Ace Your 104, Bareboat Cruising Written Sailing Exam from Udemy

What's inside

Syllabus

Clear understanding of course and decide whether this course (or another in our series) is the right level for you.

Know the topics and decide whether this course (or another in our series) is right for you.

Understand and safely operate boat systems, including head and stove

Illustrated graphics on how fuel and water operate in a diesel engine

A discussion of the controls affecting subtle sail trimming and shaping

more on boat handling, including special docking situations (Med moor, etc.)

A variety of challenges for the skipper and how to respond when things go wrong

there are no new knots in 104 -- thus this is a quick review

basics on weather to help the skipper recognize dangers and predict short-term weather

Chart basics and structure - including lats and longs

Several "advanced" marks that the cruising skipper will likely one day meet

Practice in becoming quicker and better and chart reading

Get grounded in the COLREGS -- ignorance is no excuse for not knowing

Basic 104 dead reckoning math problems of the type introduced on the 04 exam

a small pot pourri of things you need to know for the 104 exam, and a few miscellaneous good to know items

a variety of content topics and information not needed for the exam, but all good stuff for the skipper to be familiar with

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers boat systems, engine operation, and coastal navigation, which are essential for self-sufficiency at sea

Explores distress situations and first responses, which are critical for safety and preparedness while sailing

Reviews knots and introduces the Trucker's Hitch, which is useful for securing loads on a boat

Examines short-term weather forecasting using senses, which helps skippers recognize dangers and predict weather changes

Includes chart reading practice, which is essential for navigation and piloting a boat

Teaches COLREGS (rules of the road), which are essential for preventing collisions at sea

Reviews summary

Effective prep for bareboat exam

According to learners, this course is highly effective for preparing to pass the ASA 104 or US Sailing Bareboat Cruising written exam. Students frequently praise the clarity of the explanations and the comprehensive coverage of essential topics like COLREGS, dead reckoning, and boat systems. Many reviewers found the practical insights and seamanship tips shared by the captain to be particularly valuable. While excellent for exam preparation, a few students note that the course is primarily focused on the written test and may require supplemental study or practical experience for full bareboat competency.

Covers all needed topics for the exam.

"The course covers all the essential topics required for the 104 exam, from COLREGS to diesel engines."

"I felt confident that the course material covered the breadth of the Bareboat Cruising syllabus."

"It provided a thorough review of navigation, weather, systems, and safety procedures."

Valuable tips from captain's experience.

"The captain's personal stories and practical tips added a lot of value beyond just the exam material."

"Learning from the instructor's real-world experience was a highlight for me."

"The seamanship advice provided was excellent and very applicable."

Topics are presented clearly and concisely.

"The explanations are easy to follow and break down complex topics into understandable parts."

"I appreciated how clearly the concepts, especially navigation and systems, were explained."

"The narration and illustrations made everything very clear."

Helps significantly with the 104 exam.

"This course was instrumental in helping me pass the ASA 104 written exam on my first try."

"I felt completely prepared for the Bareboat Cruising written exam after completing this material."

"If your goal is to ace the written test, this course covers everything you need to know."

Primarily targets the written exam.

"While excellent for the written exam, this course doesn't replace the need for practical on-the-water experience."

"It's a great academic primer, but be aware it's focused solely on the written portion of the certification."

"I would recommend pairing this with hands-on training for full bareboat readiness."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ace Your 104, Bareboat Cruising Written Sailing Exam with these activities:

Review Basic Knots

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Reinforce your knowledge of essential knots to ensure a solid foundation for more advanced seamanship techniques covered in the course.

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Watch videos demonstrating knot tying.
Practice tying each knot multiple times.
Test your knot-tying speed and accuracy.

Read 'Chapman Piloting & Seamanship'

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Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to seamanship, piloting, and boat handling.

View The Boater's Handbook on Amazon

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Read chapters related to boat systems and navigation.
Review sections on emergency procedures and safety.
Use the book as a reference for specific topics covered in the course.

Chart Plotting Exercises

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Sharpen your chart plotting skills through repetitive exercises to improve speed and accuracy in navigation.

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Download or create practice chart plotting scenarios.
Solve for course, speed, and estimated time of arrival.
Check your answers against the solutions.

