Home > Sailing Courses > RYA Practical > RYA Day Skipper Practical > RYA Day Skipper Non tidal Syllabus

RYA Day Skipper - Non-Tidal

This course is the non-tidal equivalent of the original Day Skipper. Although there is no tidal element, this course is by no means a poor relation to the tidal Day Skipper. As you will see in the syllabus,  navigation weather and boat-handling is thoroughly covered.

The non-tidal courses are conducted by schools and clubs in non tidal areas such as the Mediterranean and Baltic. Whilst there is no tidal content, there are many things to learn such as local mooring practices, weather and customs.

1. Preparation for sea

·          Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below.

2. Deck work

·          Can reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions.

·          Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to a buoy, anchoring Weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or an alongside berth, or stern or bow to mooring 

3. Navigation

Is proficient in chart-work and routine navigational duties on passage including:

·          Taking and plotting visual fixes

·          Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing

·          Use of waypoints

·          Working up DR and EP

·          Knowledge of IALA Buoyage

·          Maintenance of navigational records

·          Use of echo sounder and lead line 

4. Pilotage

·          Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into or departure from harbour

·          Understands the use of leading and clearing line

·          Use of transits and soundings as aids to pilotage 

5. Meteorology

·          Knows sources of forecast information

·          Can interpret forecasts 

6. Rules of the road

·          Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 

7. Maintenance and repair work

·          Understands and can carry out maintenance tasks

·          Knows the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes 

8. Engines

·          Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and to bleed the fuel system 

9 Victualling

·          Understands how to victual a yacht 

10.  Emergency situations

·          Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard

·          Understands distress flares & how to use a life raft

·          Can operate a radiotelephone in an emergency and send a distress message

·          Understands how to secure a tow

·          Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue 

11. Yacht handling under power

·          Can bring a boat safely to and from an alongside berth, bow/stern-to mooring, mooring buoy and anchor 

12. Yacht handling under sail

·          Can bring a boat safely to and from a mooring buoy and anchor

·          Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing 

13. Passage making

·          Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards, local weather patterns and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew