RYA Day Skipper Theory

You will require the following equipment:

• Access to a computer or tablet device with internet connection.

This is a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew.  You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.

Nautical Terms

• Parts of a boat and hull.
• General nautical terminology.

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 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.

IRPCS

• Steering and sailing rules (5,7,8,9,10 and 12-19).
• General rules (all other rules).

Definition of position, course and speed

• Latitude and longitude.
• Knowledge of standard navigational terms.
• True bearings and courses.
• The knot.

Navigational charts and publications

• Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representations of direction and distance.
• Navigational publications in common use.
• Chart corrections.

Navigation drawing instruments

• Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments.

Compass

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

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

• Lighthouse 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 restricted visibility

• 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.