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.

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 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.

Sea Survival courses are 50% practical and 50% theoretical.

The Theoretical part will be run at Edinburgh Marine Academy and the practical session will be run a at a local swimming pool.  Please remember to bring personal swimming equipment (swimwear, towel etc) and your own waterproofs and lifejackets to simulate entry to the water in real life. If you do not want to use your own then the centre will supply lifejackets and waterproofs.

Please note that the location of the pool can vary due to local availability.  Edinburgh Marine can provide transport up to the pool in our vehicle and we can drop you off at a nearby train or bus station for onward transport.    If you have any questions about this then please contact us to discuss.

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Port Edgar Marina South Queensferry