RYA Coastal Skipper

The RYA Coastal Skipper course is suitable for skippers who have a practical ability to RYA Day Skipper level, a knowledge of navigation, meteorology, collision regulations safety and passage planning up to RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster shore based standard; and have logged a minimum of 15 days onboard (2 days as skipper), 8 night hours and 300 miles. Additional mileage attained on the course will count towards the minimum pre exam requirements.

The course concentrates on the techniques and skills required to skipper a yacht on passages involving more complex decision making, cruise planning, navigation, and pilotage. A passage of longer duration, with particular emphasis placed on watch keeping techniques will usually be undertaken to demonstrate how to manage the yacht on such a passage.

In addition, you will be given the opportunity to improve your close quarters boat handling skills under power and sail. Preparation of the yacht for heavy weather cruising and navigation in restricted visibility is also discussed and practised. By the end of this course the successful Coastal Skipper will have sufficient knowledge to skipper a yacht safely on long coastal and offshore passages by day and night, in both tidal and non-tidal waters. This course is suitable those who wish to go on to take the RYA / MCA Coastal Skipper examination. Candidates must also hold the Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operators Certificate, Short Range Certificate and RYA First Aid Certificate or recognised alternatives.

5 Days or 3 weekends - RYA course completion certificate; plus weekend examination by an independent examiner if the full RYA / MCA Coastal Skipper certificate of competency is required.