RYA Day Skipper Theory (Online Course)
SKU RYADSTO-SKON
£245
Study the theory for RYA Day Skipper from the comfort and convenience of your home, with expert instructors just a click away
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Duration:
40–50 hours of online study at your own pace, with instructor support throughout.
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Experience:
You don’t need prior experience, but some practical sailing experience (around RYA Competent Crew level) is recommended. You should be familiar with basic yacht handling and terminology, and comfortable with simple maths for navigation
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Location:
Online
The RYA Day Skipper Theory course is where sailors begin the transition from crew to skipper. It gives you the essential knowledge to plan and navigate coastal passages safely, covering navigation, tides, pilotage, safety, seamanship, and meteorology. By taking the course online, you gain the flexibility to learn at your own pace from home, without losing the benefit of expert, hands-on instruction. Our instructors are seasoned sailors, ready to guide you through the course and bring the theory to life with real-world insight. Completing Day Skipper Theory builds the foundation you need to confidently skipper a yacht, whether you’re chartering for the first time or preparing for the practical Day Skipper course.
Free Trial LessonOverview
Online learning gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you, with no need to take time off for classroom sessions. You’ll enjoy around 40 hours of fully narrated, interactive lessons, packed with animations, videos, and realistic 3D graphics that make navigation and seamanship come alive.
Quizzes and self-assessment exercises are embedded throughout, with instant feedback to keep you on track. Our dedicated RYA instructors are available year-round by email, phone, or Zoom/Skype, giving you unlimited support whenever you need it. You’ll also have access to mock exams, two full final exams with detailed feedback, and free repeat attempts if required — ensuring you are fully prepared and confident to pass. Successful completion leads to the RYA Day Skipper Theory certificate of completion, recognised worldwide.
Key Points
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Learn from expert instructors
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Over 40 hours of interactive, fully narrated lessons with video, animation, and 3D graphics
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Unlimited instructor support 365 days a year via email, phone, or Skype/Zoom
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14-day unconditional money-back guarantee
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Embedded quizzes, 15 self-assessment exercises, and fully worked answers
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Over 50 downloadable or linked resources for further study
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Includes 2 training charts and training almanac
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Mock exams plus 2 final online exams with free resits if needed
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RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory Course Completion Certificate awarded
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12 months full access with support and exams, extendable if required
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Lifetime access to training materials after course completion
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Optional quality plotter and divider set available for £28 (with free UK delivery)
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Free trial lesson
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Start learning today, even before your printed materials arrive
What's Included
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Full access to interactive online lessons and resources
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RYA training materials (charts, plotter, almanac, course notes) delivered to your door (Plotter and Dividers and an additional cost, added at booking)
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Direct tutor support and feedback throughout the course
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RYA Day Skipper Theory certification on successful completion
What's Not Included
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Stationery (pencils, notebook, dividers, calculator, etc.)
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Optional extras such as electronic navigation software or apps
Course Syllabus
RYA Day Skipper Theory Syllabus
The RYA Day Skipper Theory course introduces the essential navigation, seamanship, and safety knowledge needed to skipper a yacht in familiar waters during daylight. It builds on the practical skills of Competent Crew and prepares you for the RYA Day Skipper Practical course.
Nautical Terms
Understands the parts of a boat and hull, along with general nautical terminology, so that orders and instructions on board are clear and easily followed.
Ropework
Has knowledge of the properties and uses of synthetic ropes commonly used on yachts. Can handle ropes confidently in a variety of situations.
Anchorwork
Understands the characteristics of different types of anchor and the factors to consider when anchoring in different conditions.
Safety
Knows what safety equipment should be carried on board, how it should be stowed, and how it is used. Has an understanding of fire precautions and firefighting methods, and the correct use of personal safety equipment such as harnesses and lifejackets. Can send a distress signal using VHF radio, and is aware of helicopter rescue procedures and other emergency measures.
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
Understands and can apply the essential steering and sailing rules (Rules 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12–19), together with a general awareness of the remaining rules.
Position, Course, and Speed
Understands latitude and longitude, navigational terms, and how to measure true bearings and courses. Can calculate position, course, and speed using standard methods, and has a practical understanding of the knot.
Navigational Charts and Publications
Understands the information shown on charts, including symbols, distances, and direction. Knows how to use common navigational publications and apply chart corrections.
Navigational Drawing Instruments
Is competent in the use of parallel rulers, dividers, and other plotting instruments for navigation.
Compass
Understands magnetic variation, deviation, and their effects on navigation. Knows how to use a steering compass and hand-bearing compass for fixing position and steering a course.
Chartwork
Can apply the principles of dead reckoning and estimated position, including allowances for leeway. Understands techniques of visual fixing, use of GPS/plotters, and how to fix position with waypoints. Can calculate and plot a course to steer.
Tides and Tidal Streams
Understands tidal terms and definitions, including levels and datum. Can use tide tables to calculate tidal heights at standard and secondary ports, and apply tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases when planning and executing a passage.
Visual Aids to Navigation
Understands the characteristics of lighthouses, beacons, and light signals used for navigation.
Meteorology
Knows the sources of broadcast weather information, the terminology used in forecasts (including the Beaufort Scale), and the significance of synoptic features such as highs, lows, and fronts.
Passage Planning
Can prepare a navigational plan for short coastal passages, taking account of meteorological factors, waypoints, confirmation of position, and log-keeping requirements.
Navigation in Restricted Visibility
Understands the precautions required when navigating in fog or poor visibility, and the limitations this imposes.
Pilotage
Understands and can apply the principles of pilotage using transits, clearing lines, leading marks, and buoyage (IALA Region A). Can make use of sailing directions and prepare pilotage plans for harbour entry.
Marine Environment
Understands the responsibility of the skipper and crew to protect the marine environment and prevent pollution.
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