RYA Day Skipper Theory

1. Nautical Terms

• Parts of a boat and hull

• General nautical terminology

2. Ropework

• Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use

3. Anchorwork

• Characteristics of different types of anchor

• Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring

4. Safety

• Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook)

• Fire precautions and fire fighting

• Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets

• Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone

• Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

5. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

• Steering and sailing rules (5,7,8,9,10 and 12-19)

• General rules (all other rules)

6. Definition of position, course and speed

• Latitude and Longitude

• Knowledge of standard navigational terms

• True bearings and courses

• The knot

8. Navigational charts and publications

• Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance

• Navigational publications in common use

• Chart correction

9. Compass

• Application of variation

• Awareness of deviation and its causes 

• Use of hand-bearing compass

10. Chartwork

• Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway

• Techniques of visual fixing

• Satellite-derived positions

• Use of waypoints to fix position

• Course to steer

11. Tides and tidal streams

• Tidal definitions, levels and datum

• Tide tables

• Use of Admiralty method of determining tidal height at standard port and awareness of corrections for secondary ports

• Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases for chartwork

12. Visual Aids to Navigation

• Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

13. Meteorology 

• Sources of broadcast meteorological information

• Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft

• Basic knowledge of highs, lows and front

14. Passage Planning

• Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passage. Meterological considerations in planning short coastal passages 

• Use of waypoints on passages, importance of confirmation of position by an independent source

• Keeping a navigational lookout

15. Navigation in restricted visibility

• Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by fog

16.  Pilotage 

• Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines

• IALA system of bouyage for region A

• Use of sailing directions

• Pilotage plans and harbour entry

17. Marine environment 

• Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the environment

None, although it is advised all candidates should have completed RYA Helmsman course

• Pen and Notepad

• Plotters and dividers

• RYA Training Charts 3 & 4 and RYA Training Almanac

• RYA Day Skipper Northern Hemisphere Exercise book

• Light Refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits)

 Lunch is not included