Dover Sea School

Both sailing and motor boats increasingly have radar onboard. The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea state that if you have a radar, you must know how to use it. Radar is probably the most versatile of all electronic navigation aids, but the best results are only obtained when you know how to use all of the functions correctly.

If you have a VHF radio onboard your boat, or even carry a handheld VHF whilst kayaking or paddle-boarding, you need to hold an operator’s licence. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures. The Short Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio either fixed or hand held.

An element of preparation and planning is needed for even the shortest of journeys. Whether you’re just starting out on the water or looking to refresh your knowledge, the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is great way to boost your skillset. This course offers an introduction to navigation, tides, charts, and safety awareness and can be taken either online or in person, giving you the option to learn at a pace that suits you.

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.

This four-day course gives you the chance to take charge on short passages under instruction. You will concentrate on pilotage boat handling seamanship and navigation. This course can also help you get the best from your modern electronic aids such as GPS and radar, which are now virtually standard equipment on modern motor cruisers.

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is an advanced shore-based program for experienced sailors. Topics include complex navigation, advanced meteorology, and passage planning in tidal waters. Participants also learn about collision regulations and safety protocols for offshore passages. This course is essential for those preparing for the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

This course aims to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a motor cruiser of at least 7m LOA safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night. Before taking this course it is virtually essential to have attended the Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course, to ensure that time is not wasted teaching theory on board. For the more ambitious skipper to improve skills and learn to make full use of the boat on longer, more complex passages.

Accidents happen when you least expect them. Thankfully serious incidents onboard are rare but getting to grips with basic first aid will ensure that everyone’s in good hands. Administering first aid at sea or even just afloat is very different to doing so on land.