This theory course is the prelude to the Practical Day Skipper and equips the aspiring skipper with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. This course can be tailored to suit you based around home learning and one to one mentoring.

In the Day Skipper theory course, students are taught the basics of coastal and inshore navigation and pilotage including chartwork, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, understanding weather forecasting, a knowledge of tides and the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea. The first time you safely navigate to a new destination will give you an immense feeling of satisfaction. As well as navigation, the RYA Day Skipper theory course will give students an understanding of different yacht types and the equipment they carry, as well as safety procedures such as distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, life jackets and life rafts.

During the course, students sit two exams and on successful completion of both will be awarded the RYA Day Skipper Theory Certificate.

We offer this course either via the Navathome route with one to one tuition or for 3 candidates or more we can put together a bespoke course, delivered either in your own home, office or classroom, Please contact us for details.

Pre course experience
Assumed knowledge
Minimum duration
Minimum age
Theory Pack Contents
Course content
After course ability
No prior knowledge is required for enrolment onto this course.
None
40 hours to complete with an assessment of 2 parts (1.5 hours for each) taken in one sitting
None
RYA Training charts, RYA Exercises booklet, RYA Day Skipper Shorebased notes booklet, RYA Training Almanac, A plotter and dividers set
Basics, nautical terms, ropework, anchorwork, safety, Collison Regulations (COLREGs), Understanding position, course and speed, Charts and publications, Navigation drawing instruments, Compass, Chartwork – traditional and electronic, tides and tidal streams, visual navigation aids, meteorology, passage planning, navigation in restricted visibility, pilotage and marine environment.
Basic knowledge to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. Successful completion of this course will earn you the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased certificate.