RYA Day Skipper

What is special about this course?

This shore-based taught course is a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical elements of cruising for inexperienced skippers. This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements. Candidates should be confident at working out simple mathematical problems. You will be required to provide your own set of navigation instruments - plotter, compasses etc.

Course topics include:

  • the basics of seamanship
  • the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage
  • chartwork
  • electronic charts
  • position fixing
  • plotting a course to steer
  • weather forecasting and meteorology
  • tides
  • collision regulations
  • construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat
  • emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and life rafts

How will I study my course?

  • Short course

How long will my course last?

1 Week

This is a shore based course taught over 40 hours in a week with two exam papers.

Where can I study my course?

    • Mallaig
    • Ullapool

    Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.

Start date

This course can be scheduled as required. Contact us on rya.whc@uhi.ac.uk for further information or to book a place.

Fees

£395.

Funding

A Fee Waiver or funding of up to £200 could be available to help with payment of course fees, depending on your personal circumstances.

This support will be available for people who are 16 or over, living in Scotland and either in low paid work or actively seeking work. To be eligible, you must have income of £22,000 a year or less, or be on certain benefits.

You will also not be undertaking any secondary, further or higher education, SDS funded training or participating on the Community Jobs Scotland programme.

Please contact your local college centre for more information about eligibility, or call us on 01397 874000.

What can I do on completion of my course?

This is a valuable certificate to have for maritime employment.

Is there more information available online?

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You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.

To book a course or for further information just email rya.whc@uhi.ac.uk 

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI West Highland. Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study. UHI West Highland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.