RYA Yachtmaster coastal waypoint amsterdam sailing school

Day Skipper Practical Syllabus

The Day Skipper course teaches pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the required standard to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar.

1. Preparation for sea

Is able to prepare a yacht for sea, including engine checks, selection of sails, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below

2. Deck Work

Can reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions
Can prepare an anchor, mooring warps and take charge on deck when mooring alongside, coming to a buoy, anchoring, weighing anchor and slipping from a buoy or alongside berth

3. Navigation

Is proficient in chartwork and routine navigational duties on passage including:

Taking and plotting visual fixes
Use of electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
Use of waypoints
Working up to DR and EP
Estimating tidal heights and tidal streams
Working out course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
Knowledge of IALA buoyage
Maintenance of navigational records
Use of echo sounder and lead line

4. Pilotage

Can prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour
Understands the use of leading and clearing lines
Use of transits and surroundings as aids to pilotage

5. Meteorology

Knows sources of forecast information
Can interpret shipping forecasts and use a barometer as a forecasting aid

6. Rule of the road

Has a working knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

7. Maintenance and repair work

Understands and is able to carry out maintenance tasks
Knows the properties and uses of common synthetic fibre ropes

8. Engines

Knows how to change fuel and water filters, pump impeller and to bleed the fuel system

9. Victualling

Understands how to victual a yacht

10. Emergency situations

Is able to take correct action as skipper for recovery of man overboard
Understands distress flares and how to use a liferaft
Can operate a radiotelephone in an emergency and send a distress message
Understands how to secure a tow
Understands rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

11. Yacht handling under power

Can bring a boat safely to and from an alongside berth, mooring buoy and anchor under various conditions of wind and tide
Can steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing

12. Passage making

Can plan and make a coastal passage, taking account of relevant navigational hazards and limitations imposed by the type of boat and the strength of the crew

13. Night cruising

Has experienced sail cruising at night, including leaving and entering harbour. Understands the special consideration for pilotage plans, keeping a lookout and identifying marks by night.