RYA Day Skipper Theory

This is a comprehensive course for those looking to develop their theoretical skills and begin working towards skippering a vessel.  It equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day, and a basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

The RYA are continually updating the course content to take into account developments in technology and the electronic navigation aids now available on most cruising boats.

Course Content:  The basics of seamanship, the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage, chartwork, electronic charts, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting and meteorology, tides, collision regulations. construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat, emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and liferafts

Course Pre-requsites:  None.  Some candidates with less experience may find that taking the Essential Navigation and Seamanship online course beforehand is a benefit.

Assessment criteria:  There are two exams assessing general knowledge and chartwork.

Course Duration: 6 days (taught over 3 weekends, or in a week block).  

2023/24 Course Dates: 

Week Long courses:

- 22nd - 27th January 2024

Course over 3 weekends:

• 2024 course TBC - please contact us for details

When booking weekend or evening courses please just select the start date of the course.  The subsequent weekends will be added to your booking afterwards by the office team.