RYA Day Skipper Theory - Solent Training Base In Southampton

The RYA Day Skipper theory course is the essential stepping stone to the RYA motor and sail cruising practical courses. With courses running in Southampton and then a discounts is then available for your practical Day Skipper course because you would be an existing student of Coastal Pursuits.

This 5 day course is run in either of 2 formats. Firstly there is the intensive 5 day block, secondly is the pair of consecutive weekends with the Monday following the last weekend being the 5th day. Both formats cost an all inclusive £299 per student. 

We are also able to offer the practical motor and sail day skipper courses on our own fleet of cruisers based all around the Solent, so choose a base that works the best for you or where the course dates suit your own calendar. 

Combined Day Skipper Theory & Practical Courses

Why not buy your RYA day skipper theory and practical courses together in order to receive a further discount. You can select any theory and practical course running at any of our training centres. Just click below to buy your course then select your courses dates when your ready.

RYA Day Skipper Theory Course Content

 

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

Fire precautions and fire fighting

Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets.

Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radio.

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. 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

11. 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

12. Visual aids to navigation

Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

13. 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

14. Passage planning

Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages.

Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages

Use of waypoints on passaged

Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source

Keeping a navigational

15. Navigation in restricted visibility

Precautions to be taken in and limitations imposed by fog

16. 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

17. Marine environment

Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment