Course Timings
Theory courses will start at 0930 on the first day, and generally run through until about 1630. There will be regular breaks throughout the day for lunch and refreshments.
Theory Courses – Joining Instructions
What to Bring to your Theory Course
Please ensure that you bring the following with you to the course:
Pencil, pens, rubber, paper to make notes
Relevant course handbooks that were sent to you in advance of the course or you feel would be useful.
Please refer to specific course information below.
Getting to the Edinburgh Marine Academy
We are based at Port Edgar Marina, Shore Road, South Queensferry, EH30 9SQ. If you are driving then you can park in the main Port Edgar Marina car park where the parking is free (see note below on numberplate validation).
If you are taking public transport, the train station at Dalmeny is a 15 minute walk and trains regularly depart Waverley or Haymarket, and Inverkeithing and the other Fife stations. There is a regular bus from Edinburgh City Centre which stops at the end of Shore Road by the police station.
When you enter the marina, follow the pedestrianised road on the seaward side of the large buildings. Follow the road along past the Bosuns Locker boats and Scotts Restaurant. We are at the end of the road, in a large blue building and the office overlooks the Marina.
Parking
Port Edgar Marina have recently introduced a new parking system. All visitors dropping off and picking up will receive free parking for up to 1 hour, but anyone staying longer than this will be charged. However all Edinburgh Marine Academy customers will be able to register and validate their number plates to have all parking charges waivered.
Please make sure that you come into the Edinburgh Marine Academy office to register your vehicle first thing in the morning to avoid receiving parking charges.
Accommodation
There is plenty of accommodation in South Queensferry. There are B&Bs in the village, or a Premier Inn up the hill by the M90 junction. if you need any more assistance finding accommodation then please contact us.
Cafes and Local Shops
There are two cafes (‘Scotts’ and ‘Down the Hatch’) at Port Edgar where you will be able to buy lunch and refreshments throughout the day. These do get very busy during the summer, so we recommend that you book ahead. Alternatively bring a packed lunch or you can use the local shops in Queensferry.
Please note that the cafes and restaurants are subject to COVID restrictions, so contact them in advance for info on opening hours etc.
Additional Information for specific courses
For anyone doing a VHF Exam the examiner will meet you at the Edinburgh Marine Academy at the appointed time, usually directly after the course.
The exam consists of a short theory paper (30 mins), and then a practical exam which is usually 30 mins per person.
For your exam please bring the following items to give/show the examiner:
Passport Photo: For your certificate
Completed Exam application: The exam application can be found here on the RYA website. Please note that there is a fee payable directly to the RYA for this of £70 to cover the certification and exam costs incurred. Please ensure that you print out the completed application form and bring with you. If you have any issues with this then please contact us.
Online Candidates only: Online VHF course completion certificate
Navigation courses will require a set of Portland Plotters and Dividers. If you have your own then please bring along, and if you do not these are available for purchase from the centre (£35).
Sea Survival courses are half theoretical and half practical. For the practical session we will be using a local swimming pool. Please remember to bring personal swimming equipment (swimwear, towel etc). You will be wearing water proof clothing in the pool to simulate entry to the water in real life, which the centre will supply. If you decide that you wish to use your own clothing and lifejackets then please bring along to the course.
Safety at the Edinburgh Marine Academy
Your safety whilst onsite is our primary concern. You will receive a full brief on the first day of the course, and thereafter a daily briefing and course plans for any multi day course. Please ensure that you follow all directions issued by your instructor at all times.
