The Day Skipper qualification confirms that the successful candidate has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on shorter, coastal cruises during daylight. The Royal Yacht Association administers the qualification, although most of the training is carried out by private companies.
It is a part of a series of qualifications that include Competent Crew, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster. While the qualification is primarily for the United Kingdom it is widely recognised internationally.
The course has two elements, a theory and practical. Generally, candidates complete the theory part of the course first.
Some sailing Schools holding RYA recognition may allow Day Skipper training without first taking the shore based Course if the student can navigate up to Day Skipper standards.
RYA Recognised sailing Schools are displayed on the RYA website.
Day Skipper Theory
RYA Day Skipper: Plotting a course to steer - This video will help students studying the RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper theory course.. Thank you for watching and if you would like more information please visit www.leithnautical.co.uk.
The theory part of the Day Skipper qualification is a shorebased (classroom) course that normally takes 36 hours, including an exam.
Course Content includes:
- Nautical terminology
- Ropework - knots and rope types
- Anchors and Anchoring
- Safety, including safety equipment, fire, personal safety equipment such as harnesses and life jackets, distress signals and rescue procedures
- International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
- Measuring position, course and speed
- Using Navigational charts and publications
- Using Navigational instruments
- Planning and Navigating a course
- Understanding Tides, Tide tables
- Lighthouses and beacons
- Weather and Meteorology
- Planning a passage
- Navigation in restricted visibility
- Pilotage, Pilotage plans and harbour entry
- Environmental awareness
Day Skipper Practical
The practical element of the day skipper course takes approximately 5 days on board a suitable yacht, and can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters.
The Day Skipper Practical Course includes:
- Preparing a yacht for sea, including engine, sails and gear.
- Deck work, including reefing, shaking out reefs, changing sails, preparing an anchor, mooring, anchoring, weighing anchor
- Practical navigation - taking and plotting visual fixes, electronic navigation equipment, estimating tidal heights, steering to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift, navigational records, echo sounders and lead lines
- Pilotage, including pilotage plans for entry or departure from a harbour
- Meteorology, weather and forecasts
- Maintenance and repair work
- Engines, refuelling and emergency maintenance
- Victualing
- Emergency drills, including Man overboard, distress flares, life rafts, VHF radio, securing a tow, helicopter rescue
- Organising and keeping a watch
- Yacht Handling under power
- Yacht handling under sail
- Passage making - planning and making a coastal passage
Day Skipper Requirements
There are no qualification requirements, but it is recommended that participants are at least Competent Crew standard before taking the Practical course. Participants should have 5 days, 100 miles and 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht. Minimum age is 16.
See also
- Competent Crew
- Coastal Skipper
- Yachtmaster
References
External links
- Royal Yachting Association
- Fastack South Solent Sailing School
