Introduction
Learn to navigate with the RYA
Our navigation and seamanship theory courses are designed to help you unravel the mysteries of navigation, pilotage, passage planning and meteorology. They are great as stand alone courses, but also complement our various practical training courses.
Whether you are a sailor or a motor boater, our shorebased courses equip would-be and experienced skippers with enough knowledge, at least in theory, to go afloat and take charge of a yacht.
Shorebased navigation courses
There are various ways to complete these courses: through evening classes, an intensive course, or by distance learning. Your next logical step is to attend an RYA practical course to put these skills into practice.
| |
Basic Navigation and Safey
Navigation and safety awareness for new, inexperienced or rusty skippers and crew |
Day Skipper
A comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers |
Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Offshore
Advanced training for more experienced skippers |
Yachtmaster Ocean
Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation and ocean passage making |
| Pre-course experience |
None |
Some experience on the water is desirable |
Day Skipper shorebased |
Coastal and offshore sailing |
| Assumed knowledge |
None |
None |
Navigation to Day Skipper shorebased standard |
Navigation to Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased standard |
| Minimum duration |
16 hours |
40 hours with 2 exam papers |
40 hours with 3 exam papers |
40 hours with 1 exam paper |
| Minimum age |
None |
None |
None |
None |
| Course content |
An introduction to navigation and safety |
Basic seamanship and navigation |
Offshore and coastal navigation, pilotage, coastal and offshore passages |
Astro navigation, ocean meteorology |
| Ability after course |
Basic knowledge of navigation and safety |
Background knowledge to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day |
Background knowledge to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night |
Background knowledge to skipper a yacht on ocean passages |