We are looking at the opportunities that can arise from the unpredictable nature of boating. It's all the mindset, a huge part of the attraction of boating should ideally be the opportunity to never stop learning and to keep your mind and skills sharp in an unpredictable environment that rewards you for being well set up and prepared. Whether your boating is short day trips or ocean voyaging, the mindset of spinning problems into opportunities should help keep you safe and having more fun whenever you're out there.

In this episode, Neil takes you through the essential items he will always pack into a boating kit bag. Depending on the season, activity and location you are boating in, you will want to adjust what you carry, but this list will help to get you thinking about what you already take and see if there are any tweaks to your list that you can make. 

Learn more about this topic with our Safety & Sea Survival eLearning Course aabboating.com/sssc

When you plan a passage, it's crucial to ensure you set up your plan to be dynamic so you can easily adjust for updated departure and arrival times. This episode takes you through how to manage avoidable slippage with your departure timing and the considerations for your ETA changing while you are on a passage.

Online Skipper Course - Strategies for successful passage planning and implementation

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship - Navigation and meteorology for local adventurers

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased - Navigation and meteorology for coastal explorers

RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory - Navigation and meteorology for blue water skippers

When you are out at sea, many scenarios can arise where you may need to know and transmit your position. You may also need to be able to receive, record and navigate a position to assist.

This podcast examines your options for getting a quick and accurate position. We also provide some ideas to help upskill people who are boating with you to assist with this to keep you free to manage the boat and any other situations that need your attention at that time.

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Learn more about our course here.

Without leaving your comfort zone, you can't develop your skills. This podcast has five ideas that you can implement to help to leave your boating comfort zone and keep developing your skippering skills.

You can use the links below to learn about our courses, logbook and ABB TV.

> Courses

> Logbook

> ABB TV

 

This episode of Boating Insights will help you to prepare for the voyage of a lifetime. John Hembrow joins Neil to share some of his extensive knowledge. John has been full-time cruising since 2009, created the Down Under Rally in 2014, and has led a range of yacht rallies in the SW Pacific and Australia since then. 

Learn more about the Down Under Rallies and membership

Learn more about the Blue Water Skipper Course Package

Changing some of the habits you have onboard can significantly impact the skill development of all involved. This episode takes you through some of the options you have for implementing changes through a typical day on the water that can help you explore more destinations, average more days on the water and avoid the issues that can come with skill fade and perishable knowledge.

The training courses we mentioned in the episode are all on this link aabboating.com/learn

For all coastal boating adventures, you will likely need an understanding of the tide. This Boating Insights video podcast episode takes you through some essential considerations to help make tide your friend.

The episode begins by looking at the potential impact of the tide on a passage plan.

The tidal situation can impact the flow and depths, or both. There are other localised impacts, such as on/offshore winds, heavy rain and flooding. You must know how to check and interpret how the range of the tide/tides compares with the mean spring range in your location.

It is also essential to confirm the quality of information on apps and whether it relates to verified information from official sources. Finally, in case of grounding, always know if the tide is flooding or ebbing.

We teach tides from an introductory to an advanced level with our internationally recognised RYA training courses. Each course builds on the knowledge gained in the previous course.

1) RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course: aabboating.com/navigation

2) RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course: aabboating.com/day-skipper

3) RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Course: aabboating.com/yachtmaster

When boarding a boat from the land, a dinghy or the water, there are many details you can adjust to make it easier and safer for all involved.

As part of this episode, we look at some ideas if you accidentally find yourself in the water whilst boarding to help make sure you can get back on board or onto the dock again.

In this episode, we catch up with David Hows, the founder of Ocean Sailing Expeditions and the Ocean Sailing Podcast. David's a self-confessed sailing addict who loves introducing new people to his love of all things - sailing. David shares fantastic information about the options for gaining offshore sailing experience, training crews for emergency procedures at sea, buying boats overseas and some of his favourite destinations, which you can only reach by boat.

The Sea, Safety and Survival Course David recommends for all participants joining them for offshore passages is on this link.

Learn more about Ocean Sailing Expeditions and the Ocean Sailing Podcast - Click Here

This episode looks at some of the key need-to-know features of your marine electrical system. We go through the options of how you generate and store power on board, understanding the amount of power being used at all times, and how to avoid accidentally wasting power or avoiding being caught out by the batteries being run flat and not available when you need them.

For many boats, toys are a key part of the activity. This episode takes you through some of Neil's favourite boating toys, for swimming, fishing, towing, snorkelling, and paddle boarding, with tips on how to avoid your boat becoming overrun with toys and keeping everyone safe whilst you're using them.

