Syllabus - RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Course
1. Position
- Dead reckoning and estimated position
- Satellite derived positions
- Use of waypoints to fix position
- Radar fixes
- Techniques of visual fixing
- Fixes using a mixture of position lines
- Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing
- Areas of uncertainty
2. The magnetic compass
- Allowance for variation
- Change of variation with time and position
- Causes of deviation
- Swing for deviation (but not correction)
- Allowance for deviation
- Different types of compass
3. Tides
- Causes of tides - Springs and Neaps
- Tide tables - sources
- Tidal levels and datum
- Standard and secondary ports
- Tidal anomolies (Solent, etc)
4. Tidal streams
- Sources of tidal information
- Tidal stream information in sailing directions and Yachtsmen's Almanacs
- Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer
- Tide rips, overfalls and races
- Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc
5. Buoyage
- IALA system buoyage in Region A
- Limitations of buoys as navigational aids
6. Lights
- Characteristics
- Ranges - visual, luminous and nominal
- Rising and dipping distances
- Light lists
7. Pilotage
- Harbour regulations and control signals
- Methods of pre-planning
- Clearing lines
- Use of soundings
- Transits and leading lines
8. GPS and chart plotters
- Principles of operation and limitations of use
- Raster and vector charts
- Datum
- Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source and keeping a separate record of position
- Importance of paper charts
9. Echo sounders
- Principles of operation and limitations of use
10. Logs (speed and distance measuring)
- Principles of operation and limitations of use
11. Deck log
- Importance of log as yacht's official document
- Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries
12. Meteorology
- Basic terms, the beaufort scale
- Air masses
- Cloud types
- Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems
- Sources of weather forecasts
- Ability to interpret a shipping forecast, weatherfax and weather satellite information
- Land and sea breezes
- Sea fog
- Use of a barometer as a forecasting aid
13. Rule of the road
- A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, except Annexes 1 and 3
14. Safety at Sea
- Personal safety, use of lifejackets, safety harnesses and lifelines
- Fire prevention and fire fighting
- Distress signals
- Coastguard and boat safety scheme
- Preparation for heavy weather
- Liferafts and helicopter rescue
- Understanding of cababilities of vessels and basic knowledge of stability
15. Navigation in restricted visibility
- Precautions to be taken in fog
- Limitations to safe navigation imposed by fog
- Navigation strategy in poor visibility
16. Passage planning
- Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and making and use at sea
- Customs regulations as they apply to yachts
- Routine for navigating in coastal waters
- Strategy for course laying
- Use of waypoints and routes
- Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy
- Sources of local and national regulations
17. Marine Environment
- Responsibilty to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment
