COVID-19 Precautions for Training Course Delivery and Examinations
Version 1.6 04 May 2021
For the safety of all participants in our courses, as well as instructors and examiners:
- We will endeavour to ensure full compliance with the currently published guidelines and advice at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/472f64-covid-19-coronavirus-guidance-and-advice/ and ask that attendees do likewise.
- We will take full account of guidelines and advice specific to the education sector published at https://www.education.ie/covid19. Our courses are defined as Adult and Higher Education courses for the purpose of complying with COVID-19 Regulations.
- All prospective attendees will be asked to complete a pre-course survey and will only be admitted to the course if this indicates low risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Attendees showing symptoms or who have any concerns about possible infection must withdraw from the course immediately and inform us of their reason for doing so. Attendees who develop symptoms up to 10 days after the course must also inform us and advise us of any COVID-19 test results.
- To maximise the efficiency of course delivery, all attendees will be expected to engage in remote learning prior to the start of the course. In order to achieve this, we will require email addresses 7 days beforehand.
- Wherever possible during the on-site delivery of the course, instruction will occur outdoors. When indoors, windows will be open to maximise airflow. Attendees should dress accordingly.
- The sharing of equipment during the course and examinations will be avoided wherever possible. In the event that equipment must be shared, it will be thoroughly cleaned with alcohol-based sanitiser between users.
- The maximum number of attendees on our courses is reduced to 8. They will be divided into study groups of no more than 4 attendees in each, when indoors.
- A minimum distance of 4m should be maintained between study group. Ideally study groups will be in separate rooms, in close proximity to one another. Each of the rooms should be capable of housing attendees when separated at the recommended social distance. Where possible, an additional smaller room should be provided to accommodate 3 persons at the recommended social distance (this is used for oral/practical examinations).
- Tables and chairs (one per attendee in the larger classrooms and 2 tables + 2 chairs in the smaller room) will be regularly sanitised and attendees will be encouraged not to move between them.
- Each attendee will receive a sanitised and individually wrapped notebook and pen. They will be discouraged from sharing. As far as possible, no other paper, books or pens will be circulated.
- No food or drink should be brought into the classrooms.
- Ample supplies of hand sanitiser, face-coverings and gloves will be provided.
- Masks will be worn indoors at all times.
- Temperature checks will be performed on all participants at regular intervals.
- Signage in each classroom will indicate the necessity of maintaining social distance. Hand sanitiser reminders and other notices will be in place.
- All attendees will receive a copy of this policy prior to the start of the course
We provide a number of different courses for all types of professional and leisure sailors.
Radio courses
Leisure boats within 30 miles of the shore – SRC VHF
Leisure boats more than 30 miles from the shore – LRC
Operation of VHF on SOLAS vessels in coastal waters – ROC
Operation of VHF/MF/HF & satellite for transoceanic seafarers (SOLAS compliant) – GOC
Navigation courses
Basic knowledge of navigation and safety (motor or sail) – RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship (ONLINE)
Coastal sailing (motor or sail) – Irish Sailing Coastal Navigation for Small Boats
Coastal and offshore sailing with prior experience – RYA Coastal Skipper
Offshore sailing (higher standard) – RYA Yachtmaster Offshore