Finding ways to make your boat safer and easier to use should always have a positive impact on how often and safely you can use your boat. This episode takes you through some of the options you could use to help keep the boat running smoothly and simplify your job of skippering and maintaining a boat. 

The covers on a boat are usually there to protect the boat, crew or both. Having covers set up correctly and making them simple to use will save money on maintenance and simplify the setup and pack up time whilst providing excellent protection. This episode takes you through the steps you can take to look after existing covers, adapt them to make them easier to use, and consider critical areas when purchasing new or replacement covers for your boat.

Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacons which are usually referred to as EPIRBs play a huge role in the safety of a modern vessel. This episode looks at if you need to carry one, the differences between GPS and non GPS enabled models, considerations for your registration and why it's important, what the differences and similarities between a Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) and an EPIRB are, stowage and the adaptations for your boat set up if you are single or short-handed.

Boating Holidays can be some of the most fantastic opportunities to enjoy being out on the water. This episode looks at the destinations, the different options available including bareboat charters, skippered charters, flotilla holidays, live-aboard boating courses and the options available for having a sail guide or skipper join you onboard. The course we mention in this episode is the Online Skipper Course: aabboating.com/online

How can you factor in taking a break for your passage as a local adventurer, coastal explorer or blue water skipper? This episode looks at some of the ideas you can build into your passages now so that if you need to help manage fatigue, seasickness or a maintenance issue at sea you have some transferable skills to draw on.

When you are looking at qualifications and training for young people in the marine environment, the list can quickly become quite extensive and confusing. In this episode, we help you understand how to evaluate what courses may be applicable and useful for a teenager and young adult, that will be enjoyable to study, useful, achievable, internationally recognised and explain which qualifications will not expire.

When you head out on a coastal passage there will need to be a junction point built into your passage plan, where the boat and crew adjust into the pilotage mode to prepare to enter the harbour, river or anchorage you are heading to. This episode looks at some of the factors to consider for selecting a junction point, what the actions you would need to take in the lead up to arriving there, as you arrive and what your plan is if things don't unfold as you are expecting as you arrive at the junction. This episode is ideal for local adventurers, coastal explorers and blue water skippers. We have packages for training all of these levels, click here to learn more.

Getting a good sleep at sea can make a huge difference to how enjoyable and safe a multi-day passage will be. In this episode, we look at the bigger picture for your sea berths including setting them up. This includes the standing orders for when to wake up the skipper and how to convert your boat from a liveaboard cruising configuration to being in an on passage configuration with sea berths set up properly.

It can often feel that there is no time to think things through under pressure. Every time you guess without taking the time to think through the next steps, you have a 50% chance of hopefully making the right decision. You also have a 50% chance of making the wrong decision. One wrong decision can have a knock-on effect quite rapidly at times. Always try to take the time to think steps through and find a way to stabilise a situation, so these things are not getting worse. This will hopefully allow you some time to come up with a plan and brief your crew on what is required of them. This is a major benefit of training so that you gradually increase the number of experiences you have skippered and the equipment you have used. It will help you to grow a collection of transferable skills that you can draw on during an emergency at sea. Hopefully, these experiences help you avoid even finding yourself in an emergency at sea.

When you turn the key and nothing happens, depending on a number of factors, the next few minutes could have a huge impact on the outcome of your scenario. One of the most common errors is to rush straight into fixing the issue without taking stock of the current situation, where you are, the traffic around you, managing your immediate hazards such as lee shores, rocks, bar crossings, breaking waves, shallow water etc. This podcast helps you factor in potential engine failure into your passage planning from local adventuring right through to blue water skippering.

This episode examines the details that can help make your first overnight passage safe, enjoyable and a positive learning experience so that they start well and just keep getting better and better. Through the episode we look at people, skills, the boat set up, the timing of watches and departure, how to get enough rest, managing food and hydrations, setting up your clothing for the conditions, safety considerations, navigation. We look at the tools you need to make sure you are properly prepared to master this skill and ensure passage are not limited by daylight.

This episode offers some insights into the wider decisions that can lead into making choosing where to keep a boat and how that develops over time. Some of the considerations we look at include, the first year of boat ownership, the maintenance, costs, insurance, ease of use and the factors which can affect your skill progression.

