RYA Cruising Instructor Course

RYA Cruising Instructor Course

A five day course in instructional techniques led by a Yachtmaster Examiner.

Course Notes

Eligibility/pre-course requirements

YM Offshore Certificate of Competence, Commercial Endorsement, Basic Sea Survival, VHF/SRC Operators Licence, First Aid Certificate, Medical Fitness Examination (ML5 or ENG1) or medical issued by a National Maritime Authority.

A candidates ability and knowledge should be above the level of Yachtmaster.

Note: The First Aid and Commercial Endorsement requirements apply to all potential and existing Cruising Instructors and Yachtmaster Instructors.

Validity

Valid for instructors teaching Competent Crew/Helmsmans and Day Skipper practical courses at an existing RYA Training Centre. The qualification is valid for five years. After five years the RYA Cruising Instructor must either attend an update with the RYA, or take a Yachtmaster Instructor Qualifying Course.

Assessment

The Cruising Instructor qualification is obtained by assessment. Most assessments follow a Cruising Instructor Training Course. Candidates will be assessed on their general suitability for instruction, as well as specific skills. A reassessment can be organised if the potential Cruising Instructor underperforms in a particular area.

Knowledge

RYA Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Helmsman and Day Skipper shorebased and practical courses.

Understands:

• RYA program of courses and is in possession of the relevant G15/G18 and G27.
• Levels of competence required for award of certificates.
• Duty of care.
• Environmental protection issues.
• Policies and procedures specific to the centre and commercial operation.

Instructional technique

Can:

• Set up tasks and teaching sessions appropriate to individual students.
• Brief clearly to all the crew or individuals.
• Ensure tasks are undertaken correctly and safely.
• Debrief accurately and provide an achievable plan for improvement.
• Explain clearly any part of the Competent Crew, Helmsman and Day Skipper Shorebased courses.
• Give convincing practical demonstrations of any part of the Start Yachting, Competent Crew/Helmsman course and Day Skipper practical course, including the following:
  • Knots
  • sail handling and trim
  • man overboard
  • mooring
  • pilotage by day and night
  • IRPCS
  • basic meteorology
  • navigation above Day Skipper practical standard
  • power handling
  • skippering ability including comprehensive knowledge of the yacht and its equipment.

Safety

• Has a personal standard and style of skippering which engenders confidence in beginners.
• Understands the Instructors responsibility and Duty of Care to students.
• Can give a comprehensive safety briefing following the RTC's policy.

Understands:

• Centre's safety policy
• Accident reporting procedure
• Care of vessel

Personal Skills

• Has the ability to welcome strangers on board and run a relaxed, happy ship.

Understands:

• How to gain feedback and deal with difficult customers and complaints
• The need for high personal standards

Useful Links

• Royal Institute of Navigation
• International Association of Institutes of Navigation
• International Maritime Organization
• International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities