Safety in Small Craft

by Mike Scanlan

Not only is this the recognised textbook for the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Boating Education Boatmaster certificate course, it is written for all small boat owners that venture out to sea. It is an indispensable manual covering all aspects of safety and seamanship, with comprehensive chapters on navigation, fire fighting, meteorology, ropework, boat stability and handling, rules of the road, communications, distress messages, and sea survival.

The latest edition is improved in two major ways. Firstly the narrative has been expanded to cover an increased exam syllabus and also much useful boating information beyond the exam needs; thus it becomes a greater asset as a general boating handbook. Secondly there are many new illustrations both as full colour and monochrome drawings and photographs. These add greatly to the appeal and the quality of the explanations.

The primary (and only) criticism of the pre-2002 edition was that it was a somewhat bland examination textbook that lacked depth and a certain relevance to boating in New Zealand in some areas. The 2002 edition moves firmly into the role of a comprehensive, general New Zealand boating handbook.

Genres: Reference

166 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crammed into this volume is a vast amount of boating information for understanding the sea, the boat and the responsibilities of the skipper. With simple laymans descriptions, great diagrams and simple use of colour I found this an invaluable start to my study and I think I will keep this book as my base reference to explore more about yachting, safety and the rules of the ocean. Though written specifically for the NZ audience, much of this is globally valid and the book also includes an index of terms in the back to help quickly find what you are looking for.