Setting up your boat, your crew and yourself for successful passage making requires planning and an ongoing evaluation of what went well and where the areas to improve are. In this episode, Neil takes you through some of the main areas that you can help yourself prepare as a skipper or crew member. The podcast looks specifically at the consideration you might make regarding navigation, boat checks nutrition, hygiene and development.

The first year of boat ownership can be both daunting and exciting. This episode looks at some of the key ways to avoid making potentially expensive mistakes in your first year and how to keep making sure you are getting out on the water and having fun. Enjoy!

Most vessels carry a range of safety equipment, either through the personal choice of the skipper or due to the requirements they need to comply with within the areas they are boating. This episode helps you to understand when a marine radio, EPIRB, PLB, flare, V sheet, mobile phone or combination of these might be the most appropriate tool or tools to use for different situations you might have to manage over time.

The vessel navigation forms a huge part of any trip planning and implementation. In this episode we look at how you can use electronic and paper charts, tools and guides to appraise, plan, execute and monitor whilst your next adventure.

This episode will help you to look at the considerations that go into choosing a boat, mooring, crew and being clear on what you want to achieve from your boating.

This month's podcasts looks at the range of courses and services we have at Above and Beyond Boating to help achieve your next boating goal. The episode looks at the Log Book, skills and vessels management system, ABB TV and the range of E-Learning courses we have ready to support you to take your next steps. Logbook: https://logbook.members-only.online/get-started Courses: www.aabboating.com/learn ABB TV: www.aabboating.com/abb-tv

This podcast has some ideas for helping you make 2021 count for your skill development and help you to be better prepared should you find yourself trying to manage a situation such as a tricky marina spot, a person overboard, steering failure or even clearing a wrapped propeller.

In this episode, Neil is joined by John Naylor to look at the steps involved and options available as a skipper or crew member to get involved in offshore yacht racing and in particular how you could take part in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

When you are setting up your boat for bluewater cruising it's important to balance the investment in self-sufficiency and the ability to remain off of the grid with what is going to work for you to be able to maintain and afford. This episode of Boating Insights explores some of the key areas to think about in terms of making your boat and the crew self-sufficient to remain off the grid whilst exploring the world. aabboating.co.uk aabboating.com

This episode looks at managing perishable knowledge and preventing skill fade. Through the episode Neil provides ideas and strategies for managing your practical and communication skills, understanding your own vessels equipment and using Logbook to set up a maintenance program for your skills. Remember to tag @aabboating when you are practising your skills for an opportunity to win a complimentary Online Skipper Course. aabboating.com/online/ aabboating.co.uk/online

Kate Fortnam is the Campaign Manager for The Green Blue a joint environmental program between the RYA and British Marine. In this episode, we catch up with Kate to get some advice on how to create an awareness of the environment around you and how to reduce any impact from your boating activities. Green Blue Website: https://thegreenblue.org.uk/ Fuel Whistle: https://www.deckhardware.com.au/accessories/barton-fuel-whistle/

The International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.) is often referred to as the Mediterranean Boat Licence. Unlike an Australian Boat Licence, yachts are not exempt from this and it is a requirement even for privately owned vessels. For very experienced skippers, the I.C.C. can be completed as a one-day assessment. Candidates can be assessed on their own or with another person. A Day Skipper Practical Course is the pathway for skippers who are seeking training prior to gaining an I.C.C. Once you pass either the I.C.C. assessment or a Day Skipper Practical Course, you apply to the RYA for the I.C.C. certificate. The I.C.C. from the RYA is valid for 5 years. You do not have to complete the test after this time, all you are required to do is renew the licence by paying a fee direct to the RYA. International Certificate of Competence: aabboating.com/icc RYA Day Skipper Shorebased: aabboating.com/day-skipper Assess your skills: https://logbook.members-only.online/get-started

Having the confidence to identify and manage issues with your boat's engines, is an important step for preparing for bluewater adventures. This episode helps you identify where your current skill set is and what steps you could take to develop your skills in this area.

In this episode Neil takes you through some practical ideas, to help you become proficient at identifying vessels at night, making yourself visible and becoming comfortable cruising offshore and in harbours during darkness.

If things get a bit serious on deck, how will you wish you had spent the previous 5 minutes? This podcast explores the practical implementation of becoming proficient at shortening your sails and balancing your monohull or multihull whilst on downwind passages.

In this episode Neil is joined by Mark Hunter the owner of Vacuwash Sail and Canvas Cleaning to share some insights into looking after sails and keeping them clean and free of mould.

