Engine Check!

A boat engine always needs checking before Sailing, but I've understood very little of what to do.

All of that changed today with a trip to Mustang Marine near Lewes with its working diesel engine in a workshop. In completing the RYA Diesel Engine course I can now change all the filters and impeller, bleed the engine and even plumb the heads! I'll just add that I never intend to dismantle the heads pump because on a boat the heads is... the loo!

I went to Mustang Marine after dropping in to the Royal Yachting Association HQ in Hamble to renew an international certificate for sailing; you can never be sure of not ending up across the channel whilst circumnavigating Britain! The RYA is the governing body of sailing and watersports in the UK. Training and safety, developing the Olympic team and responsible environmental use of the water all come under their remit. An objective at the end of the circumnavigation is to pass the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam. www.rya.org.uk

Oh! Someone did guess what PLB stands for today... which reminds me I need to collect it from the marine store.  I'll give you a clue, it is the next best thing to a Personal Life Boat - it helps the SAR (Search And Rescue) find you if you do a Jonah and end up in the sea!