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TELE-PILOT PILOTAGE:
» Surely a Pilot book is better for use on board. How can you suddenly run a video when checking a land-mark?
» I find Pilot books very helpful and satisfactory, why should a video be required?
» Are Tele-Pilot videos regularly updated?
» Will the earlier Tele-Pilots be updated?
» We note your more recent videos are Digital, will earlier locations completed in analogue be updated to Digital?
» How can a pilot video possibly be used in preference to a chart?
» Will Tele-Pilot save me the cost of paper or electronic charts?
» I am a long experienced navigator. Can you tell me if your videos will benefit me in any way?
» I am trying to decide if Tele-Pilot is produced predominantly for sailing yachts?
» Do we purchase direct from Tele-Pilot or via maritime retailers etc?
» Are your videos obtainable at the London or Southampton Boat-Shows?
» Your three hour DVDs seem to be rather highly priced?
» Over the years I have built up a collection of 20 Tele-Pilots. I did not realize you had produced more?
» What type of boat enthusiast will benefit most from your Pilotage Videos?
» We note you use quite an early Motor Sailer for series acquisition, surely you should use a more modern craft?
» There are some superb locations ideal for your series in Scotland. Why do your videos only cover the South?

SERIES AGE:

I see the Series first came on to the market in 1988, therefore both Pilotage and Tuition are apparently becoming quite dated. Whilst I like the concept very much, I am somewhat reluctant to place an orderon the basis of the Series age?

Pilotage:

Each DVD has the dates of production indicated, also a Warning roller caption at the start. Yes the Series came on the market during 1988 and broadly speaking started at the East Channel and over the years moved to the West Channel. Therefore you will generally find the Eastern Channel DVD's older than the Western.

The PILOTAGE aspect, as with charts, can be out of date even before being put into stock. As is well explained within the DVD's the navigator must have at hand an 'up to date' Almanac, Corrected Charts and be aware of daily VHF radio navigation warnings. One notable example is the establishing of Wind Turbines about the U.K.. ..... Up to date charts are essential. As with Electronic Navigation aids, Tele-Pilots must also be considered as helpful aids to Navigation. Bearing these points in mind, you will find Tele-Pilots will loose little of their effectiveness. The strategy of a long 'Shelf Life', prices have remained very affordable.

Tuition:

The Tuition aspect of Tele-Pilot is very different and any changes usually of much less of a danger to navigation. For example a lesson on avoiding Gales at sea in 1988 is no different to the same lesson perhaps 20 years later. As will be seen, Tele-Pilot 'Super Seven' and 'Top Twelve' Tuition Packs include Tuition Guidance sheets, including any relevant changes and updates.

'SUPER SEVEN' LEISURE CRAFT TUITION:
» What is the credibility and track record of the producer / instructor?
» Surely reality and a live instruction has to be the best?
» The 'Super Seven' package seems expensive just for seven videos about marine tuition?
» RYA instruction has been established for years, I can't believe Tele-Pilot 'Super Seven' can be better?
» Is there a qualification document on completion of 'Super Seven' / 'Top Twelve' Tuition?
» I presume DVD is a much better media for your Tuition Packs than VHS? What are the advantages of DVD with regard to the packs?
» 'Super Seven' has been produced in analogue video, surely the quality of pictures & sound will be less than Digital?
» I understand Decca Navigator has been used in the production of the tuition. Decca has been discontinued?
» Do The Royal Yachting Association Recognize 'Super Seven' Tuition?
» We are a yacht club and several members are keen to study via your pack. Do we need more than one pack?
» It is rather disappointing for Sailors in the North, or even from overseas, when locations included in your series are all in the South of England?
» What is the danger of 'Super Seven' / 'Top Twelve' becoming out of date?
» Can I purchase the first DVD in either of the packs and the balance, if I am happy to do so after viewing the first?
» We run a recognised Royal Yachting Association Establishment and we see that 'Super Seven' might be a very useful aid, but we are a little concerned that the pack is competing with us and the R.Y.A.


A N S W E R S

Click the link TOP to get up to select new Question.

PILOTAGE:

Surely a Pilot book is better for use on board. How can you suddenly run a video when checking a land-mark?
Tele-Pilot is not normally intended for use on board. The relaxed armchair at home is far better. Tele-Pilot Pilotage videos provide advanced advice and voyage planning, local knowledge and advice for specific ports and voyages. Much of the advice, as well as being specific to the location, may also be general advice on navigation, seamanship, weather, boat handling, port signals, mooring, etc. applicable to many ports & passages.

