Day Skipper Theory

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course is invaluable for learning how to start making decisions on board and if you are considering taking the Day Skipper practical course.

Required experience: Some practical experience is desirable.
Minimum duration: 40 hours plus exam time.
Minimum age: None.
Content: Seamanship, coastal navigation and pilotage, chartwork, electronic charts, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting and meteorology, tides, collision regulations, seamanship, coastal navigation and pilotage, chartwork, electronic charts, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting and meteorology, tides, collision regulations.
Certificate issuing criteria: Background knowledge to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.
Format: In the classroom or online.
Included in the fee: Educational material .
Not included in the fee: Accommodation & food.

A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew and Helmsmen. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.

1 Nautical terms
Parts of a boat and hull
General nautical terminology.

2. Ropework
Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use .

3. Anchorwork
Characteristics of different types of anchor.
Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring.

4. Safety
Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C8)
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.

5. International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
Steering and sailing rules (5, 7. 8, 9. 10 and 12-19).
General rules (all other rules).

6. Definition of position, course and speed
Latitude and longitude.
Knowledge of standard navigational terms.
True bearings and courses.

7. Navigational charts and publications
Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance.
Navigational publications in common use.
Chart correction .

8. Navigational drawing instruments
Use of parallel rulers. dividers and proprietary plotting instruments.

9. Compass
Application of variation..
Awareness of deviation and its causes.
Use of hand-bearing compass.

10.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.