Online Captains’ Course

Master Every Skill: 7 Courses in One Ultimate Captain’s & Capable Crew Program

With SisterShip Training

Become a confident captain or capable crew with our all-in-one program, mastering essential skills through clear demonstration, expert insights, and hands-on practice

SisterShip Training Captains’ Course – southern hemisphere resources

• Overview
  • Starts at entry level
  • Builds to Yacht Master level
  • Navigation (traditional and electronic) – Passage Planning (traditional and electronic) – Weather Fundamentals – Col Regs (Intro and tricks to learn easily) – Emergency Preparedness (SMS for you and your boat) – Boat Handling
  • For all boaters
  • Similar to the RYA Yacht Masters theory BUT presented on Australian charts and appropriate to southern hemisphere (at times we do compare with northern hemisphere to increase depth of understand)
• Unique Features
  • Traditional and electronic navigation and passage planning
  • Step by Step – each element builds on the next
  • Appropriate Navigation Tools: With Australian nautical charts and resources. This is everything we used on the water for tens of thousands of ocean miles.
  • Weather Guidance: Regional weather, comparing resources/reliability – understand how our weather is put together
  • Videos: 90% video based, no endless reading
    Demonstration – Expert Insights – Practice
• Course Benefits
  • Builds confidence and safety – this creates the best chance to get the best from your time on the water
  • Perfect starting point
  • Perfect refresher
  • Perfect to prepare for RYA Yacht Master (so our customers tell us!)
• Who Should Take This Course?
• Skippers and crew embarking on coastal or ocean cruising
• New navigators looking to build essential skills in navigation and safety
• Seasoned navigators aiming to refresh and update their knowledge
• Those planning to charter a yacht, particularly in the Whitsundays
• Individuals keen to integrate both traditional and modern navigation methods
• Those embarking on RYA Yacht Master
• Those that want to fully understand the capabilities of their equipment, their boat and themselves
• Pre-Requisites
  • No prior experience or skills required
• Course Content (videos):

Navigation: Perfect for beginners or those refreshing skills, this course builds confidence using paper and electronic charts with step-by-step videos, quizzes, and advanced techniques.

Electronic Charts Webinar + Book: Demystify electronic navigation and confidently plan safe passages with a comprehensive guide to ENCs, ECDIS, and more.

Boat Handling and Docking: Learn expert techniques to handle and dock your boat like a pro in any situation, with tips from experienced mariners.

Passage Planning: Create thorough, safe plans for every voyage with templates, checklists, and videos covering tides, fuel, crew roles, and emergencies.

Marine Weather: Gain confidence in forecasting sea conditions with expert-led videos on synoptic charts, cyclones, fronts, and more.

Collision Regulations (Col Regs): Master the essential lights & shapes rules to prevent collisions at sea through engaging videos and practical tricks.

Emergency Preparedness: Customise a Safety Management System for your boat and crew, ensuring you’re ready to handle any on-water emergency with confidence.

• Course Delivery
  • Online e-learning via SisterShip Training’s Learning Management System
  • Downloadable checklists/templates/forms/cheat sheets.
• Support & Resources
  • Phone/Email support/guidance whenever you need it
  • Specifically curated/written articles for deeper understanding
  • Written by/supported by Jackie and Noel Parry: over 25 years on the high seas, on motorboats, sailboats, barges – working in numerous countries. Award winning Skippers and business owner (+ sailing record!).

Master Navigation and Safety Skills with Our Proven Teaching Formula

Our courses are built on a tried-and-true teaching formula designed to make learning engaging, easy to follow, and highly effective. We don’t just teach – we ensure you truly understand and feel confident on the water. Here’s what makes our method stand out:

• Diverse Learning Techniques: We cater to all types of learners by using various approaches, including written materials, live/recorded demonstrations, and practical exercises. Whether you prefer reading, watching, or doing, there’s something for everyone.
• Step-by-Step Learning Process: Our courses follow a “Demonstrate – Expert Insights – Practice” method to ensure understanding at every stage:

Demonstrate: We show you exactly how it’s done, using clear, step-by-step examples.

Expert Insights: We break down and simplify each concept in straightforward language, addressing frequently asked questions and common challenges.

Practice: You get hands-on opportunities to apply what you’ve learned, building confidence and real-world skill.

This formula makes complex topics simple, practical, and easy to remember. Join our courses to gain the skills you need to navigate safely and confidently.