RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory

If you don't have time to spare to join us our classroom then we offer an on line course that

you can do any time - at home, or anywhere you have access to a computer.

Course Structure

Position: dead reckoning & estimated position; satellite-derived position; waypoints;

RADAR fixes; techniques of visual fixing; fixes using a mixture of position lines;

accuracy of differing methods of position lines

Magnetic compass: variation and deviation – what causes them and allowances and

compass swinging; different types of compasses

Tides: Causes of tides and anomalies, tide tables, tidal levels and datum, standard and

secondary ports

Tidal streams: Sources of information and there use for a course to steer. Tidal rips,

over-falls & races

IRPCS

o Buoyage: IALA A and B system, limitations of buoys as navigational aids;

o Lights: characteristics, ranges, rising & dipping distances

o Sound signals

Pilotage: Harbour regulations, use of: clearing lines, soundings, transits and leading

lines

GPS & chart plotters: Principles of operation & limitations of use, types of charts, chart

datum’s, confirmation of position by an independent source & keeping a separate

record of position. Importance of paper charts.

Electronic equipment - operation and limitations of use:

o Echo sounders