Day Skipper Theory Syllabus

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TIP for Beginner navigators from Debbie at Classic Sailing

"On board, make sure you give yourself time to navigate. If you are going to fast to navigate ahead of your last position fix, slow down, stop or go back on a reciprocal course (course you have just sailed)....until you are sure of your approach bearing."

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 to start making decisions onboard.

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, 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

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

7. Navigational charts and publications

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

8. Navigational drawing instruments

Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments

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 fronts

14. 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 a navigational

15. Navigation in restricted visibility