PPCDL
This weekend I completed by PPCDL (Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence) Course - the first step in obtaining the PPCDL. I may sound like a long course - especially with the words "driving licence" in it - but its not. Just two days. Albeit two VERY long days. 0930 to 1530 of theory each day; couple of hours in the water learning and practising the manoeuvres. It was great fun! =)
Now just comes the long wait to the theory and practical exams in December (I know it's not really that long but it feels like it).. But I've already booked more sessions in the water!
For the uninitiated, the PPCDL is required to drive a pleasure craft ("SZ" registered boats/yachts) within Singapore port waters. This includes jet skis too (although this is not required by any of our neighbours). It is issued by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore ("MPA"). According to the Port Marine Circular No. 6 of 2011 (dated 16 August 2011), With effect from 1 January 2012, the PPCDL will be valid for pleasure crafts below 24 metres. Pleasure crafts 24 metres or more will require the driver to have an Advanced Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence ("APPCDL"). A prerequisite for the licence is the accumulation of 24 boating trips as the person in charge of a powered pleasure craft. No way I'm going to be able to get that by next year. Sigh.
Not too many further details are provided, although I don't suppose there will be the opportunity to do a direct conversion anyways.
I'm taking this licence, not only because I had always wanted to do it but never had the opportunity, resources (or resourcefulness) or time to do it before, but also because I have been wanting to take up fishing - and I suppose, this would come in handy! Already, my friends have suggested that I (or we) get a boat. I did pick up a few articles on the various factors one should consider before getting a boat and have made some initial enquires - a used (apparently no one buys a new one) decent-sized boat with a nice cabin would cost about $60k to $80k. Cheaper than getting a car perhaps? The guy I asked at the yacht club - I was directed to him because he was said to know all the boats for sale and was the "go-to-guy" if anyone wants to buy - explained all the hidden and/or extra costs to me. No wonder why my instructor was told us all that the happiest moments in a boater's life is when he buys his boat and when he sells it... but we're getting way ahead of ourselves here - let's get the licence 1st.. when that happens I shall start going on fishing trips and then see if I really want a boat..
I also have decided what I'm going to do immediately after getting the PPCDL. I think I'll sign up for the Dinghy Sailing Course! Saw all the kids (aged 7 and above) on the water in the morning. It looked like good fun! They are part of the "Get Kids Afloat Programme" (GKA). I wonder why I never discovered this when I was a kid! Guess now's the time to make up! I wonder what I'll find next - so many things to do, so little time!! =)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Now just comes the long wait to the theory and practical exams in December (I know it's not really that long but it feels like it).. But I've already booked more sessions in the water!
For the uninitiated, the PPCDL is required to drive a pleasure craft ("SZ" registered boats/yachts) within Singapore port waters. This includes jet skis too (although this is not required by any of our neighbours). It is issued by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore ("MPA"). According to the Port Marine Circular No. 6 of 2011 (dated 16 August 2011), With effect from 1 January 2012, the PPCDL will be valid for pleasure crafts below 24 metres. Pleasure crafts 24 metres or more will require the driver to have an Advanced Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence ("APPCDL"). A prerequisite for the licence is the accumulation of 24 boating trips as the person in charge of a powered pleasure craft. No way I'm going to be able to get that by next year. Sigh.
Not too many further details are provided, although I don't suppose there will be the opportunity to do a direct conversion anyways.
I'm taking this licence, not only because I had always wanted to do it but never had the opportunity, resources (or resourcefulness) or time to do it before, but also because I have been wanting to take up fishing - and I suppose, this would come in handy! Already, my friends have suggested that I (or we) get a boat. I did pick up a few articles on the various factors one should consider before getting a boat and have made some initial enquires - a used (apparently no one buys a new one) decent-sized boat with a nice cabin would cost about $60k to $80k. Cheaper than getting a car perhaps? The guy I asked at the yacht club - I was directed to him because he was said to know all the boats for sale and was the "go-to-guy" if anyone wants to buy - explained all the hidden and/or extra costs to me. No wonder why my instructor was told us all that the happiest moments in a boater's life is when he buys his boat and when he sells it... but we're getting way ahead of ourselves here - let's get the licence 1st.. when that happens I shall start going on fishing trips and then see if I really want a boat..
I also have decided what I'm going to do immediately after getting the PPCDL. I think I'll sign up for the Dinghy Sailing Course! Saw all the kids (aged 7 and above) on the water in the morning. It looked like good fun! They are part of the "Get Kids Afloat Programme" (GKA). I wonder why I never discovered this when I was a kid! Guess now's the time to make up! I wonder what I'll find next - so many things to do, so little time!! =)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
posted by Clem | 12:25 PM
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