Course and qualification

RYA Day Skipper Theory Course

RYA schemes:Motor Cruising Shorebased Powerboat

Age:No RYA minimum age

Level:BeginnerIntermediate

Format:ClassroomOnline

Setting:Shorebased

About this course

RYA Day Skipper Theory is a theory-based course aimed at prospective yacht skippers and inexperienced crew looking to boost their knowledge and skillset. The course itself offers a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology, and the basics of seamanship. Its goal is to help prepare you in making the key decisions needed onboard to skipper a small vessel in familiar waters.

Course fundamentals

Minimum age	No RYA minimum age
Duration	40 hours plus exam time.
Course content	Seamanship; Coastal navigation and pilotage; Chartwork; Electronic charts; Position fixing; Plotting a course to steer; Weather forecasting and meteorology; Tides; Collision regulations
Certificate or qualification	The appropriate RYA course completion certificate is awarded following successful completion of the course and its prescribed assessment.
Award type	Course completion certificate
Separate assessment	Not required

Prerequisites

Entry requirement

Some practical experience is desirable.

Check the official RYA prerequisite information (opens in a new tab)

Recommended course progression

Starting from the beginning

We have not assessed your existing qualifications, knowledge or experience yet, so every step is shown as still to do.

View your course roadmap2 steps · Starts from the beginning

Follow these courses in order to build the course knowledge or certificates described above.

Step 1 · To do
RYA Start Yachting Course
RYA schemes:RYA Sail Cruising
RYA Start Yachting Course
This practical course is a great way to get a feel for sailing and will teach you the fundamentals of how to steer a yacht under power, raise the sails,…
No RYA minimum ageRecommended age8 and overProviders may set their own age rules, especially for under-18s.
Level:Beginner
Setting:Afloat
View course
Step 2 · To do
RYA Competent Crew Practical Course
RYA schemes:RYA Sail Cruising
RYA Competent Crew Practical Course
RYA Competent Crew is the essential starting point for your RYA training. The course introduces absolute beginners to the delights of sailing aboard a cruising yacht. Making it ideal for…
No RYA minimum ageRecommended age12 and overProviders may set their own age rules, especially for under-18s.
Level:Beginner
Setting:Afloat
View course