I find Pilot books very helpful and satisfactory, why should a video be required?
Tele-Pilots are not intended to replace pilot books. Pilot books advise on what is there. Tele-Pilot achieves this more positively, with pictures, sound and dialogue. Tele-Pilot also provides advice on HOW TO GET THERE... SAFELY. Tele-Pilots can be said to bring your charts, pilot books & almanacs ' to life'.

Are Tele-Pilot videos regularly updated?
No, not in the context that you have asked the question. Charts, admiralty notices to mariners and the VHF are your sources of updates for safe navigation. When using Tele-Pilots in conjunction with your navigation you must use current/updated charts. On the inside of every Tele-Pilot information sleeve, there is a space for your own notable corrections to be entered. Some major corrections may have already been entered into this space. Video, chart and Almanac checking is a very helpful exercise when passage planning.

Will the earlier Tele-Pilots be updated?
The demand for new location Tele-Pilots is such that it is sensible to spend time in producing new Tele-Pilot locations. It is more desirable to provide Tele-Pilot for those not currently having a video coverage for their location, rather than going back and updating existing video locations. Having said this, many videos within the series have updates. Two recent notable examples are the POOLE 1, POOLE 2 and PORTSMOUTH DVDs.

TOP

We note your more recent videos are Digital, will earlier locations completed in analogue be updated to Digital?
Very unlikely, unless there is a good reason to do so. Most agree it better to spend time on new locations currently without a Tele-Pilot. The quality of Tele-Pilot analogue videos has never been in question.

How can a pilot video possibly be used in preference to a chart?
Tele-Pilot augments the chart but in no way replaces a chart. Always have current/corrected charts aboard.

Will Tele-Pilot save me the cost of paper or electronic charts?
No. Charts are essential to safe navigation. No craft should ever go to sea without the charts for the voyage. Charts of adjacent locations should also be at hand should you be diverted for any reason.

I am a long experienced navigator. Can you tell me if your videos will benefit me in any way?
If we are all honest with ourselves, there is always at least a little apprehension when entering a port or making a passage for the first time. Tele-Pilot is comprehensive advanced local knowledge. Once you see the format of the series, even those experienced, may find at least some of the more adventurous Pilots, not only helpful, but also very enjoyable. Many have commented that Tele-Pilot has often conveyed not only safety but also simplicity.

I am trying to decide if Tele-Pilot is produced predominantly for sailing yachts?
Tele-Pilot is about ports and passages, off-shore weather, navigation, seamanship, chart-work, marine electronics, passage advice, local knowledge, locked and tidal rivers, etc. A balance for both sail and power craft.

Do we purchase direct from Tele-Pilot or via maritime retailers etc?
Orders, payments, information and advice does nowadays come faster, more accurately and economically via company websites. As you see, our website is set up for any Tele-Pilot order to be placed. However the choice is yours. If you prefer to deal via your local marine retailer, that's fine by us, if it's fine by the retailer. Some prominent T/P retailers in the South include: Kelvin Hughes (Southampton), Marine Super Store (Portsmouth), Force 4 (Poole & Bristol), Piplers (Poole), Marine Instruments, (Falmouth).

TOP

Are your videos obtainable at the London or Southampton Boat-Shows?
Tele-Pilot has attended almost every London & Southampton show since 1988. Different agents are supported at the shows, so the series may not always readily be found. The safest bet is to contact Tele-Pilot and we will advise you. You can, of course, place your orders 'On Line' day or night any day of the year.

Your three hour DVDs videos seem to be rather highly priced?
When comparing with other Maritime videos, you will find Tele-Pilot video prices very competitive. Tele-Pilot three hour videos are especially good value at less than £14.00 per hr. inc. v.a.t. There are numerous customers with many Tele-Pilots. The price is not a problem to those knowing the series. The Tele-Pilot series HAS NOT INCREASED IN PRICE SINCE STARTING IN 1988. Hopefully the price of production and sales will be held down for a similar length of time in the future.

Over the years I have built up a collection of 20 Tele-Pilots. I did not realize you had produced more?
As already indicated, supply can be made to you direct. Also if you like, your name can be added to a preferential mailing list, where we will mail, or email you. Tele-Pilot 'So What's NEWS' sheets are produced periodically on this website and certainly each time a new Tele-Pilot is released. Click Here if you would like to be added to our preferential list.

