CategoryRYA Cruising Courses / Intermediate / Theory
The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course is a comprehensive theory program designed to equip aspiring skippers with the essential knowledge for safe coastal navigation. Covering topics such as chartwork, tides, passage planning, meteorology, collision regulations, and the use of electronic navigation aids, this course provides a strong foundation for skippering a yacht by day in familiar waters.
It also includes safety procedures, pilotage, and environmental awareness. Ideal for those progressing from Competent Crew or preparing for the practical Day Skipper course, it combines traditional navigation skills with modern techniques to build confidence and competence at sea.
This theme builds the foundations of coastal navigation. You’ll learn how to read and interpret nautical charts, understand navigational terms, work with latitude and longitude, and measure true bearings and distances. You'll also become proficient in using drawing instruments like dividers and parallel rulers and understand magnetic variation and compass use—including hand-bearing techniques.
This section covers tidal theory and practical applications. Students learn how to use tide tables, tidal diamonds, and tidal stream atlases. The course includes methods for calculating tidal heights (using standard and secondary ports) and understanding tidal effects on navigation.
You’ll be introduced to planning short coastal passages, including how to prepare a pilotage plan, use waypoints, and confirm your position. The course also covers keeping a navigational log, planning for weather, and the legal responsibilities under SOLAS V. You’ll learn how to enter and exit harbours using transits, leading lines, sailing directions, and buoyage systems.
Gain an understanding of marine weather forecasts, broadcast sources, and the terms used in shipping forecasts. You’ll also study the Beaufort Scale, high- and low-pressure systems, and how weather patterns affect small craft navigation.
Learn about onboard safety equipment, VHF radio use, distress signals, fire prevention, personal flotation gear, and emergency procedures like helicopter rescue. This section also includes basic seamanship such as rope handling, anchoring techniques, and environmental responsibilities like pollution prevention.
This section provides essential knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. You’ll study key steering and sailing rules, understand right-of-way situations, and apply general rules to everyday boating scenarios.
You’ll learn how to identify lighthouses, beacons, and light characteristics. The course also introduces electronic navigation tools like GNSS and chart plotters, including how to use waypoints and electronic position fixing alongside traditional methods like dead reckoning and visual bearings.
The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course is an intensive, classroom-based navigation and seamanship program designed to give aspiring skippers the theoretical knowledge required to safely operate a yacht in familiar coastal waters during daylight hours. It is the perfect next step for sailors who have completed the RYA Competent Crew course and are ready to take on more responsibility on board.
This course covers a wide range of essential topics to prepare students for real-world decision-making and safe boat handling. At its core is navigation and chartwork, where you’ll learn how to read nautical charts, understand navigation symbols, plot courses, and fix positions using both traditional and electronic methods. You’ll use drawing instruments like dividers and parallel rulers, learn to apply variation and deviation, and gain confidence using both paper charts and GPS.
A key component of the course is understanding tides and tidal streams. You’ll learn how to calculate tidal heights and streams using Admiralty tide tables and tidal atlases. This knowledge is vital for planning safe departures, navigating shallow waters, and ensuring there’s always enough depth under your keel.
The course places strong emphasis on passage planning and pilotage, teaching you how to plan short coastal trips, choose suitable charts and waypoints, and account for safety, weather, and harbour entry procedures. Pilotage techniques such as using transits, leading lines, and visual navigation aids are explored in detail.
Meteorology is another core element of the Day Skipper course. You’ll learn how to interpret weather forecasts, understand the Beaufort scale, and make sense of synoptic charts. Recognising the signs of changing weather conditions and knowing how to respond is essential for safe skippering.
Safety at sea is a recurring theme throughout the course. You’ll cover the use of safety equipment, lifejackets, VHF radio procedures, and emergency protocols including helicopter rescue and man-overboard scenarios. Topics also include basic ropework, anchoring, fire prevention, and onboard stability.
Understanding the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is crucial for avoiding incidents. You’ll learn the key navigation rules, including which vessel gives way in different scenarios, the importance of lookout, and the correct use of navigation lights and signals.
The course also introduces aids to navigation such as lighthouses and buoys, and teaches students how to identify them by shape, colour, and light characteristics. You’ll become familiar with IALA Region A buoyage, used in Australian and European waters.
Finally, the course includes environmental responsibilities, focusing on pollution prevention and sustainable boating practices to help protect our oceans and waterways.
On completion, you’ll have the confidence to plan and navigate coastal passages, understand the legal and safety requirements of skippering, and be fully prepared for the practical RYA Day Skipper course. This shorebased qualification is a vital stepping stone for anyone looking to become a competent, independent skipper.
There is no pre course experience required to complete the RYA day skipper shore based course however completing the RYA Essential Navigation and Theory course first will give you a solid foundation to grasp the concepts in this course.
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