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For the Ocean-going sailing course
Ocean-going sailing
General information
With the Ocean-going sailing (GZV) course, you can obtain the certificate of theory so that you
- can become a Captain on sailing vessels up to 500 GT with an unlimited sailing area
The certificate of theory does not yet grant you a Certificate of Competency; you will need to arrange several other matters for that. However, this course represents a major step toward your Certificate of Competency for a specific position. Your diploma from this course serves as the certificate of theory, a component of your Certificate of Competency. You can read more about what else is required under Certificates of Competency.
Who is the course intended for?
The course is designed for professional shipping. However, other interested parties are also welcome. People with a private vessel, luxury yacht, or a general maritime interest are more than welcome.
After obtaining the certificate of theory and with the GZV Certificate of Theory and Proficiency, a Certificate of Competency can be obtained for:
- Master Sail up to 500 GT, worldwide
Admission requirements
To be admitted to the Ocean-going sailing (GZV) course, a certificate of theory for Coastal sailing (a completed KZV course) is required.
An equivalent education may also be sufficient:
- STCW up to 500 GT
- Zeewachtstandaard-K (if you are entering from the navy)
Course content
The subjects taught are:
Celestial Navigation and celestial calculations
Use of nautical almanac, use of calculator and HO sight reduction tables, use of the sextant, corrections, Calculations of Azimuth and Latitude, sun-moon-star fixes. Practical assignment on astronomical calculation
Meteorology and Oceanography
Interpreting weather reports, use of SPOS software, lows and anticyclones, cyclones, jet stream, climatological charts and atlases
Seakeeping and Advanced Ship Manoeuvring
Propulsion, rope handling, arrival & departure, anchoring, heavy weather, MOB, constricted waters, towing and being towed, damage control, grounding, emergencies, Bridge Resource Management
Advanced Bridge Systems
Sextant, bearing instruments, gyrocompass, ECDIS, Radar, GPS and AIS
Marine Auxiliary Engineering
Electricity on board, pumps, steering engines, hydraulics, technical drawings
Shipbuilding of Sailing Vessels
Design sailing vessels, forces on ship and rigging, strength calculations, materials, safety and overload knowledge
Square-Rigged Sailing and Unconventional rigs (WASP)
Conventional rigging, ship types, sails and their names, manoeuvring under sail, safety, voyage preparation, unconventional sail systems, retrofits, aerodynamics, propulsion forces, routing and voyage planning of conventional and unconventional rigged ships.
Stability of Sailing Vessels I and II
Dynamic stability, calculation heeling angle, docking and grounding, sailing ship requirements, stability in wind and waves, capsizing
Practical: Kaatje (practical square-rigged sailing)
Kaatje is our analogue simulator where climbing, setting and dousing of sail is practised.
Practical: ECDIS
STCW-compliant course in ECDIS (extra fees do apply)
- The course ‘Radar Navigation Operational Level‘ is part of the KZV course.
Please note! This certificate is required to obtain the Certificate of Proficiency! - ECDIS (generic) is also part of the above module; this component is mandatory to obtain the Certificate of Proficiency. You need it to be allowed to sail on ships equipped with ECDIS.
- For GZV students, there is the possibility to participate in the ‘Designated Security Duties‘ course at a reduced rate. More information will be shared during the school year.
Practical information
Read all practical information about the Ocean-going sailing course below
More information about Certificates of Competency:
What can I do with the Ocean-going sailing course?
What do I need to obtain my Certificate of Competency?
Why take the course at the EZS
The Enkhuizen Nautical College has been the institute for training professional sailors since 1978. Since then, the nautical college has kept pace with the times. Every year, all training programs and courses are thoroughly reviewed and adapted to current times and regulations.
Lessons at the maritime school are structured and of high quality. We achieve this with qualified teachers, good teaching materials, and a pleasant social environment. Safe sailing starts with a good and solid foundation of education, knowledge, and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I spread the school year over two years?
This is possible under certain conditions:
- If you are using a visa with a validity shorter than the study period, or
- You are bound by a sailing schedule that prevents you from attending lessons for the entire study season, or
- Another compelling reason, which will be assessed by the management.
- In that case, the school’s conditions are:
You only pay the registration fee for the second year - You purchase the new course manuals where adjustments have been made compared to the previous year.
- Attending subjects in a subsequent year is always subject to available space in the classroom.
- You must submit your request to the administration no later than two weeks before the start of the school year.
- In that case, the school’s conditions are:
I want to do the course, but I cannot afford it right now
Are you currently unable to pay for the course? You may be eligible for a financial contribution through the Henk Wever Fund.
Contact the office for more information on whether you qualify.
You can read more about the fund’s objectives on the Henk Wever Fund website.
Can I also follow the lessons online?
Yes, you can also follow the course online.
If you are unable to physically attend the lessons in Enkhuizen, for example due to illness
Or for the entire course.
You will receive more information about this during the first lesson. Alternatively, you can contact the office.
We advise you to attend the course at the school rather than online; education at our location provides a higher chance of passing.
If I haven’t passed all KZV subjects, can I still start GZV?
This is possible under certain conditions. Please contact Cosmo Wassenaar via cosmo@ezs.nl
Register
Register quickly, as we have a waiting list most years!
Once you have paid the registration fee, your spot is reserved.
The tuition fee can be paid later, but must be settled before the first day of class.
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