The Sea Safety & Survival Course is an essential learning program for anyone who takes to the sea. The course delivers up to date information and current techniques for survival situations including crew overboard emergencies and abandoning ship. Above & Beyond Boating have been recognised by Australian Sailing and World Sailing to provide this e-Learning course. In this episode, Neil shares his insights into how the new training environment is helping people to learn these potentially life-saving skills.

We speak to Rob Stevens, from TopSail insurance, to find out what insurance considerations you should think about before heading off on Blue Water Sailing adventures. Rob also updates us on the situation with recreational boats being restricted with their movements around the world, and how insurance companies like Topsail are assisting individuals in their own circumstances.

There is a considerable amount of resources available to boaters in this current day when it comes to sourcing accurate weather forecasts. With all of the various apps, websites and reports of weather predictions available, it can be very easy to lose understanding of why weather conditions change and what you should expect in specific conditions. Neil takes a look at how you can undertake a good analysis of weather predictions without taking too much time.

In this episode, Neil discusses the benefits of progressing through your skippering journey with other people, whether they are regular crew members or close friends and family.

If you are looking to modify a setup on your boat whether it is from cruising to racing, or from short coastal adventures to longer offshore passages, then there are a few things to consider to make sure that your time changing things on your boat will be effective and not costly.

An important part of boat ownership is checking your vessel's condition and ensuring the systems are working regularly. In this episode, we have some tips for putting some structure into the regular checks and understanding of your boat!

In this episode, we look at some of the different types of Mainsail setups on a boat that would be best suited for you if you are considering buying a new boat or changing your sail setup.

In this episode, we have some tips on how you can learn more about using your VHF radio and feeling comfortable using it at all times.

In this episode, Nick Casey joins Neil Driscoll from Above & Beyond Boating to discuss some ideas you can implement for preparing food on a boat. One of the most difficult tasks while on passage is preparing food, so Nick has some great tips to make things easy while also ensuring you still have delicious food to keep you going!

The Firefighter Family Day on the Water initiative was created by Above and Beyond Boating to provide a way for the boating community to give back to the dedicated fire fighters that have spent countless hours working to protect our homes, families, wilderness and wildlife from the terrible bush fires. We have received tremendous support from the boating community and industry. The event will be held at multiple locations across Australia on Sunday 15 March 2020. Neil and Nick talk about the upcoming event, what will be happening and why we came up with this idea.

As your adventures go further than where you've been before, making sure you are comfortable using your instruments and equipment is very important. Quite often, many people aren't using their electronics to their full potential, so taking the time to have your equipment and instruments giving you relevant and helpful information will make your passage making simpler and more enjoyable.

If you're undertaking a coastal or offshore passage, then creating a plan to include an unannounced Man Overboard drill at some point through the trip is a productive way of rehearsing a Man Overboard situation. The crew will be able to practice their spotting and recovery methods in a realistic way, rather than a planned exercise where people will have time to think their spotting and recovery through beforehand. Here's what you can do to make this a safe and effective exercise.

Do you know the where the through hull fittings are on your boat? Do you know how to check fittings for wear and replacement? In this episode, Neil has some tips for getting to know your through hull fitting layout on your boat for simple maintenance checks and responding to emergency flooding situations.

How do you measure your boat ownership in numbers? In this special episode, Neil is joined by his father, who has many years of experience owning boats, to discuss how you can understand the value add that your boat has in your lifestyle.

As you keep learning the various skills and knowledge for all aspects of owning and/or skippering a boat, it can be quite difficult to keep up with everything you've learnt. This short exercise will help you keep remembering the various aspects of your boat.

Becoming competent with handling mooring lines will allow you to feel more confident docking your boat in different types of berths and marinas. Most permanent marina berths will have fixed mooring lines so you do not have to adjust every time you leave or arrive at the dock, but it is also good practice to use non-fixed lines to practice your mooring techniques if you are going to explore new destinations on your boat!

Manoeuvring a boat in a tight space is not an easy task, but with some practice and skills to pull it off, you will find that being able to turn in a confined space will advance the rest of your boat handling techniques.

How does your bilge system work and what would be the priority be to get water out of the boat? In this episode, we have some Bilge System tips for ongoing maintenance and usage on longer passages.

Marine toilets are not the most enjoyable aspect of boating, and quite often this leads to issues with maintenance and even crew seasickness. So in this episode, Neil has some tips for inducting crew in the correct use of the toilets and what you should think about for ongoing maintenance.

Taking your personal skills further is not always easy, which is why we created the 'Rules of ABB' to break down the steps to expand your comfort zone. In this episode, we've got some ideas to help you with each rule!

