Chapter 1 Preparation Principles of seaworthiness and seamanship Avoiding personal dangers Biggest dangers a yacht may encounter Local v long-distance cruising Margins of safety Vessel checks: hull, rigging, ground tackle, engine, seacocks, gas system, electrical system Safety briefings and checklists Safety equipment Passage planning Weather forecasting Tides Chapter 2 Boat Handling On-board communication, leadership and teamwork Crew management Watch-keeping Principles of collision avoidance Importance of a balanced sail plan Reefing Dealing with challenging tides and currents Sailing to windward Surviving heavy weather, towing drogues Anchoring Chapter 3 Communications VHF DSC radio SSB radio, satellite phone, mobile phone AIS, GMDSS, Inmarsat-C NAVTEX and SafetyNET EPIRB, Personal Locator Beacon, MOB beacons, SART Single letter meanings, phonetic alphabet, prowords, International Code of Signals Chapter 4 Equipment and maintenance Engine maintenance, filters and spares Fuel system, air supply and oil pressure The cooling system Electrics Avoiding and identifying electrical problems Tools and spares Safety and emergency equipment Distress signals Liferafts Electronics and instruments System networks Fresh-water system First aid kits Chapter 5 Emergencies First aid at sea, including common medical emergencies Engine failure Emergency steering Capsize Dismasting Holed hull Fire Man overboard (MOB) Sending distress signals Getting a tow.