Coastal Skipper
Advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen and women with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.
Like the Day Skipper course, this course consists of skippered passages in a variety of situations. Each trainee will skipper more challenging passages and learn more about passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations.
It is a satisfying but intensive week, with candidates often working towards a Certificate of Competence.
Most centres will expect you to complete the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore shorebased course beforehand as there is insufficient time to teach you theory during the week.
Coastal Skippers should be able to undertake more difficult passages by day and night and handle the yacht in more demanding conditions. By the end of the course you should have the knowledge, if not the experience, to become a Yachtmaster™.
The course can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
| Pre-course experience |
15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours |
| Assumed knowledge |
Boat handling to the standard of Day Skipper and navigation to shorebased Coastal |
| Minimum duration |
5 days |
| Minimum age |
17 |
| Course content |
Passage planning
Preparation for sea
Pilotage
Passage making and ability as skipper
Yacht handling under power
Yacht handling under sail
Adverse weather conditions
Emergency situations |
| Ability after the course |
Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night |
See Also
The theory behind the practical training
A range of courses to back up your learning afloat
How to use your Coastal Skipper certificate for work