Written by Endeavour Sailing on 01 June 2016.

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Syllabus

The RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtsmaster Offshore Theory is an advanced course in navigation, meteorology and Collision Regulations for candidates wishing to do the RYA Coastal Skipper course or the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation weeks.

Pre Course Knowledge

Assumed knowledge to the level of RYA Day Skipper Theory – this course will allow some time for revision of the day skipper theory but if you do not have this knowledge you are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the information covered in this course in the time available

Course Syllabus

1. Position

Dead Reckoning and Estimated Position
Satellite derived position
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
Compass checks 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 anomalies (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 Regions A and B
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. GNSS and Chart Plotters

Principles of operation and limitations of use
Raster and vector charts
Datum
The importance of secondary means of position fixing via an independent source and keeping a separate record of position
The 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

The importance of the log as a 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, weather fax and weather satellite information
Land and sea breezes
Sea fog
Use of a barometer as a forecasting aid

13. Rules 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 life jackets, safety harnesses and life lines
Fire prevention and firefighting
Distress signals
Coastguard and Boat Safety Scheme
Preparation for heavy weather
Life rafts and helicopter rescue
Understanding of capabilities of vessel 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 for use on passage at sea
Customs regulations as they apply to yachts
Routine for navigating in coastal waters
Strategy for course laying
Use of and visual confirmation of waypoints and routes
Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy
Sources of local and national regulations