RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Online Theory Course

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Online Theory Course

Ready to take your sailing to the next level? The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Online Theory course is designed for sailors who’ve built a solid foundation at Day Skipper level. It builds on that knowledge, developing advanced skills needed for longer, more complex passages.

Study online towards this RYA Yachtmaster qualification at your own pace. Enrol with us and learn from the comfort of your own home. 

Why Take the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Online Theory Course?

At Prometheus Sailing, we steer a tight ship. As a student of this online course, we’ll provide you with everything you need to succeed. 

Whether you want to cruise for pleasure or to work towards a professional qualification, this sailing course delivers:

• Expert guidance: Full support, including personal feedback from our qualified RYA instructors. 

• Recognised step towards professional qualifications: Essential for professional skippers seeking commercial endorsements.

• Confidence on the water: Plan and execute longer, more complex passages with ease.

• Advanced skill development: Enhances your overall sailing capability in challenging coastal waters. 

• Gateway to advanced sailing courses: Prepares you for the RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Coastal practical courses.

• No minimum age requirement: Open to anyone with Day Skipper-level theory knowledge.

Course Details

The RYA Yachtmaster Theory Online Course helps you build your knowledge across a wide range of advanced seamanship topics, including:

• Tidal heights and streams

• Pilotage

• Meteorology 

• Safety at sea 

• Passage planning 

• Advanced navigation techniques 

• Yacht positioning 

• Position fixing

• Using a magnetic compass

• GPS

• Chart plotters

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course qualifies more experienced skippers to undertake longer and more complex passages, including night sailing. 

This sailing course includes three online exams, leading to your RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory completion certificate. Successful students can then progress to these practical courses:

• RYA Coastal Skipper 

• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal 

What's Included

• Quality Portland plotter and dividers for chartwork

• RYA Training Charts 3 & 4 and RYA Training almanack

• RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster Northern Hemisphere Exercise book

• RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster Electronic Resources Booklet

• RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster Electronic Weather Resources Booklet

• Unlimited RYA instructor support (via messaging system, email, phone, Teams and Zoom)

• All paper charts, handbooks and equipment by next-day courier 

• 12-month course access, with the option to extend if required

• Access to the online course after passing your exams — great for revision or as a reference

• All three exams included in the course fee, with unlimited re-takes

Cost 

£295

WHEN MAKING AN ONLINE BOOKING, PLEASE SELECT THE SAME START AND END DATE

Minimum Age Requirements

There’s no minimum age for the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course. As a shore-based course, it’s open to anyone with RYA Day Skipper Theory knowledge.

Please note that age requirements do apply when progressing to the practical qualifications. The minimum age requirement for both the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course and the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Prep and Exam course is 18. 

By booking this online course, you’re agreeing to our sailing school terms and conditions.

Facts and figures

Ready to elevate your seamanship skills? Register online and build your knowledge to sail with confidence.

Syllabus

The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course takes your navigation and seamanship knowledge to the next level. Here’s a syllabus overview for this online course:

Knowing Where You Are

• Pinpoint your position using GPS, radar, visual bearings and soundings

• Understand the relative reliability of each method

• Learn why cross-checking between position-fixing methods is essential

Understanding Your Compass

• Account for variation and deviation with confidence

• Work with different compass types

• Convert accurately between compass and true bearings

Passage Planning

• Prepare charts and waypoint strategy for coastal and offshore passages

• Apply weather forecasts to routing decisions

• Understand customs requirements and applicable regulations for foreign waters

• Pull together all course knowledge into a complete, practical planning approach

Tides

• Work with both standard and secondary ports

• Understand tidal levels and datum

• Navigate tide anomalies

Tidal Streams

• Factor tidal streams into course planning

• Identify and understand the hazards they create, including races, overfalls and tide rips

Buoyage & Lights

• Master the full IALA Region A buoyage system

• Understand light characteristics, ranges and light lists

• Navigate safely by night and in unfamiliar waters

Pilotage

• Plan and execute confident harbour entries

• Use transits, clearing lines, soundings and leading lines effectively

Electronic Navigation

• Use GPS and chart plotters practically and critically

• Understand the difference between raster and vector charts

• Recognise the limitations of electronic navigation and why paper charts remain essential

Instruments

• Understand how echo sounders and logs work

• Recognise where each instrument falls short

The Deck Log

• Understand its role as your vessel's official record

• Learn how to maintain it properly at sea

Meteorology

• Read and interpret shipping forecasts confidently

• Plot weather systems using a barometer

• Understand fronts, air masses, sea fog as well as land and sea breezes

• Draw on multiple forecast sources for passage planning

Collision Regulations

• Develop a thorough knowledge of the Convention of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions (COLREGs)

• Covers all COLREGs sections excluding Annexes 1 and 3

Safety at Sea

• Lifejackets, harnesses, fire prevention and firefighting

• Distress signals and coastguard procedures

• Heavy weather preparation, liferaft use and helicopter rescue

• Build both equipment knowledge and sound judgement at sea

Navigating in Poor Visibility

• Understand the precautions required when visibility drops

• Recognise the limitations fog places on safe navigation

• Develop confident decision-making in reduced visibility conditions

Get closer to your Coastal Skipper practical course by earning the Yachtmaster online theory certificate at your own pace. Book the online course.