RYA Day Skipper theory online course 

The RYA Online Day Skipper course is a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship.
This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

The course package includes amongst other two training charts, the RYA training almanac and the Day Skipper shorebased eBook.

There are no pre-course requirements for this RYA online Day Skipper theory course, but some sailing knowledge is helpful.

The RYA online Day Skipper course is delivered by Navathome, a RYA Recognised Training Centre specialising in online training. 

Day Skipper Theory course syllabus

• Parts of a boat and hull
• General nautical terminology

• Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use

• Characteristics of different types of anchor
• Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring

• Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C8)
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejacketsd. Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephonee. Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

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

• Latitude and longitude
• Knowledge of standard navigational terms
• True bearings and courses
• The knot

• Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance
• Navigational publications in common use
• Chart correction

• Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments

• Application of variation
• Awareness of deviation and its causes
• Use of hand-bearing compass

• 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

• 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

• Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

• 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 fronts

• Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passagesb. Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages
• Use of waypoints on passaged. Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source
• Keeping a navigational

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

• Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines
• IALA system of buoyage for Region A
• Use of sailing directions
• Pilotage plans and harbour entry

• Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment

Overview of all RYA online courses