The RYA Coastal Skipper theory course is advanced training for experienced skippers, building up from the Day Skipper theory course. This training equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.
The course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.
As with the Day Skipper theory course, the RYA’s specially designed chart plotter software will be used during the course to give you a realistic taste of modern electronic navigation.
What You Will Learn
It allows some time for revision of the basics and then moves on to advanced navigation techniques.
- Position fixing
- Course shaping and plotting
- Tidal knowledge
- Use of almanacs and admiralty publications
- Electronic position finding equipment
- Taking and interpreting forecasts
- Plotting weather systems
- Weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
- Collision regulations
- Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad.
You will receive an RYA course pack which includes a chart, plotter, dividers, course handbook and exercises. Pictured is the online course pack.
How Long Is The Course?
In the classroom, the course is taught over 50 hours. At the end of the theory course you are assessed with three exam papers. It can be covered in 7 days (or over a number of shorter sessions) and we can schedule it to run before your Coastal Skipper practical course or Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore preparation course.
We understand that our students learn in different ways and recommend the classroom based course if you are used to a hands-on approach, or if your English is not fluent. Our experienced and patient instructors have rave reviews.
Online, the course will take around 50-55 hours (plus examination time) but the beauty of it is that you can work through it at your own speed, whenever and wherever you like. Your online support instructor is there 24/7 to assist you.
You can book the classroom dates or the online course direct with us.
RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Course Prerequisites
| Pre-course experience | RYA Day Skipper theory course or equivalent. |
| Assumed knowledge | RYA Day Skipper level or equivalent. |
| Minimum duration | 5 days |
| Minimum age | 17 |
RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Course Details
| Duration | We run this theory course over 7 days to ensure success (or as a number of shorter sessions). |
| Included | Course materials and certification. |
| Excluded | Accommodation (please ask for nearby recommendations), flights, transfers and food. |
| Complementary practical courses | RYA Coastal Skipper practical course and Yachtmaster™ Coastal/Offshore preparation course. |
| Course content | Position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer and by observation, collision regulations, plus customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad. |