RYA Day Skipper Theory

The RYA Day Skipper theory course will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for competent crew. The course will equip 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. Assessment Chartwork Assessment (1.5hrs) General Knowledge Assessment (1.5hrs)

Description

Course Syllabus

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)
  • 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
  • The knot

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Visual Aids to Navigation

  • Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

12. 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 front

13. Passage Planning

  • Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passage. Meterological considerations in planning short coastal passages 
  • Use of waypoints on passages, importance of confirmation of position by an independent source
  • Keeping a navigational lookout

14. Navigation in restricted visibility

  • Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by fog

15.  Pilotage 

  • Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines
  • IALA system of bouyage for region A
  • Use of sailing directions
  • Pilotage plans and harbour entry

16. Marine environment 

  • Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the environment 

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