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 Yachting Association The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is a United Kingdom national governing body for sailing, dinghy sailing, yacht and motor cruising, sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for i ...

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, Helmsman, Coastal Skipper and

Yachtmaster A Yachtmaster qualification is a certificate of competence of the ability to handle either a sailing boat or motor boat (as endorsed) in certain prescribed conditions. Three different titles are specified; Yachtmaster Coastal (previously - and in ...

. While the qualification is primarily for the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

, it is widely recognised internationally. The course has two elements, a theory and practical. Candidates must complete the theory part of the course first to be able to apply this knowledge during the practical course. 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. However, theory knowledge will still be tested while out on the water. RYA Recognised sailing Schools are displayed on the RYA website.

Day Skipper Theory

The theory part of the Day Skipper qualification is either a shorebased (classroom) course that takes a minimum of 40 hours, followed by an exam. Alternatively, this can be completed online by distance learning which offers greater flexibility in study. 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 A personal flotation device (PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid or flotation suit) is a flotation device in the form of a vest or suite that is worn by a ...

, distress signals and rescue procedures * International regulations for preventing collisions at sea * Measuring position, course and speed * Using navigational charts and publications * Using electronic charts and chartplotters * Using navigational instruments * Planning and

navigation Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.Bowditch, 2003:799. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navigation, ...

a course * Understanding tides, Tide tables * Calculating heights of tide using tidal curves *

Lighthouses A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of physical structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses and to serve as a beacon for navigational aid, for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways. Lighthouses mar ...

and beacons * Buoyage systems, IALA A and IALA B *

Weather Weather is the state of the atmosphere, describing for example the degree to which it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloud cover, cloudy. On Earth, most weather phenomena occur in the lowest layer of the planet's atmos ...

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 A yacht is a sailing or power vessel used for pleasure, cruising, or racing. There is no standard definition, though the term generally applies to vessels with a cabin intended for overnight use. To be termed a , as opposed to a , such a pleasu ...

, and can be taken in

tidal Tidal is the adjectival form of tide. Tidal may also refer to: * ''Tidal'' (album), a 1996 album by Fiona Apple * Tidal (king), a king involved in the Battle of the Vale of Siddim * TidalCycles, a live coding environment for music * Tidal (servic ...

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 A sail is a tensile structure—which is made from fabric or other membrane materials—that uses wind power to propel sailing craft, including sailing ships, sailboats, windsurfers, ice boats, and even sail-powered land vehicles. Sails may ...

, preparing an

anchor An anchor is a device, normally made of metal , used to secure a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current. The word derives from Latin ''ancora'', which itself comes from the Greek ἄ� ...

, mooring, anchoring, weighing anchor * Practical

– 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 practical 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 and theory knowledge to Day Skipper level. Minimum age is 16.

References

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External links

Royal Yachting Association
Sailing qualifications

Day Skipper Theory

Day Skipper Practical

Day Skipper Requirements

See also

References

External links