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Specialist Courses

VHF Short Range Certificate

This award-winning online course provides the VHF Short Range Certification required for all commercial endorsement applications and is a mandatory requirement for all Yachtmaster examinations. The course is undertaken online in your own time through our interactive site (Solaris Sailing will provide access code and remote access to an instructor who will be on hand to help if you have any queries during the online course). Completion of the course is followed by a classroom-based independent assessment using the latest ICOM and STANDARD HORIZON VHF/DSC marine radio sets prior to a written examination. Issue of the VHF SRC licence follows successful completion of the written examination. If no tuition is required you can enter directly for examination. We have two examiners at Solaris Sailing and can offer examinations 7 days a week usually at short notice.

First Aid Theory Course

The one-day RYA First Aid course is aimed at anyone who goes afloat to provide a working knowledge of first aid and covers all the usual aspects of first aid but from a boating perspective. The syllabus is based on recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and fulfils the requirements for professional skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of a safe haven. An in-date First Aid course completion certificate is required for the Yachtmaster examination and is valid for 3 years.

Professional Practices and Responsibilities

The Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) certificate is a compulsory online course for new and revalidating RYA Commercial Endorsement holders. This course teaches the rules and regulations that professional seafarers are expected to understand and comply with. It comprises four training modules and a final assessment. Solaris Sailing will provide remote access to an instructor who will be on hand to help if you have any queries during the online course. This course can be completed anytime prior to Commercial Endorsement application or renewal and will be valid either for the first Commercial Endorsement application or next renewal.

Diesel Engine Maintenance

The RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course provides basic engine knowledge to prevent and solve diesel engine issues. This classroom-based course covers hands-on experience with a diesel engine to learn how an engine works, the procedures for performing basic checks and maintenance and how to restart in the event of a breakdown. This one-day Diesel Engine certification is strongly recommended for both sail and motor Yachtmaster candidates.

Radar Theory

The RYA Radar Theory course provides an understanding of radar as an aid to navigation and collision avoidance. Cruising boats increasingly have radar on board and the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) state, in effect, that if you have radar you must know how to use it. Radar is probably the most versatile of all electronic navigation aids but the best results are only obtained when all the functions are used correctly.

RYA Sea Survival

A one-day course for anyone going to sea, providing an understanding of how to use the safety equipment on board your boat. A genuine lifesaver. Cruising is one of the safest leisure sporting activities, and 99.9% of those afloat will never use their life raft. However, if you are part of the unlucky 0.1% your chances of survival will be greatly increased if you understand how to use the equipment and how to help yourself.

Personal Water Craft

Train with us for Personal Water Craft (jetski) proficiency and jetski instructor courses – with the best equipment and prices on the island. All of our jetski course prices include the latest Seadoo skis and fuel, full safety kit and personal buoyancy aid.

We provide the one-day PWC (Personal Water Craft) proficiency certificate on successful completion of the course. You have the option to use our jetskis (2 students to each ski or go solo) or use your own jetski. The syllabus includes handling at both low and high speed, launching and recovery of the jetski, short passage plans with position fixing and essential safety information, how to avoid collisions and stay safe at sea. The price includes RYA Personal Watercraft book, and RYA PWC certificate (once completed).

Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you

Powerboat Level 2

At Milebuilders, we run the Powerboat Level 2 Course. This fun, challenging and very popular two-day course provides the skills and theory required for driving powerboats such as Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB), open day-boats and any kind of sports boat up to 10m. We provide group-training sessions (maximum of 3) or we can provide one-to-one tailored tuition for you on your own boat.

The course comprises a theory component and lots of fun on the water practicing low-speed and close-quarters handling, man overboard recovery and an introduction to basic high-speed manoeuvres. If you already have lots of experience driving powerboats, speak to us about the one-day Powerboat Level 2 assessment.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum age 12 (candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate), No pre-course experience or assumed knowledge required, May be preceded by Level 1
RECOMMENDED READING
  • RYA Start Power boating by Jon Mendez, RYA Powerboat handbook by Paul Glatzel (G13), RYA Powerboat Scheme and Logbook (G20)
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Waterproof clothing, Sunscreen, Passport sized photo with name and signature on reverse, Note: Life jackets will be provided but feel free to bring your own
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 2 days, Daily start and finish time: 09.30 – 17.30hrs
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Launching and recovery, Safety equipment, Lines and fenders, Fuel tanks, Effects of current or tide, Planing and low speed manoeuvring, Propeller controls, Securing to a buoy, Anchoring, Leaving and coming alongside, Man overboard, Types of craft and engine, Maintenance checks, IRPCS, Weather forecasts, Emergency action
CERTIFICATION
  • The Powerboat Level 2 Certificate is awarded on successful completion of the Powerboat Level 2 course
POST COURSE
  • After the course you should be a self-sufficient power-boater on open planning craft up to 10m in the right conditions, aware of your own limitations and those of the craft. At the end of a successful course you may also be eligible for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
  • Note: if you are taking this course and intend to apply for an ICC, a coastal Powerboat Level 2 course will allow you to apply for a coastal ICC for Power up to 10m. The inland Powerboat Level 2 course will allow you to apply for an inland ICC for Power up to 10m, providing you have also successfully passed a CEVNI test. For more information and to check the eligibility criteria please refer to the ICC application form.
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you

