Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs generally fall into either adminstration or course related questions - so click on the links here to be taken to the relevant part of the page.

How do I find you?

How do I find Red Ensign?

A: Directions to find us are on our "Contact Us" page. Click here to have a look

General Course Information

What time do courses start and finish?
A: All course start at 08.45 this enables candidates to make themselves familiar with the layout and classroom, make a cup of tea and settle before the course proper starts at 9am.
There is always a coffee break around 10:30 for 15 minutes and a lunch break around 3/4hr.
In the afternoon a tea break of 15 minutes is taken around 3.15.

Do you provide food on the courses?
A: No but the town is only a few minutes walk fro the centre or we are happy for candidates to bring a packed lunch or make use of the microwave and galley facilities.
We do have an unlimited supply of beverages and biscuits.

What sort of handout/course information is provided?
A: On all courses we provide leaflets, or M notices, or a specific book as is the case for first aid, power boat, radio courses and sheets of information as appropriate to the course.

Do you give out PowerPoint slide handouts?
A: No.

Is there anywhere I can access information when I am on site?
A:We have a resource room with a computer for internet and e-mails.
There is also a large collection of books, videos, CDs DVD available for anyone to use on site to help with any further study.

Will I be tested on the courses?
A: At the end of most courses there is a check or learning assessment.
Also at the end of each day we ask candidates to honestly fill out an evaluation form so that we can monitor the quality of our instruction.

Do you do RYA Courses?
A: Please see the Leisure section of our web site for the list of courses you would like to do.

About our Instructors

Who instructs courses?
A: We have a variety of highly skilled instructors. We call in specialists for courses e.g. Diesel courses will have an instructor whose background is in dealing with engines working on larger vessels.

What about boat handling skills?
A: All courses requiring boat handling skills will only be instructed by an instructor who is either Boat master grade 1 or 2 or Yachtmaster power qualified.

Accommodation

Can you help me with accommodation?

A: We recommend the Duke of York Hotel, which is only 5 minutes walk away (Phone them on 01983 295171)

B&Bs:

Caledon Guest House (01983 293599)
Lorna Young (01983 292629)
Halcyone Villa (01983 291334)
Anchorage Guest House (01983 247975)

Alternatively, have a look at the accommodation pages on Cowes Online

STCW registration

Why I have been asked for my NI number?

A: In order to help cut down on forgery, your national insurance number (or a similar number if you are an overseas resident) is a number on an ID card which never changes:thishelps to support the validity of certification and owner.

Overseas visitors can supply medical card number, social security card number or drivers licence number.

Passports are not accepted as the number on these changes with each renewal.

How long do the STCW certificates last?
A: The personal survival techniques, personal safety and social responsibilities, and fire fighting all last for life.
First aid is renewable every three years.

What happens if I lose my certificates?

A: They can be replaced and there is an administration fee for this of £15.00
We advise that you always take copies of your certificates.Sign your certificates and if you lose them let us know straight away.

Are the STCW certificates recognised only in UK or world wide?

A:This is the standard for all British flagged vessels around the world.

STCW courses

How long does the STCW block course last?

A: 5 days.

Is it one certificate?

A: Not one but 4

Sea survival courses

What do I need to bring to the sea survival course?
A:We ask candidates to bring along their swim wear with a T shirt and trousers to wear on top of this. Together with shower stuff, towel and plastic bag for wet clothes after the session.

All candidates are invited to bring along their own foul weather gear and if they would like to try out their own lifejacket they are welcome to do so.

What happens in the pool session?
A: We use a life raft and inflate it using the gas canister. We then use the inflated life raft to do the practical exercises in the pool including righting an upturned life raft.

The sea survival pool session can be physically demanding and so we do ask that candidates disclose any physical difficulties they might have, especially with regard to back, neck, knee, shoulder, problems etc. Similarly we would like to know if any one suffers from conditions such as claustrophobia, asthma, diabetes, haemophilia etc.

Radio courses

What should I do, if anything, to prepare for this course?
A: We always suggest some pre-course reading looking at the phonetic alphabet, working channels,proceduralwords.

What do I need to bring to this course?
A: Please bring a recent passport sized photo. This is for your application form and eventual license which is a personal operators license allowing you to use the radio.

I need to have another licence; what is this for?
A: You need to have both a personal licence as well as a set licence. The set licence is obtainable over the internet from the radio licensing authority.

I already hold a VHF licence but I need to update with the DSC bit.
A: The DSC update course is a half day course will allow the operator will now be familiar with the new DSC working of the vessels radio.

You will need to bring to the course your old VHF licence in order that the number can be crossed referenced with the RYA to issue the new licence. You will also need to supply a new photo.

Fire fighting courses

Is real fire or fire simulation used?
A: The practical elements use real fire at the fire station.

What about protective clothing?
A: All suitable appropriate clothing will be issued at the fire station.

Medical conditions?
A: As with any practical elements of any course you will be required to complete a medical form to highlight any potential problems.