RYA Day Skipper - Shorebased Course
This is an elementary course in seamanship, navigation and meteorology. It is intended as an integral part of the overall training for the Day Skipper/Watch Leader and as an introductory course to the more advanced Coastal Skipper course.
Level
Certificate
Entry Requirements
No formal entry requirements
Duration & Mode
20 weeks by Evening Class
Description
This is an elementary course in seamanship, navigation and meteorology. It is intended as an integral part of the overall training for the Day Skipper/Watch Leader and as an introductory course to the more advanced Coastal Skipper course.
NAUTICAL TERMS
parts of a boat, hull rig and sails
general nautical terminology.
ROPEWORK
knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use
ability to make, and knowledge of the use of figure of eight, clove hitch, rolling hitch, reef knot, bowline, single and double sheet bend, round turn and two half hitches.
ANCHORWORK
characteristics of different types of anchor
considerations to be taken into account when anchoring.
SAFETY
knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use. (RYA booklet C8)
fire precautions and fire fighting
use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets.
ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone.
INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA
steering and sailing rules (5,7,8,9 and 12 –19)
general rules (all other rules).
DEFINITION OF POSITION, COURSE AND SPEED
latitude and longitude
knowledge of standard navigational terms
true bearings and courses
the knot.
NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS AND PUBLICATIONS
information shown on charts, chart symbols, representation of direction and distance
navigational publications in common use
chart correction.
NAVIGATIONAL DRAWING INSTRUMENTS
use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments
COMPASSES
application of variation and deviation, and use of transits and comparison to check deviation
importance of swinging compass
use of hand bearing compass
siting of steering compass.
CHARTWORK
working up position from course steered, distance run and estimates of leeway and set.
plotting fixes
working out course to steer to allow for leeway and set.
POSITION FIXING
sources of position lines
potential accuracy of fixing methods.
TIDES AND TIDAL STREAMS
tidal definitions, levels and data
tide tables, standard and secondary ports
tidal stream predictions.
PILOTAGE
use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines
IALA system of buoyance for Region A
use of sailing directions.
VISUAL AIDS TO NAVIGATION
lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics.
PASSAGE PLANNING
preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages.
NAVIGATION IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY
precautions to be taken and limitations imposed by fog.
METEOROLOGY
sources of broadcast meteorological information
knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft.
Course Code: LERYADAYE
Progression
Campus
Stornoway
Barra
