

Explain the purpose and content of the Small Vessel Safety regulations, including required safety equipment for a Category C vessel.

List the documents and certificates a Category C skipper and vessel must carry, and who may operate the vessel.

Describe the reporting obligations after a marine casualty or pollution incident, and the role of the relevant authority.

Explain the rules on alcohol, reckless operation and the skipper's responsibility for passengers.

Explain how centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy and free surface effect influence a small vessel's stability, and describe how to avoid loading that reduces stability.

Describe the effect of adding weight high in the vessel and of partially filled tanks on transverse stability.

Identify the main components of a small marine diesel or petrol engine and describe basic pre-start and daily checks.

Explain the checks on a 12-volt DC system: battery condition, fusing, isolation and the risks of reverse polarity.

Describe basic hull construction materials and the maintenance checks a skipper should make before a coastal trip.

Complete a full mock examination under timed conditions and score it against the answer key.

Re-study the three weakest domains identified by the mock and re-test those areas.

Rehearse the distress radio script and abandon-ship drill aloud until performed without notes.

Confirm the practical requirements are met by logging final knot, anchoring and person-overboard drills.