Ok, so I took my Powered Pleasure Craft Driving License on saturday and passed it. I have now completed my collection of License. Air Land and sea. So here is what happened during the test.
Arrived at the testing site at about 1100hrs. In-processing started at about 1115hrs. Candidates were called one by one to fill in personal details on the results slip and to produce the revelent documents.
After everyone has filled in their personal details and showed their documents, we were broken into 3 boats. 2 boats had 4 candidates while one had 3. The 2 boats that had 4 candidates were further broken into 2 waves. First 2 will set off while the other 2 will wait on shore for their turn.
I was first to go during my wave. Overall pre sail check followed by 11 essential items and boat licence check. Posted lookout and then pushed off. Sea state was pretty calm inside the docks but quite rough after you get pass the RSYC pontoons. Current was flowing towards a north western direction. To find out the current direction, observe where the bow of the sampans, anchored off Poly Marina is pointed. That direction is the direction whereby the current is flowing from.
First up was the man overboard recovery test. After pushing off, headed for an open area off RSYC. Tester got the lookout to throw one of the lifebouys overboard. However, my lookout failed to shout out "man overboard". But as I maintained 360degree situational awareness(pays to take note by feeling or hearing where your lookout is), I knew which side the bouy went. First try was uncessful as the lifebouy drifted away from the boat just as I went alongside it. Second try was successful.
After the man overboard recovery, I was instructed to head inside the docking area belonging to RSYC. Take note, RSYC has "signs" requesting boatmen to travel at no wake speed within the docks. I was told to dock at bay "Juilet" 11 (It helps to memorize the international phonetic call signs as the testers, being mariners, might use it). Docking went smoothly despite the currents pushing my boat towards J12. The Bay numbers are painted on white boxes placed on the docks.
After securing the boat, command was handed over to the other candidate who will then proceeded with his test.
Following both candidates completion of the practical aspects of the handling test, the tester will take over the boat and drive it back to the poly marina. All will then proceed to wait outside the Test Center to be called for the oral test.
For the oral test, I was asked to identify bouys, right of way vessel and actions to be taken in reduced visibility conditions. For the right of way questions, 2 rubber boat models will be used. You will be asked which vessel has the right of way and what navigation lights you will see on the other vessel.
Overall I was awarded 10 demerit points. The points were awarded for failure to ensure well being of passengers prior to setting off, failure to check for engine cooling water stream and requiring second attempt to pick up "man overboard". No points were awarded for the oral test.
That concludes the reflection on my PPCDL Practical Handling Test. Hope it helps you!
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