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RYA Day Skipper Course - Theory

The Prometheus Sailing RYA Day Skipper Theory Course is delivered by Sailing Course Online, an RYA-recognised Training Centre. 

Complete the online course in the comfort of your own home with full support from the instructors at Sailing Course Online. Once registered, you will receive the RYA Day Skipper theory course book and practice charts. 

Improve your confidence at sea with our Yacht Sailing Refresher course, RYA Competent Crew Course, or ICC Assessment. 

Why Take the RYA Day Skipper Course?

On completion of the RYA Day Skipper Theory course, you’ll have sound knowledge of tidal systems and how to apply your knowledge to your practical sailing skills. The certificate also provides invaluable insight into onboard decision-making and how to stay safe out at sea. 

The course covers the fundamentals of seamanship, providing a comprehensive introduction to operating a vessel safely by day, including:

  • Nautical terminology and communication

  • Coastal navigation

  • Collision regulations

  • Tides

  • Weather forecasting and basic meteorology 

The RYA Day Skipper Theory course is designed to make you feel confident in the essentials of coastal navigation. You’ll receive guidance from professional instructors, helping to merge theory with practical experience, for a comprehensive understanding of the basics. 

Explore our other day skipper qualifications and assessments. Check out our range of online courses. 

Day Skipper Theory Online Course Details

Within the RYA Day Skipper Theory online course, you’ll learn the basics of navigating a boat. To earn the certificate, you’ll work through a variety of subjects that prepare you for the sometimes-challenging conditions involved in sailing. The RYA Day Skipper Online Theory course also provides access to qualified instructors who provide feedback, answer questions and offer practical guidance to support your learning.

What's Included

The RYA Day Skipper online course pack includes: 

  • Quality Portland plotter and dividers so you can do your chart work

  • RYA Training charts 3 & 4 and RYA Training Almanac

  • RYA Day Skipper Northern Hemisphere Exercise book

  • RYA Electronic Chart Plotter software/simulator

  • Unlimited access to qualified RYA Yachtmaster shore-based instructors (via built-in messaging system, email, phone, Teams and Zoom)

  • All charts, books, and equipment are sent by courier on a next-day service in your free Sailing Course Online Navigation bag

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

  • Access to the online course after passing your exams, great for revision or as an aide-mémoire

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

Cost 

£295pp

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

By booking an RYA Day Skipper theory or Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore online theory course, you are agreeing to Sailing Course Online's booking terms and conditions. 

Facts and figures

  • Pre-Course Experience

    Some practical experience is desirable although not essential

  • Assumed Knowledge

    None

  • Duration

    40 hours of study

  • Course Content

    Seamanship, Coastal navigation and pilotage, Chartwork, Electronic charts, Position fixing, Plotting a course to steer, Weather forecasting and meteorology, Tides, Collision regulations

  • Ability after the Course

    This course equips you with enough knowledge to understand how to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising. Successfully gaining your certificate will enable you to confidently progress with your Day Skipper practical course.

Syllabus

  • Nautical Terms & Basic Seamanship

    Gain essential skills and knowledge about a skipper’s responsibilities and effective communication on board a boat: 

    • Understand common nautical terminology 
    • Learn about onboard routines and the roles of the crew
    • Able to understand and manage risks
    • Knowledge of emergency and safety procedures
    • Understand and make distress calls
    • Use of basic safety equipment, such as safety harnesses, jackstays, flares, etc.   
  • Coastal Navigation 

    Learn to navigate safely by day, using traditional and electronic methods: 

    • Pilotage: Navigating confined spaces, using visual references, and identifying clearing lines. 
    • Introduction to chartwork navigation: Symbols, scales, chart corrections.
    • Position plotting: Position fixing using bearings, transits, and GPS.
    • Use of navigation tools: Can use a compass, plotters, and electronic charts. 
    • Passage planning: Charting safe primary and alternative routes.
    • Lights and aids for visual navigation: Buoys, beacons, and lights for navigation. 
  • Collision Regulations

    Develop a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) for safe operation: 

    • Understand responsibilities between boats and vessels
    • Identify vessel types and lights
    • Apply regulations during daytime sailing
  • Tides

    Understand the effects of tidal systems on passage planning and navigation:

    • Reading and interpreting tide tables
    • Calculate tidal heights and streams
  • Weather Forecasting & Meteorology

    Interpret weather information and apply it in practice:

    • Basic meteorological principles and pressure systems
    • Interpret weather forecasts
    • Identify local weather conditions and changes
    • Apply knowledge of weather impact to navigation

     

    Take the next step to becoming a skipper. Enrol in our RYA Day Skipper Practical course.