RYA/MCA Practical Courses

The following are for people of mixed experience and have been designed to allow individuals to learn at their own pace, rather than rush through certificate courses. Each will be tailored to your own learning style in a relaxed & helpful environment.

Start Yachting Practical

For those wanting to try sailing.

Pre-Course Experience: None
Course content: Introduction to sailing & seamanship.
Ability after course: Basic sailing experience
Minimum duration: 2 days

Competent Crew

For beginners who would like to sail as active crew members.

Pre-course Experience : None
Course content: Basic seamanship & helmsmanship.
Ability after course: Useful crew member.
Minimum duration: 5 days

Day Skipper

For aspiring skippers who already have basic navigation and sailing ability.

Pre-course Experience: 5 days sea time, 100 miles, 4 night hours
Course content: Basic pilotage, boat handling, seamanship & navigation.
Ability after course: Skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.
Minimum duration: 5 days.

Coastal Skipper

A more advanced skippering course for those who already have considerable knowledge of navigation and sailing.

Pre-course Experience: 15 days sea time (2 days as skipper), 300 miles, 8 night hours.
Course content: Skippering techniques for coastal & offshore passages.
Ability after course: Skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day & night.
Minimum duration: 5 days.

RYA/MCA Examinations And Preparation Courses

RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore

Course content: Exam preparation.
Minimum duration: 5 days.

Taking either of the above two courses and undergoing examination by an independent RYA examiner lead to the award of RYA/MCA Certificates Of Competence.

Other Courses

International Certificate Of Competence

This is usually the minimum required for individuals wishing to 'bareboat' charter with the holiday companies.

Pre-course Experience: Day Skipper practical.
Minimum duration: 1 day.

CEVNI Test

Required for European coastal & inland cruising.

Pre-course Experience: Knowledge of European collision regulations/rules.
Minimum duration: Short written test.

Last Updated - 26th May 2008