Day Skipper Theory Syllabus

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 

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

16. 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 

17. Marine environment 

• Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment

Price & How to buy this course

Where can I put my Theory Course into action?

We think you should do it on our gaff cutters in Devon and Cornwall......but other Sailing Schools are available (but they don't have bowsprits!)