A comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers.
This course equips you with sufficent knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of ships lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

The RYA are continually updating the course to take into account developments in technology and the electronic navigation aids now available on most cruising boats.
In conjunction with the UK Hydrographic Office they have developed a chart plotter specifically for use on training courses, giving you a realistic insight into electronic navigation.

Use of this plotter is an integral part of our Day Skipper Shorebased Theory course.
They have northern and southern hemisphere versions of their training materials. So, no matter where you are in the world, their course can be tailored to you.

The course is taught over 40 hours with two exam papers. It can be covered as a series of short sessions, as an intensive week-long course, or by distance learning.

Duration 40 hours
Cost £475.00 inclusive of RYA pack
Minimum Age None
Pre-requisites None
Course content Course topics include:

  • the basics of seamanship
  • the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage
  • chartwork
  • electronic charts
  • position fixing
  • plotting a course to steer
  • weather forecasting and meteorology
  • tides
  • collision regulations
  • construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat
  • emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and liferafts
Total number of places on Course 6

Support Course: RYA Advanced Powerboat

Next Step: RYA Advanced Powerboat