RYA Coastal Skipper Motor

This five-day RYA Coastal Skipper motor course is for advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen and women with considerable knowledge of motor cruising and navigation that want to undertake coastal passages by day and night. This intensive practical course covers skippering passages in more challenging conditions and provides thorough tuition for passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations.

A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night. There is a shore based course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
RECOMMENDED READING
  • Seaman’s Guide to the Rules of the Road by JWW Ford
  • Yachtmaster for Sail and Power by Alison Noice
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Waterproof clothing, Sunscreen
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 5 days, Start and finish time: 09.30 to variable
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Passage planning, Preparation for sea, Pilotage, Passage making and ability as a skipper, Radar, Boat handling, Adverse weather conditions, Emergency situations
CERTIFICATION
  • The Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate is awarded on successful completion of the RYA Coastal Skipper Motor practical exam over one day and one night
POST COURSE
  • By the end of the RYA Coastal Skipper course, skippers should be able to undertake more difficult passages by day and night, be able to handle the yacht in more demanding conditions and have the knowledge, if not the experience, to become a Yachtmaster.
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you

 

Advanced Pilotage

This 2-day Advanced Pilotage course is a higher-level course for people moving on from Day Skipper towards Coastal Skipper. It is therefore ideal for those who want to progress their night pilotage skills, but might not yet have the experience required for the Coastal Skipper course and is a good refresher course for candidates considering progressing towards Yachtmaster training or who are converting from sail to motor qualifications.

Regardless of whether you are driving at day or night, as skipper there are certain things you must be aware of and understand with regards to pilotage. These include buoyage, distinct structures ashore, varying depths, any distinctive shoreline and tidal considerations you might encounter en route to the harbour or marina.

You must also recognise what pilotage techniques you could utilise to enter your final destination, depending on what is available, what the risks are and taking into account any port or harbour regulations.

These pilotage techniques can include a combination of using transits, creating clearing lines and bearings to define safe or dangerous areas, back or head bearing to stay on your intended track, cross bearing to help identify a turn point, depth and contour lines and speed, time and distance.

Getting a real feel for how to use your chartplotter and radar is also going be beneficial, but it is equally important to understand the limitations of using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers in pilotage.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
RECOMMENDED READING
  • A Seaman’s Guide to the Rules of the Road by JWW Ford
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Waterproof clothing, Sunscreen
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 2 days, Start and finish time: 09.30 to variable
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Passage planning, Preparation for sea, Pilotage, Passage making and responsibility as a skipper (daylight hours), Use of radar, Boat handling, Dealing with adverse weather conditions, Dealing with emergency situations, Night cruising, Dinghies
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do the Advanced Pilotage course and we will try to arrange this for you

RYA Day Skipper (Motor)

The RYA Day Skipper Motor training course is for individuals with some motor boating experience and basic navigation and boat handling skills that want to be able to take charge as skipper over short passages. During the five-day practical course you will be given responsibility at the helm for the crew and navigation, with the instructor on hand at all times to provide advice and encouragement.

This practical course can be supplemented with Day Skipper theory course either side of the practical week with 2 days classroom-based theory in navigation beforehand and afterwards. At the end of a successful course you may also be eligible for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). RYA Day Skipper for Motor is a practical course for anyone who wants to learn how to take charge of a motor cruiser between 25 and 80ft. By the end of the course, you will be a confident and capable skipper, able to assess situations and make qualified decisions for the benefit of the motor cruiser and its crew. This course can also help you get the best from your modern electronic aids such as GPS and radar, which are now virtually standard equipment on modern motor cruisers.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • From 16 years
  • 2 days practical experience on a motor cruiser
  • Basic navigation and helmsmanship
  • It is recommended that you attend the Day Skipper Shore based Course before taking this practical course
RECOMMENDED READING
  • RYA Day Skipper Handbook – Motor
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Waterproof clothing, Sunscreen
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 4 days (standard) or 8 days (extra), Start and finish time: 09.30 to variable
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Preparation for sea, Boat handling, Navigation, Pilotage, Passage making, Meteorology, Rules of the road, Engines, Emergency situations, Night cruising
CERTIFICATION
  • The Day Skipper Motor Practical Certificate is awarded on successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper course
POST COURSE
  • Along with this course you might also include the one-day VHF/DSC Marine Radio course
  • Note that motor training courses taken in the Mediterranean are classified as non-tidal.
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you

Start Motor Cruising

This one-day Start Motor Cruising course is a great introduction to motor cruising for complete beginners. You will have lots of fun learning the basics of boat handling as a member of the crew, assist at the helm and learn safety on board. During your day on board one of our fabulous motor yachts there will also be plenty of time to relax in the sunshine, appreciate the stunning scenery of Mallorca and enjoy a light lunch whilst anchored in a beautiful bay.

