RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
5 days - £450
The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is the initial step towards achieving the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence. It caters for those interested in blue water cruising or traditional navigation.
The course provides essential theory skills for undertaking an ocean passage as a mate or skipper, focusing on astro-navigation and worldwide meteorology. It teaches the use of the sextant for position fixing and compass checks
In addition to astro-navigation, the course covers passage planning, sea communications, routing charts, pilot books and modern technological tools for ocean routing and weather prediction, such as computer programmes and satellite/radio broadcasts.
Crew management, watchkeeping, provisioning, water and fuel management, and emergency equipment are also addressed
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The earth and the celestial sphere:
Definition of observer's zenith and position of a heavenly body in terms of latitude, longitude, GHA and declination
Right angle relationships, latitude and co-lat, declination and polar distance
Relationship between GHA, longitude and LHA
Tabulation of declination in nautical almanac
Rate of increase of hour angle of time
The PZX Triangle:
The tabulation components of the triangle, LHA, Co-lat, and polar distance
The calculable components, zenith distance and azimuth
Relationship between zenith distance and altitude
Introduction to the tabular method of solution in the Air Navigation Tables and the basic sight form
The use of calculators for the solution of the PZX triangle
The Sextant:
Practical guide to the use and care of a sextant at sea
Conversion of sextant altitude to true altitude
Application of dip, index error and refraction
Correction of side error, perpendicularity, index error and collimation error
Measure of time:
Definition of, and relationship between UT, LMT, standard time and zone time
Rating of chronometers and watches
Meridian Altitudes:
Forecasting time of meridian altitude
Reduction of meridian altitude sights
Sun, Star and other sights:
Reduction and plotting of sun sights using
Air Navigation Tables
Awareness of use of calculators for sight reduction
The plotting of sun-run-sun meridian altitude
Awareness of the reduction and plotting of sights obtained from stars, moon and planets
Compass Checking:
Use of amplitude and azimuth tables systems and/or calculator
Satellite Navigation Systems:
Principles and limitations of use of all systems
Great Circle Sailing:
Comparison of rhumb lines and great circles
Vertices and compisite tracks
The computation of a series of rhumb lines approximating to a great circle by use of gnomonic and Mercator projections
Meteorology:
General pressure distribution and prevailing winds over the oceans of the world
Tropical revolving storms, seasonal occurrences and forecasting by observation
Passage Planning:
Publications available to assist with planning of long passages (routing charts, ocean passages of the world and other publications)
Preparation for ocean passage including survival equipment, victualling, water and fuel management, chafe protection, spares and maintence
Passage Making:
Navigational Routine
Watchkeeping
Crew Management
Communications:
Satellite and terrestrial systems
Weather information
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To complete this course you must have competence in coastal navigation skills.
RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore theory level is recommended
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RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Pack
5 Days tuition in our modern training centre in Rhu Marina
Plotter and divider (for use throughout the course)
Light refreshments throughout the course - main meals and accommodation is NOT provided.
Notepad & pen
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We will book in your employee(s) and send you an invoice direct