RYA Day Skipper Online Theory
Fundamental navigation and seamanship theory for anyone planning to spend substantial time on the water. Provides essential understanding of how to remain safe at sea and find your way home. 40 hours of online study at your own pace, with physical charts and materials shipped to you.
The RYA Day Skipper theory course covers the basic areas of navigation and seamanship. If you are planning to spend more time on the water, completing this course will give you an essential understanding of how to remain safe at sea and find your way home.
Taught over 40 hours, the course is a comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers and provides you with the required knowledge to navigate safely.
At the end of each module, you are invited to try out what you have learned with online tests. Full answers are immediately available for every test question and you can go back and re-do any part of the module - giving you confidence to move onto the next section when you know you are ready.
Once you have completed every module you are ready to sit the exam from your own home or office. Your submitted answers will be marked by a qualified RYA shorebased instructor within two working days.
What You'll Learn
The syllabus covers 17 topics matching the official RYA Day Skipper shorebased course:
- Nautical Terms
- Seamanship
- Safety
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS)
- Compass
- Navigational Drawing Instruments
- Position, Course and Speed
- Navigational Charts and Publications
- Tides and Tidal Streams
- Chartwork
- Visual Aids to Navigation
- GPS
- Meteorology
- Navigation in Restricted Visibility
- Pilotage
- Marine Environment
- Passage Planning
How the Course Works
Online Learning
Work through the interactive modules at your own pace. Each section includes clear explanations, diagrams, and practice exercises to reinforce your learning.
Instructor Support
You'll be assigned a dedicated RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor to answer your questions via email, phone, Skype or FaceTime.
Course Materials
All charts, books and equipment are sent First Class in your free Urban Truant bag, including:
- Quality plotter and dividers for chartwork
- RYA training charts and almanac
- RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Notes
After the Course
You'll have the background knowledge needed to skipper a yacht safely in familiar waters by day, with a basic introduction to night cruising. This certificate opens the door to the Day Skipper practical course where you'll put this theory into practice.
Try Before You Buy
Get free 24-hour access to the full RYA Day Skipper Online Theory course. Experience the interactive lessons, practice questions, and see why thousands of students choose to learn with us.
- Full course access for 24 hours
- Interactive lessons & practice questions
- No credit card required
- Instant access
Ready to Book?
Secure your place on RYA Day Skipper Online Theory