This course is ideal for introducing groups of friends or families to motor boating. Our motor yacht, ‘Deep Blue’, is a Fairline Phantom 46 boasting powerful twin Volvo Penta turbocharged diesel engines driving shafts/props – quiet, clean and economical by yachting standards, air-conditioned and with a great layout and equipment at both lower and flybridge helms including radar.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Min 8 years of age, No pre-course experience or assumed knowledge required
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Waterproof clothing, Sunscreen
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 1 day, Start and finish time: 09.30 to variable
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Personal safety on board, Seamanship, Dealing with emergency situations, Coming alongside, Picking up a mooring buoys, Anchoring, Boat handling
CERTIFICATION
  • The Start Motoring Certificate is awarded on completion of the Start Motor Cruising course
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you

Theory Courses

Essential Navigation & Seamanship

This two-day theory course offers a really good introduction to navigation and safety awareness for new or inexperienced skippers and crew, and is also for those simply wanting to refresh their skills for sailing, motor and powerboating.

It can also be used to compliment the Powerboat (Level 2, Intermediate and Advanced), Start Yachting, Helmsman and Day Skipper courses.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • No age restrictions, No pre-course experience or assumed knowledge required
RECOMMENDED READING
  • RYA introduction to Navigation
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 2 days, Daily start and finish time: 09.30 – 17.00hrs.
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Charts and Publications, Safety, Engine checks, Buoyage, Tidal awareness, Visual and electronic navigation, Pilotage, Rules of the road, Anchoring, Weather forecasts, Passage planning
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you.

Navigation for Day Skipper

This Day Skipper Theory course is a comprehensive introduction to sail or motor cruising for inexperienced skippers and equips you with sufficient knowledge to navigate within familiar waters by day. This can either be a stand-alone 5-day course or supplement the Day Skipper Sail and Motor practical week.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • No age restrictions, No pre-course experience or assumed knowledge required
RECOMMENDED READING
  • RYA Navigation Handbook, RYA Navigation Exercises, RYA Weather Handbook, RYA Sail Cruising Log Book, RYA Motor Cruising Log Book, RYA Manual of Seamanship by Tom Cunliffe
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 5 days, Start and finish time: 09.30 to variable.
CERTIFICATION
  • The Day Skipper Theory Certificate is awarded on successful completion
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Basics of seamanship, Essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage, Chartwork, Electronic charts, Position fixing, Plotting a course to steer, Weather forecasting and meteorology, Tides, Collision regulations, Construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat, Emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and life rafts
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you.

Yachtmaster / Coastal Skipper

This six-day Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Course is advanced training for more experienced skippers wanting to learn how to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. The course starts with a revision of the basics in navigation theory and quickly moves on to advanced navigation, meteorology, collision avoidance, safety at sea and passage planning. This course provides theory knowledge to the standard required for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • No age restriction, Courses completed: at least to the level of Day Skipper
RECOMMENDED READING
  • RYA Navigation Handbook, RYA Weather Handbook, RYA Sail Cruising Log Book, RYA Motor Cruising Log Book, Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road by JWW Ford, Yachtmaster for Sail and Power by Alison Noice
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 6 days/46 hours study plus exams on extra day, Daily start and finish time: 09.30 to 17.00.
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Position fixing, Course shaping and plotting, Tidal knowledge, Use of almanacs and admiralty publications, Electronic position finding equipment, Taking and interpreting forecasts, Plotting weather systems, Weather predictions using a barometer and by observation, Collision regulations, Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad
CERTIFICATION
  • The Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Theory Certificate is awarded on successful completion of a moderated examination. Candidates successfully completing this course often go on to take the Yachtmaster sail or motor examination. See Yachtmaster examination preparation weeks for more information.
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you.