In this special interview, Neil is joined by Niall Powers to discuss some of the benefits of getting kids and young adults into sailing, and how to best approach the youth sailing years to keep them engaged whether it is racing or going on adventures while cruising. Niall has worked with Above & Beyond Boating and has had experience introducing new kids and adults into sailing and power-boating since his own youth sailing years. In 2019, Niall was recognised by Australian Sailing as the NSW Instructor of the Year.

What are the benefits of joining a yacht club? Is it something that could add value to your boat ownership? In this podcast, we look at what you can get out of membership at a club.

Could you make money out of chartering your boat or entering a syndicate? We weigh up the options that are out there for you to make your boat economically viable for you.

It's easy to get sucked into getting everything you possibly might need to make your boat go faster, but keeping your sail plan simple and suitable to you will make your boat much easier to handle.

In this episode, we have some simple tips to help you get racing quicker on the race track!

Getting qualified may be a requirement for you in some situations, but in others, it's all about the learnings and experience that the qualification may present. In this episode, Neil has some tips to make sure that you are gaining the correct qualifications (if you need any) and that the learning is relevant for you!

Which boat should I buy? This is something we get asked a lot and help people with to get them going on adventures! This episode features some of Neil's top tips for choosing the best boat for you.

In this episode, Neil talks about some considerations to First Aid when you're on a boat. This doesn't just involve making sure you have a first aid kit on board and the people are qualified to deal with first aid, but also ensuring there are enough people on board that can then call for help and manage an emergency.

This episode features some advice about how to go about learning some of the systems on your boat that you might not know. Being comfortable with boat maintenance is important, and if you find something is out of your comfort zone then you should look at bringing someone on board to help you. Start off with looking at the more simple systems on your boat. The Online Skipper Course can help you manage your boat maintenance.

Where are you now with your skippering abilities and where would you like to be in 5 years time? In this episode, we've got some tips for you to plan your skill development and be a better skipper! Learn more: aabboating.com/learn

STOP - THINK - ACT! There are plenty of things that could potentially go wrong on a boat, which is why you need to have a process to deal with things not going to plan.

Skippering your boat for the first time in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race can be a huge challenge, but one that is very achievable. In this episode, we've got some tips to help you start your journey to skippering your boat in the race!

In this episode, Neil looks at some of the capabilities of a Chart Plotter that you might not know about or never used! Get to know your equipment and use what you have.

In this episode, Neil discusses some things to remember when sailing along the east coast and navigating the East Australian Current!

Preparing food on a boat can be challenging, but enjoying great food while sailing on longer trips can help lift your crew's morale! Some of these tips will help you make food preparation easier on your boat.

In this episode, Neil gives some of his top tips for setting watch systems and managing crew fatigue on your boat.

Entering new and unknown locations can be an amazing experience for boat owners! In this episode, Neil runs through his preparation checklist for entering unknown locations.

Man Overboard is always a relevant topic to address on your boat. In this episode, Neil gives some tips for preventing, spotting, and recovering an M.O.B.

When was the last time you pulled out your Safety Equipment and used it? or tried it? Here are some simple tips to get you familiar with the safety equipment either on your boat or on a boat you sail on. •Online Skipper Course

In this episode, we've got some simple tips for managing your battery consumption and what you can do to save power onboard. •Online Skipper Course

In this episode, Neil follows our use what you have campaign and focuses on the equipment and plan for using your emergency steering system. •Online Skipper Course

Keep it simple skipper! In this episode, Neil gives some helpful advice to set up your boat correctly for balanced and stable downwind sailing. •Learn more in our Online Skipper Course

Continually develop your skills! In this episode, Neil Driscoll delivers some of his tips to help you feel comfortable while stopping your boat under sail. •Online Skipper Course

Look after your boat and she'll look after you! In this episode, we will help you get your head around simple engine checks, diagnostics & scheduled maintenance. •Online Skipper Course •Supporting Resources

Inducting new people on your boat should be basic safety for your adventures. In this episode, we are discussing the best ways to induct new crew onto your boat and how to break down your briefings to keep them simple and easy to understand. •Online Skipper Course •Supporting Resources

In this episode, we'll help you break down your boating dreams so you can take the steps to enjoy the perfect time on your boat. The links we mentioned in the episode: •Online Skipper Course •Supporting Resources

In this episode, we'll take you through how to avoid the 5 key myths that stop boat owners from casting off and achieve their boating dreams. The links we mentioned in the episode: •Online Skipper Course •Supporting Resources