Four other activities

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Read 'Marine Diesel Engines' by Nigel Calder

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Deepen your understanding of marine diesel engines with a comprehensive guide to maintenance and troubleshooting.

View Shakedown Cruise: Lessons and Adventures from a... on Amazon

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Read chapters related to engine operation and maintenance.
Review sections on troubleshooting common engine problems.
Relate the book's content to the engine systems discussed in the course.

Create a Seamanship Tips Guide

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Solidify your understanding of seamanship by creating a guide that summarizes key tips and best practices learned in the course.

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Review course materials and identify key seamanship tips.
Organize the tips into categories (e.g., anchoring, docking, sail trim).
Write a brief explanation for each tip.
Share your guide with other students for feedback.

Create a Distress Situations Response Guide

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Synthesize your knowledge of distress situations and first responses by creating a concise guide for quick reference.

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Review the course material on distress situations.
Identify the most common distress scenarios.
Outline the first actions to take in each scenario.
Design the guide for easy readability and quick access.

Plan a Mock Bareboat Cruise

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Apply your knowledge by planning a mock bareboat cruise, including route planning, provisioning, and safety considerations.

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Choose a destination and create a route plan using charts.
Develop a provisioning list for the cruise.
Identify potential hazards and develop contingency plans.
Present your cruise plan to a peer or instructor for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Ace Your 104, Bareboat Cruising Written Sailing Exam will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sailboat Captain

A sailboat captain is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of a sailing vessel. This course helps build a foundation in essential sailing knowledge needed to ace the 104 bareboat cruising exam. Boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, coastal navigation, chart plotting, weather, and seamanship, all covered in the course, provide a significant head start in becoming a competent sailboat captain. The course's focus on competence, confidence, and excellence helps students develop the skills to skipper a cruising sailboat on a multi-day voyage. Moreover, the course's discussion of distress situations and first responses helps prepare future sailboat captains to handle emergencies effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sailboat Captain

Charter Boat Captain

The charter boat captain is in charge of a vessel that is hired out to others, generally for recreational purposes. This course addresses what is needed to acquire essential sailing knowledge. It encompasses boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, coastal navigation and chart plotting, weather, and seamanship tips. The course's focus on excellence in seamanship and first actions to take in a variety of distress situations is crucial for handling potentially dangerous situations on a charter. Aspiring charter boat captains can benefit from the course's insights into advanced anchoring and other practical skills, that will help them ensure the safety and enjoyment of their passengers.

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Sailing Instructor

A sailing instructor teaches individuals how to sail, imparting knowledge of boat handling, navigation, and safety. The course helps future instructors gain sailing knowledge. The course's coverage of boat systems, engine operation, coastal navigation, chart plotting, weather, and seamanship tips is directly applicable to instruction. The emphasis on excellence in seamanship and first actions in distress situations is also critical for instructors, who must be prepared to respond to emergencies. This course's practical, experience-based approach can help instructors communicate concepts and techniques effectively.

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Marine Surveyor

A marine surveyor inspects vessels to assess their condition, safety, and compliance with regulations. This course's overview of boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, and seamanship provides a solid grounding for understanding vessel construction and operation. The course helps those considering a career in marine surveying. Marine surveyors need a strong understanding of potential problems and how to identify them. The course's discussion of distress situations and best practices in seamanship helps surveyors recognize potential hazards and assess vessel safety.

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Yacht Broker

A yacht broker assists clients in buying and selling yachts. The course may be useful to yacht brokers who need a solid understanding of boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, coastal navigation, chart plotting, weather, and seamanship. The course's coverage of these areas would allow the broker to speak authoritatively about a yacht's capabilities and condition. The course's material that is related to seamanship helps yacht brokers understand the practical aspects of yacht ownership and operation, so that brokers can better serve their clients.

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Harbor Master

The harbor master manages the operations of a harbor or marina, ensuring safety and order. This course may be useful to future harbor masters through its in-depth coverage of boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, coastal navigation, chart plotting, weather, and seamanship. The course's treatment of seamanship helps harbor masters understand the challenges faced by boaters and manage harbor operations effectively. The course prepares future harbor masters to ensure the safety of vessels within the harbor.

