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

17.  Marine Environment

• The responsibility to minimise pollution and protect the marine environment

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RYA Day Skipper Theory Syllabus

1. Nautical terms

Working knowledge of

• Parts of a boat and hull
• General nautical terminology

2. Ropework

Working knowledge of

• The properties of synthetic ropes in common use

3. Anchorwork

Working knowledge of

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

4. Safety

Working knowledge of

• The safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (See RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C103)
• Fire precautions and fire fighting
• Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets
• Ability to send a distress signal by DSC and VHF voice
• Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

5. International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Full knowledge of

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

Working knowledge of

General rules (all other rules)

6. Definition of position, course and speed

Working knowledge of

• Latitude and longitude
• Standard navigational terms
• True bearings and courses

Outline knowledge of

• The knot

7. Navigational charts and publications

Working knowledge of

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

Outline knowledge of

• Navigational publications in common use
• Chart correction

8. Navigational drawing instruments

Working knowledge of

• Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments

9. Compass

Working knowledge of

• Application of variation
• Use of hand-bearing compass

Outline knowledge of

• Deviation and its causes

10. Chartwork

Full knowledge of

• Use of waypoints to fix position

Working knowledge of

• Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway
• Techniques of visual fixing
• Satellite-derived positions
• Use of waypoints to fix position
• Course to steer

11. Tides and tidal streams

• Working knowledge of
• 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

12. Visual aids to navigation

Working knowledge of

• Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

13. Meteorology

Working knowledge of

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

Outline knowledge of

• Basic knowledge of highs, lows and fronts

14. Passage planning

Full knowledge of

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

Working knowledge of

• Use of waypoints on passage

Outline knowledge of

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

15. Navigation in restricted visibility

Working knowledge of

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

16. Pilotage

Working knowledge of

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

17. Marine environment

Working knowledge of

• Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment

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This course is ideal for those operating smaller craft close to shore.

Sailing Theory Syllabus

• Basic terms
• Chart overview
• Introduction to chart datum and depths

Buoyage

• Lateral buoys
• Cardinal buoys
• Where to find information

Navigation

• Plotting a position
• Measuring distance and bearing
• Position fix
• Heading

Safety

• Personal and boat safety equipment
• Safety procedures and briefing
• Communications
• Engine checks
• Rescue procedures

Anchoring

• Where to anchor
• How to anchor

Tides

• Tidal streams
• Tidal heights

Electronic navigation

• GPS terms
• GPS use
• Using waypoints

Rules of the road

• Risk of collision
• Who gives way

Weather forecasts

• Sources of forecast
• Terms used in forecasts

Pilotage

• Harbour information
• Transits
• Pilotage plan

Passage planning

• SOLAS V requirements
• Pre planning
• Chart choice

The post RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Theory Syllabus appeared first on Endeavour Sailing RYA Sailing School Lanzarote.