What type of boat enthusiast will benefit most from your Pilotage Videos?
Those new to the water and those remaining apprehensive. Those with cruising craft (Power or Sail). Those contemplating going to new ports, making or wanting to make coastal or cross channel passages. All age groups. Families & friends have the additional benefit of PRICE. Unlike conventional boat tuition, where each person must pay. VIA A DVD ALL THE FAMILY OR ALL THE CREW, CAN BECOME INVOLVED IN EACH VIDEO, as can Boat Clubs, Schools and Colleges.

We note you use quite an early Motor Sailer for series acquisition, surely you should use a more modern craft?
The acquisition craft had to be an average size, a combination of sail and power, obviously a good sea boat, economical and suitable for single handed management. With regard to video acquisition - Dry accommodation throughout, sufficient headroom for shoulder mount camera work and suitable fast access across wheel-house and side doorways. Space and design tight enough to shoot reasonably well in foul weather. Obviously all this was quite a tall order. However 'Little Mallard', Fisher Northeaster has been ideal. So far there has not been another craft more suitable for the job.

TOP

There are some superb locations ideal for your series in Scotland. Why do your videos only cover the South?
It is policy to join Tele-Pilots and overlap them similarly to charts. Expansion of the series has mostly progressed with this in mind. For this reason there are no plans currently, to produce any Tele-Pilots in a random manner... sorry. The Tele-Pilot series will however be enjoyed by any enthusiastic mariner where ever he or she may be involved. Note: A gale in the North is no different to one in the South. A North Cardinal Buoy is the same in the North as in the South. Understanding the charts and the tides North or South, just the same, etc. Anyone anywhere with an interest in boating will both benefit from and enjoy the series.

'SUPER SEVEN' / 'TOP TWELVE' LEISURE CRAFT TUITION PACKS (Box Sets):

What is the credibility and track record of the producer / Instructor?
Merchant Navy apprentice & deck officer aboard ships trading world wide, then UK and Continental coastal ships and Master of several. Bought LEISURE boats Fairline Fury 1973 and Fisher Northeaster 1987 (view pictures). Commenced this series in 1988 and to date produced almost 30 Tele-Pilot videos / DVDs, mostly single handed. CAN THERE BE A BETTER TRACK RECORD?

Surely reality and a live instruction has to be the best?
Yes, of course, normally it would be, but not for the LEISURE mariner! As indicated clearly in this site, for the novice leisure mariner, conventional instruction is mostly far too slow.

The 'Super Seven' package seems expensive just for seven videos about marine tuition?
As will be seen, 'Super Seven' is far more than just seven DVDs. The package will be found to be excellent value, especially with the unique 'up front' 16 hr. safety advantage. The instruction is produced to have you fully understanding all you need, to be safe at sea. To cover this ground via traditional instruction will cost far in excess of Tele-Pilot 'Super Seven' at £185.80 and often takes up to two years to accumilate a similar level of knowledge to that offered, even in the lower priced 'Super Seven' DVD pack.

RYA instruction has been established for years, I cannot believe Tele-Pilot 'Super Seven' can be better?
Better might be unfair when considering the quality of tuition alone. Better because 'Super Seven' will have you safer faster and will save you, your family and your crew serious money, also you will be more confident in your navigation and seamanship much earlier. By carefully reading about our DVD tuition packs you will understand why we say DVD is actually better for the LEISURE mariner. The whole experience of Tele-Pilot tuition will have you navigating and putting a craft to much better use far earlier.

Is there a qualification document on completion of 'Super Seven' / 'Top Twelve'Tuition?
Yes, if the student requires it, there is a Navigation & Seamanship Certificate of Competency. However Tele-Pilot priority is based on early safety and high speed instruction, not a slower progression through tests and examinations to obtain qualifications. Tele-Pilot effectively reduces time spent on tuition and even the time of testing students. The Certificate however can be produced as proof of KNOWLEDGE not simply proof of purchase. Purchase and involvement in 'Super Seven' and / or 'Top Twelve' Tuition is then available for those questioning student qualifications and experience.

TOP

I presume DVD is a much better media for your Tuition Packs than VHS? What are the advantages of DVD?
DVD provides much better still pictures and improved speed processes to find the information. DVD can often be zoomed for closer inspection of material. DVD can be used in many laptops and smaller, lighter players.