Yachtmaster Ocean – Celestial Navigation

A course in astro navigation, worldwide meteorology and passage planning, which also unravels the mysteries of the sextant. This advanced course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage. This course involves astro-navigation, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids – it also includes time learning the practical application of a sextant. Note: If you are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, completion of this shore-based course exempts you from the written exam.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Age: 18 years
  • Hold a DoT Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate issued prior to 1973 or an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. An RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate does not qualify.
  • A restricted (VHF only) Radio Operators Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate. Candidates must also hold a valid first aid certificate.
  • Ocean passage as skipper or mate of watch
  • The candidate must have been fully involved in the planning of the passage, including selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, storing spare gear, water and victuals and organising the watch-keeping routine
  • During the passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land while sailing a distance of at least 200 miles
  • All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam
RECOMMENDED READING
  • RYA Astro Navigation Handbook
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Sextant (these can be provided if you do not have one. We also sell the excellent Davis Mk15 sextant from stock), Notepad and lined or graph paper
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 5 or 7 days (five days of shore-based theory training and an optional 1 or 2 days at sea taking sights), Course start and finish time: 09.30 to 17.00.
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • The earth and the celestial sphere, Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea, Meridian altitudes, Sun, star and other sights, Ocean passage planning, Learn to use a sextant, Examination process
  • The Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate is awarded on successful completion of the examination
POST COURSE
  • Following the successful completion of this course, and the submission of a sun-run-sun sight, compass check and details of your qualifying passage, you will be eligible to book an oral exam with an Ocean examiner to become qualified to skipper a yacht worldwide.
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you.

Yachtmaster (Sail & Motor)

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence is a highly regarded worldwide qualification proving the experience and competence of a skipper. Sufficient experience and sea time form the eligibility criteria for taking the Yachtmaster exam. The Yachtmaster offshore sail exam preparation week provides five days practical boat handling and revision of the theory with all aspects of the examination organised.

This is an intensive course which will challenge you by sailing onto and off marina pontoons and mooring buoys, sail trim for simulated engine and steering failures, man overboard, blind navigation, mooring up in tight spots and anchoring under sail.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Age: 18 years
  • Completed Yachtmaster Theory Course
  • A minimum of 50 days at sea
  • A minimum of 2,500 logged miles
  • At least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination
  • At least 5 days experience as a skipper (acting as skipper for at least 2 of these passages, including 2 as overnight passages
  • Note: at least half the mileage and passages must be in tidal waters and all qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
RECOMMENDED READING
  • Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road by JWW Ford, Yachtmaster for Sail and Power by Alison Noice
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Protective clothing and equipment (sunscreen), Life jackets will be provided but feel free to bring your own
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: five days (there will be at least one night exercise during the course), Course start and finish time: 09.30 to variable
CERTIFICATION
  • The Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence is awarded on successful completion of practical exam
POST COURSE
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMPLIMENT THE YACHTMASTER QUALIFICATION
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you.

Yachtmaster conversion

Holders of the Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore sail Certificate of Competence may take a practical conversion exam to obtain the equivalent power certificate of competence. Candidates may also convert from power to sail. The same rules apply whether you are converting from sail to power, or from power to sail, but the practical exam for converting from power to sail may take slightly longer.

EXAM DURATION

The practical exam will take about three hours. The examiner may ask questions or set tasks on any part of the syllabus but will concentrate on those sections which are markedly different in a motor cruiser, eg boat handling, passage planning, radar.

PRE-EXAM REQUIREMENTS

The mileage shown below must be in the type of boat that you are converting to. All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

FOR YACHTMASTER COASTAL CONVERSION EXAMS
  • Minimum of 400 miles, 12 days living on board, 2 days as skipper, 12 night hours
FOR YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE CONVERSION EXAMS
  • Minimum of 1250 miles, 25 days living on board, 3 days as skipper, 3 passages over 60 miles including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you

Coastal Skipper (Sail)

This five-day RYA Coastal Skipper sailing course is for advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen and women with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation that want to undertake coastal passages by day and night. This intensive practical course covers skippering passages in more challenging conditions and provides thorough tuition for passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations.

A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night. There is a shore-based course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence. While the qualification originated in the United Kingdom, the course is taught worldwide. Recognised sailing Schools based in Mallorca and authorised to conduct the training include Deep Blue Sea Training based in Santa Catalina, Palma and Solaris Sailing based in Port Andratx.

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum age 17, 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours, Boat handling to the standard of Day Skipper and navigation to shore-based Coastal, Completed the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shore-based course
RECOMMENDED READING
  • Seaman’s Guide to the Rules of the Road by JWW Ford, Yachtmaster for Sail and Power by Alison Noice
BRING WITH YOU ON THE DAY
  • Waterproof clothing, Sunscreen
COURSE DETAILS
  • Duration: 5 days, Start and finish time: 09.30 to variable
COURSE SYLLABUS
  • Passage planning, Preparation for sea, Pilotage, Passage making and ability as skipper, Yacht handling under power, Yacht handling under sail, Adverse weather conditions, Emergency situations, Ability after the course Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night
CERTIFICATION
  • The Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate is awarded on successful completion of practical exam over one day and one night. By the end of the course you Coastal Skippers should be able to undertake more difficult passages by day and night, be able to handle the yacht in more demanding conditions and have the knowledge, if not the experience, to become a Yachtmaster
COURSE SCHEDULE
  • Please contact us with the dates you would like to do this course and we will try to arrange this for you