RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
Course Syllabus
Synopsis: A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.
Nautical Terms
• Parts of a boat and hull
• General nautical terminology
Ropework
• Knowledge of properties of synthetic ropes in common use
Anchorwork
• Characteristics of different types of anchor
• Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring
Safety
• Knowledge of safety equipment to be carried, it’s stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C8)
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets
• Ability to send a distress signal by radiotelephone
• Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
• Steering and sailing rules (5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12-19)
• General rules (all other rules)
Definition of position, course and speed
• Latitude and longitude
• Knowledge of standard navigational terms
• True bearing and course
• The knot
Navigational charts and publications
• Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance
• Navigational publications in common use
• Chart correction
Navigational drawing instruments
• Use of the parallel rule, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments
Compass
• Application of magnetic variation
• Awareness of deviation and it’s causes
• Use of hand bearing compass
Chartwork
• Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway
• Technique of visual fixing
• Satellite-derived positions
• Use of waypoints to fix position
• Course to steer
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
Visual aids to navigation
• Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics
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 fronts
Passage planning
• Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages
• Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages
• Use of waypoints on passage
• Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source
• Keeping of navigational record
Navigation in restricted visibility
• Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by, fog
Pilotage
• Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines
• IALA system of buoyage for Region A
• Use of sailing directions
• Pilotage plans and harbour entry
Marine environment
• Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment
Reproduced by kind permission of the RYA
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