Fowey Maritime Centre RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Syllabus

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Syllabus

A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew and Helmsmen. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.

Nautical terms

Working knowledge:

• Parts of a boat and hull
• General nautical terminology

Ropework

Working knowledge:

• Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use

Anchorwork

Working knowledge:

• Characteristics of different types of anchor
• Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring

Safety

Working knowledge:

• Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook C8)
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets
• Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone
• Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)

Full knowledge:

• Steering and sailing rules (5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12-19)

Working knowledge:

• General rules (all other rules)

Definition of position, course and speed

Working knowledge:

• Latitude and longitude
• Knowledge of standard navigational terms
• True bearings and courses

Outline knowledge:

• The knot

Navigational charts and publications

Working knowledge:

• Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance

Outline knowledge:

• Navigational publications in common use
• Chart correction

Navigational drawing instruments

Working knowledge:

• Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments

Compass

Working knowledge:

• Application of variation
• Use of hand-bearing compass

Outline knowledge:

• Awareness of deviation and its causes

Chartwork

Full knowledge:

• Use of waypoints to fix position

Working knowledge:

• Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway
• Satellite-derived positions
• Course to steer

Outline knowledge:

• Techniques of visual fixing

Tides and tidal streams

Working knowledge:

• Tidal definitions, levels and datum
• Tide tables
• Use of admiralty method of determining tidal height at standard port and awareness of corrections for secondary ports
• Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases for chartwork

Visual aids to navigation

Working knowledge:

• Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

Meteorology

Working knowledge:

• Sources of broadcast meteorological information
• Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft

Outline knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of highs, lows and fronts

Passage planning

Full knowledge:

• Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source
• Keeping a navigational record

Working knowledge:

• Use of waypoints on passage

Outline knowledge:

• Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages
• Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages

Navigation in restricted visibility

Working knowledge:

• Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by, fog

Pilotage

Working knowledge:

• Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines
• IALA system of buoyage for Region A
• Use of sailing directions
• Pilotage plans and harbour entry

Marine Environment

Working knowledge:

• Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment