RYA
2-day Helmsman
RYA
4-day Day Skipper
RYA
5-day Coastal Skipper-
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
5-day Preparation + Exam
| Previous experience | None |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge | None |
| Course content | Basic boat handling and seamanship |
| Ability after course | Handle a motor cruiser in sheltered waters |
| Minimum duration | 2 days |
This 2 day weekend course is ideal for motor cruising beginners and is particularly suitable for new motor boat owners who want to build confidence.
During the course you´ll be shown how to carry out essential engine checks and cover the basic ´rules of the road´. Practical boat handling sessions will include anchoring, securing to a mooring buoy, berthing alongside pontoons as well as plenty of helming (steering) practice for everyone.
We limit numbers to a maximum of 3 individuals on each course and award an RYA Helmsman´s certificate on completion.
| Previous experience | 2 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge | Basic navigation to Day Skipper standard |
| Course content | Boat handling, pilotage |
| Ability after course | Skipper a small motor yacht in familiar waters |
| Minimum duration | 4 days |
Ideally suited to those who are ready to build upon their existing experience and basic navigation knowledge, this popular course offers a complete introduction to 'practical' motor boat skippering in tidal waters. With an emphasis on good seamanship, the aim is to give you the practical ability and confidence to undertake a short passage as skipper and then be able to berth the boat safely on arrival.
With places limited to just three on each course your instructor is able to give individual attention as necessary while you practice the core skills of close-quarters boat handling and practical pilotage. The course also includes electronic navigation and cruising at night.
Note: Holders of a Day Skipper practical motor cruising course completion certificate can apply directly to the RYA for an ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
| Previous experience | 15 days (2 as skipper), 300 miles, 8 night hours |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge | Navigation to Day Skipper standard |
| Course content | Passage planning, navigation, boat handling |
| Ability after course | Skipper coastal passages by day and night |
| Minimum duration | 5 days |
Aimed at aspiring skippers seeking to undertake longer coastal and offshore passages under power, this 'stepping stone' course is ideally suited to those already broadly proficient to Day Skipper standard but who don’t yet have the necessary experience to take the full RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper practical preparation and exam.
With just three candidates per course there is time to revise some elements of the Day Skipper syllabus, but the emphasis is on effective passage planning, practical navigation, day and night pilotage, manoeuvring in confined spaces, together with navigating in restricted visibility and handling emergency situations.
At the end of the five days, a Coastal Skipper course completion certificate will be awarded to those who are deemed to understand what is required to skipper a motor yacht on a coastal passage by day or night.
This rigorous 5 day course, in tidal waters, is designed to prepare candidates for their Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore motor examinations - conducted by an independent RYA examiner over the final day. For each of these prestigious qualifications both the course and exam follow much the same format, but a Coastal Skipper’s demonstrable ability isn’t expected to match that of a more experienced Yachtmaster Offshore. [check pre-exam sea time requirements]Because the examiner will look at your overall skippering ability, particularly in boat handling and pilotage situations (by day and night), we spend most of the time practicing the manoeuvres that you’re likely to be asked to demonstrate - building up your confidence and ability in the process. During the intensive 4 days of 'brushing up', your instructor will work extremely hard to help you pass by concentrating on your practical and navigational skills - filling in any gaps and offering continual constructive feedback. Essentially, this is a practical course, so do make sure that your basic theory knowledge is up to speed before you arrive.
At the end of the 4 day prep-course there’s no compulsion to take the exam. If you think you need more practice, you can always hang on to your exam fee and return to take the exam later - at no extra cost.
