There will be some work to be completed in the evenings and at the end of the course there will be two examination papers to complete.
If you are looking for a brush-up or a good introduction to navigation, this is an ideal course. If you are a crew member or partner who doesn’t usually sail or navigate, but would like to learn, this is a great starting point.
Course Syllabus
Nautical terms
- Parts of a boat and hull
- General nautical terms
Ropework
- Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use
Anchorwork
- Characteristics of different types of anchor
- Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring
Safety
- Knowledge of the safety equiptment to be carried, its stowage and use
- Fire precautions and fire fighting
- Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets
- Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone
- Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- Steering and sailing rules
- General rules
Definition of position, course and speed
- Latitude and longitude
- Knowledge of standard navigation terms
- True bearings and courses
- The knot
Navigational charts and publications
- Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance
- Navigational publications in common use
- Chart correction
Navigational drawing instruments
- Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments
Compass
- Application of variation
- Awareness of deviation and its courses
- Use of hand bearing courses
Chartwork
- Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway
- Techniques of visual fixing
- Satellite-derived positions
- Use of waypoints to fix position
- Course to steer
Tides and tidal streams
- Tidal definitions, levels and datum
- Tide tables
- Use of Admiralty method of determining tidal height at standard port and awareness of corrections for secondary ports
- Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases for chartwork
Visual aids to navigation
- Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics
Meteorology
- Sources of broadcast meteorological information
- Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft
- Basic knowledge of highs, lows and fronts
Passage planning
- Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages
- Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages
- Use of waypoints on passage
- Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source
- Keeping a navigational record
Navigation in restricting visability
- Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by, fog
Pilotage
- Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines
- IALA system of buoyage for Region A
- Use of sailing directions
- Pilotage plans and harbour entry
Marine Environment
- Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment
2024 Course Dates
08-12th January 2024
04th -08th March 2024: Cancelled
Duration
5 days
Price
£340.00
What is included?
RYA Day Skipper Theory course notes.
Morning and afternoon tea and coffee.
Free parking.
Additional Information
There are no additional course costs.
Please note this course is non-residential. For details of accommodation nearby, click here.
Ability after course
This course will give inexperienced skippers a comprehensive introduction to cruising.
This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.
Pre-course experience: no prior knowledge required.