'Super Seven' has been produced in analogue video, surely the quality of pictures & sound will be less than Digital?
All Tele-Pilots were produced on professional analogue equipment until 2001 when both acquisition and editing went fully digital. Analogue technical quality has never been a problem. It is fair to remind our customers however, that although you have all the advantages that DVD offers, 'Super Seven' has been originated from our analogue masters. This said 'Super Seven' on DVD remains, without question, the best option and will both speed and enhance tuition progress.

I understand Decca Navigator has been used in the production of the tuition. Decca has been discontinued?
Yes, Decca received position information from shore stations and G.P.S. via satellites. This understood all else remains the same and will not detract from your safety or the tuition. There are update pages included within both 'Super Seven' & 'Top Twelve' tuition packs, clarifying all when necessary.

Do The Royal Yachting Association Recognize 'Super Seven' Tuition?
RYA recognition has never been sought. The Tele-Pilot approach is very different to RYA objectives. Total independence provides a contrast of choice. Broadly speaking we are all teaching to achieve the same end. Tele-Pilot is simply much faster and less expensive. It is hoped you are pleased to have discovered Tele-Pilot and can now benefit from the choice. Perhaps RYA will benefit from a little competition.

We are a yacht club and several members are keen to study via your pack. Do we need more than one pack?
Use one pack initially to see how your members progress. You will draw your own conclusions as you go along. The cost can obviously be very low for club members, as the tuition can be used by many with little or no further cost. When several are keen to learn at once, investment may be needed in more packs, as one of the main points of 'Super Seven', is fast and early safety on the water.

TOP

It is rather disappointing for Sailors in the North or even from overseas, when locations included in your series are all in the South of England?
Yes this disappointment is understandable, however the locations have been selected with great care, selected for their great contrasts. Locations are selected with the view to navigating a craft anywhere about the UK or continent. For example the Thames Estuary for buoyage, the shallow contours of the mud and sand banks. The Channel Islands, chosen for rocky and steep contours, fast tidal streams and large tidal ranges. Experienced navigators will always tell you that the location is never a problem, so long as the almanac and charts are at hand. Of course, the navigator must have received the necessary knowledge to use the charts and almanacs.
'Super Seven' and 'Top Twelve' are ALL LOCATIONS tuition. Simply disregard the geographical locations in the sense the question has been posed. A special note with regard to the 'Top Twelve' pack ( much Traditional Navigation is produced in the waters of the Isles of Scilly ), when you are happy to navigate in and about the Scilly Isles, you should have no qualms about navigating anywhere world wide.

What is the danger of 'Super Seven' / 'Top Twelve' becoming out of date?
Though craft and technology continuously change, the basic skills of navigation efficiency and remaining safe on the water changes little. Of course there are sometimes major changes (e.g. Decca/G.P.S) as well as smaller changes. Included in the pack are the 'Super Seven' Guidance Sheets advising of additions, changes and corrections. The guidance sheets are brought up to date frequently (click on Tuition Guidance).

Can I purchase the first DVD in either of the packs and the balance, if I am happy to do so after viewing the first?
Yes, this is no problem. Do be aware however, you are loosing some of the package advantages, such as the Skippers Hand Book and the provided Guidance Sheets. The Hand Book can be ordered separately at £7.99. The Guidance Sheets can be bought at £4.50.
Do understand however, if purchasing 'Super Seven' videos one or two at a time. You are seriously defeating much of the object of 'Super Seven', by not obtaining the complete pack and benefiting from the 16 hours 'Up Front' Preview. This is especially considered to be the wrong action if you are already navigating a craft.

We run a recognised Royal Yachting Association Establishment and we see that 'Super Seven' might be a very useful aid, but we are a little concerned that the pack is competing with us and the R.Y.A.
I think most RYA instructors will agree that the important 16 hour preview advantage the 'Super Seven' provided is very valuable, especially for those that already skipper or crew aboard boats. If all or much of this advantage could be introduced as part of early RYA instruction, it will be of great benefit to your students. Any instructor will, I'm sure, find many sequences within the series that will be most useful to add into class-room instruction. One example already used by sea schools, is to turn down sections of dialogue and add own dialogue to action or scenes. There may be an element of competition for the RYA, but if mariners are safer on the water at the expense of a little competition, this should surely be acceptable if the student is provided with greater safety earlier. Tele-Pilot and the RYA do, of course, have the same objective .... That of having the student safe and effective on the water.

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