RYA Day Skipper Shore Based Syllabus
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. Anchor Work
Characteristics of the different types of anchor
Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring
4. Safety
Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, it’s stowage and use
Fire precautions and fire fighting
Use of personal safety equipment, lifejackets and harnesses
Ability to send a distress message using VHF radiotelephone
Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including a helicopter high line transfer
5. International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea
Steering and sailing rules (5,7,8,9,10 & 12-19)
General rules (all other rules)
6. Definition of position, course & speed
Latitude & Longitude
Knowledge of standard navigational terms
True bearings & courses
The Knot (unit of speed)
7. Navigational charts and publications
Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance
Navigational publications in common use
Chart corrections
8. Navigational instruments
Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments
9. Compass
Application of variation
Awareness of deviation and its causes
Use of the hand-bearing compass
10. Chartwork
Dead reckoning 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 for determining tidal height at a 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 passages
Meteorological considerations in planning a short passage
Use of waypoints on passage
Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source
Keeping a navigational record
15. Navigation in restricted visibility
Precautions to be taken 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
Responsibilities for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment
Day Skipper and Watch Leader Practical Course Syllabus
Section A
All candidates
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
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
- Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
- Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
- 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 lines.
- Use of transits and soundings as aids to pilotage
5. Meteorology
- Knows sources of forecast information
- Can interpret shipping forecasts and use a barometer as a forecasting aid
6. Rule of the road
- Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
7. Maintenance and repair work
- Understands and is able to 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 and how to use a liferaft
- Can operate a radiotelephone in an emergency and send a distress message
- Understands how to secure a tow
- Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
Section B
Sail Training Candidates only - Watch Leader
11. General organization
- Understands the organisation and is fully competent to take charge of a watch at sea and in harbour
Section C
Yachting Candidates only - Day Skipper
12. Yacht handling under power
· Can bring a boat safely to and from an alongside berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide
13. Yacht handling under sail
- Can bring a boat safely to and from a mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide
- Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing
14. Passage making
- Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew
Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Residential Opportunity
