RYA Day Skipper Theory Shorebased Course
RYA Day Skipper Theory is a shorebased sea navigation course.
NOW ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE!
Understand charts and planning a passage with the tides and weather with safety.
More course information
RYA Day Skipper Theory navigation course – See dates below
Pay in full or with 50% deposit at the checkout – please get in touch if you have any questions
Need to know how to get your boat from A to B safely?
The RYA Day Skipper Theory Course is an essential 40 hour navigation course that teaches you the basics of coastal and inshore navigation by daylight and pilotage including chart-work, position fixing, plotting a course to steer, weather forecasting, and a knowledge of tides and the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS). It is the pre-requisite level of navigation required to prepare you for the RYA Day Skipper Practical course.
Our well equipped ramped access classroom in Mylor, based near Falmouth is ideal for learning with wonderful views of the estuary. Parking is easy and we have free passes for your convenience. We also have a hearing loop and other additional aids for a variety of needs. Please contact us to discuss.
NOW AVAILABLE EITHER ONLINE OR IN THE CLASSROOM
Why not try the online distance learning course and take up to 6 months to complete? Click on the link below to read more, sample the online resources and sign up.
(Please note you will have an option to extend to 12 months at a fee)
ONLINE COURSE INFORMATION AND HOW TO SIGN UP CLICK HERE
NEXT DAY SKIPPER THEORY INTENSIVE COURSE CLASSROOM BASED DATES – 6 DAYS or 3 WEEKENDS
3 x weekends
15th/16th, 22nd/23rd, 29th/30th November 2025
10th/11th, 17th/18th, 24th/25th January 2026
6 x consecutive days
Sun 22nd – Fri 27th February 2026
More dates for 2026 tbc
To check live availability or to book please click through to our live booking calendar here – RYA Day Skipper Theory
YOU MUST ATTEND ALL SESSIONS OF THE COURSE
Future dates TBC
Course details – Understanding where you can go in your boat is vital. This course will give you the knowledge to feel confident in understanding how to read a chart of the area and the methods used to approach harbours, coastal rivers, including the ever important tidal restrictions for where you can take your vessel.
As well as navigation the RYA Day Skipper Theory course will help you to understand the different yacht types and the equipment necessary to carry on-board as well as safety procedures such as distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, life jackets and life-rafts.
Day Skipper Theory Course topics include –
Basics of seamanship
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 life-rafts
Frequently asked questions
When do you run these courses?
Check our online booking calendar for dates. Link is in the information above.
Online courses are available at any time. For the classroom taught courses, we run these in the Autumn/Winter/Spring. We only run this course with small groups and very knowledgeable trainers.
Do I have to have any prior knowledge before taking this course?
Where will this course take place?
If you choose the online option though, then it can be wherever you would like to study. All resources for your distance learning course are online with your secure log in.
What is the minimum age who can take this course?
Do I need to buy a plotter and set of dividers?
For the online distance learning course, there is an option to purchase them when you register for this course.
How many days is this course?
There are exams at the end of the training course. There should be 40 hours contact time for the training.
For the online distance learning course, you would have 12 months to work through the modules.