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Coast Guard Officer

A Coast Guard officer is responsible for enforcing maritime laws, conducting search and rescue operations, and ensuring maritime safety. This course is a great way for prospective Coast Guard officers to learn about boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, coastal navigation, chart plotting, weather, and seamanship. The course's treatment of distress situations helps Coast Guard officers and future officers prepare for emergencies at sea. The course's practical insights into seamanship and navigation would allow officers to make informed decisions and respond effectively to a variety of situations.

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Marine Mechanic

A marine mechanic repairs and maintains the engines and mechanical systems of boats and other watercraft. Marine mechanics can use what this course teaches about boat systems and auxiliary engine operation. The course helps students become marine machanics. It introduces marine mechanics to the overall context in which engines operate. A marine mechanic should be prepared to solve problems on a variety of vessels.

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Commercial Fisherman

Commercial fishermen operate fishing vessels to catch and sell fish. This course may be useful to commercial fishermen. Commercial fishermen are generally self-taught, but the instruction this course provides in boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, coastal navigation, chart plotting, weather, and seamanship, helps commercial fishermen operate their vessels more safely and efficiently. Learning about distress situations may help commercial fishermen respond to emergencies at sea.

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Oceanographer

An oceanographer studies the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean. A master's degree or doctorate is typically required. While this course may be useful to oceanographers focused on the practical aspects of sailing and navigation, it may not be a core part of their training. The course's treatment of weather and chart plotting helps oceanographers better understand the marine environment. Oceanographers are scientists, and this course focuses on practical knowledge.

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Naval Architect

A naval architect designs and oversees the construction and repair of ships and other marine vessels. While this course may be useful to naval architects, it may not be a core part of their training. They generally need a strong understanding of hydrodynamics, structural engineering, and materials science. The course's treatment of boat systems and seamanship may give naval architects a better understanding of how their designs are used in practice. This course will not substitute for more advanced and specific learning.

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Port Authority Manager

Port authority managers oversee the operations and development of ports and harbors. This course may be useful to future port authority managers, but is not likely to be essential. While they need a broad understanding of maritime operations, their focus is on logistics and infrastructure. The course's coverage of navigation and seamanship may provide port authority managers with a better understanding of the needs of vessels using the port.

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Travel Agent

Travel agents assist clients in planning and booking travel arrangements. The course may be useful for travel agents who specialize in marine travel. While not a core requirement for travel agents, the course's coverage of sailing and navigation may help them better understand the needs of clients interested in sailing vacations or cruises. Travel agents need to be organized and detail-oriented.

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Insurance Underwriter

An insurance underwriter evaluates risk and determines appropriate insurance coverage and premiums. This course may be useful for insurance underwriters who specialize in marine insurance. An underwriter may wish to get additional context about boating, but this course is likely not essential. They would still need specific training in insurance principles and practices. The course's coverage of boat systems and seamanship may help underwriters assess the risks associated with insuring different types of vessels.

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Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation for various technical products and services. This course may be useful for technical writers who specialize in the marine industry. While not a core requirement for technical writers, the course's coverage of sailing and navigation may help them better understand the subject matter they are writing about. Technical writers need strong writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to understand complex technical concepts.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ace Your 104, Bareboat Cruising Written Sailing Exam.

The Boater's Handbook

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Chapman Piloting & Seamanship comprehensive guide covering all aspects of boating, from basic seamanship to advanced navigation techniques. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding boat systems, navigation rules, and emergency procedures. is commonly used as a textbook in sailing courses and provides in-depth knowledge that complements the course material, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced sailors.

The Boater's Handbook

Paperback

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The Boater's Handbook

Kindle Edition

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Shakedown Cruise

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Nigel Calder's 'Marine Diesel Engines' is the definitive guide to understanding, troubleshooting, and maintaining marine diesel engines. provides detailed explanations of engine systems, maintenance procedures, and repair techniques. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of their boat's engine and ensure its reliable operation. This book adds more depth to the engine operation topics covered in the course.

Shakedown Cruise: Lessons and Adventures from a...

Kindle Edition

Ace Your 104, Bareboat Cruising Written Sailing Exam

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Effective prep for bareboat exam

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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