RYA Day Skipper Theory

Course description

Gain sufficient theoretical knowledge to skipper a sailing or motor yacht in coastal waters by day. This is an ideal preparation for a practical course. No prior knowledge required. Materials costing a minimum of £60.00 are required. Do not purchase anything before your class. Exam admin fee is included in the main fee.

What the course will cover:

Chart work and use of navigation instruments. Latitude and longitude. Use of Admiralty and Commercial charts. Tidal heights and streams. Safety and international regulations. Basic meteorology. Buoys and navigational aids. Passage planning and pilotage. Seamanship.

Teaching and learning activities

The teaching will consist of lectures, active participation, group work, \'hands on\' use of marine equipment and a navigation simulator. Pre-printed notes will be given to students. There are short progress checks to assess students\' understanding and assist their learning.

What you will be able to do by the end of the course (Course objectives)

1. Have an understanding of chart work and use of navigation instruments. 2. Be able to carry out basic navigation techniques - i.e. Plotting Estimated Position and Course to Steer. 3. Have an understanding of admiralty and Commercial charts. 4. Be able to calculate tidal heights and be able to use tidal stream information. 5. Have a knowledge of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. 6. Have a knowledge of the safety requirements on small boats and the required equipment. 7. Have an understanding of basic meteorology. 8. Be familiar with and understand how to use buoys and navigational aids. 9. Be familiar with and be able to use electronic aids to navigation. 10. Be able to plan a passage using pilotage and other navigational techniques. 11. Have a knowledge of seamanship. If successful in the course and completion exams, will be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Shore based Certificate

Examination or qualification (if applicable) including costs. The course fee usually includes examination costs: registration with the exam board, certification and administration fees. If the fees are not included, the brochure will tell you this.

There are two exams for this course. Exam 1 covers all the above except chart work, which is covered by exam 2.

Work expected outside lesson time (e.g. homework, assignments, etc.)

There is an expectation that students will do home learning and research.

What you need to bring to the first class

1. Notepad. 2. Pen.

Books, materials and equipment you need for the course (including additional costs, specialist stockists, etc.) Note: your tutor may recommend additional items during the course.

As above. RYA course material requirements will be discussed at the first session and ordered accordingly.

What you can do next

Have a look at the RYA website as to where to go next. Need to up skill in Maths, English and ICT look at our Level 1/2 Functional Skills, GCSE and ICT course offer. We also offer courses and one to one training on iPads/tablets, iPhones and laptops.

Additional information - General

At the beginning of the course, you will have an induction to the College and the course. Your tutor will ask you to complete a Student Learning Record (SLR) and agree your personal learning goals. This paperwork is a requirement of the College s Quality Improvement Programme.