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RYA Day Skipper Theory

6 days - £450

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The RYA day skipper theory course will provide you with an introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology, and the basics of seamanship for competent crew.

The course will equip you with enough knowledge to navigate familiar waters by day. Knowledge of vessel lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

We also offer this course online via Ardent Training

Nautical charts, RYA Day Skipper booklets, navigational tools.

  • 1. Nautical Terms

    Parts of a boat and hull

    General nautical terminology

    2. Ropework

    Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use

    3. Anchorwork

    Characteristics of different types of anchor

    Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring

    4. Safety

    Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook)

    Fire precautions and fire fighting

    Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets

    Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone

    Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

    5. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

    Steering and sailing rules (5,7,8,9,10 and 12-19)

    General rules (all other rules)

    6. Definition of position, course and speed

    Latitude and Longitude

    Knowledge of standard navigational terms

    True bearings and courses

    The knot

    7. Navigational charts and publications

    Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance

    Navigational publications in common use

    Chart correction

    8. Compass

    Application of variation

    Awareness of deviation and its causes

    Use of hand-bearing compass

    9. Chartwork

    Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway

    Techniques of visual fixing

    Satellite-derived positions

    Use of waypoints to fix position

    Course to steer

    10. Tides and tidal streams

    Tidal definitions, levels and datum

    Tide tables

    Use of Admiralty method of determining tidal height at standard port and awareness of corrections for secondary ports

    Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases for chartwork

    11. Visual Aids to Navigation

    Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

    12. Meteorology

    Sources of broadcast meteorological information

    Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft

    Basic knowledge of highs, lows and front

    13. Passage Planning

    Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passage. Meterological considerations in planning short coastal passages

    Use of waypoints on passages, importance of confirmation of position by an independent source

    Keeping a navigational lookout

    14. Navigation in restricted visibility

    Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by fog

    15. Pilotage

    Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines

    IALA system of bouyage for region A

    Use of sailing directions

    Pilotage plans and harbour entry

    16. Marine environment

    Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the environment

  • No, this is considered a starter course. However, the RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship course, which is also available as a 6 hour online course, will provide you with helpful background knowledge

    There is no strict minimum age limit to do the course but you need to be 16 to be awarded your certificate

  • Pen and Notepad

    Plotters and dividers for use during the course

    RYA Training Charts 3 & 4 and RYA Training Almanac

    RYA Day Skipper Northern Hemisphere Exercise book

    Light Refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits)

    Bring money for lunch, or a packed lunch.

  • This course teaches you how to use a radio in an emergency and send a distress message, but a separate course is required to gain a VHF Radio Licence.

    If you plan to charter or own your own boat you will need to get a licence

  • At the end of the course there are two assessments which you have to pass to gain your RYA Course certificate:

    • chartwork assessment (1.5hrs)

    • general knowledge assessment (1.5hrs)

  • A Day Skipper qualification gives you the knowledge to skipper a yacht in familiar waters during daylight hours.

    This certificate provides evidence of competence to operate a pleasure craft when requested by officials in foreign countries, and is an acceptable substitute for the ICC

    It allows you to charter a yacht and take responsibility for the crew

    It helps you build experience towards more advanced qualifications

  • If you wish to continue with theory courses the next step is the RYA Yachtmaster Theory.

    The RYA Day Skipper Practical course is the obvious next step if you wish to put your knowledge into practice.

Please contact us direct if you would like to arrange either an offsite course (on your own premises, providing they are suitable for training) or a one-to-one private course:

EMPLOYERS - Looking to book a course for an employee? Don’t use the booking links below - please click here, and submit the completed form.

We will book in your employee(s) and send you an invoice direct