RYA Yachtmaster and Coastal Theory Courses
The RYAs Coastal Yachtmaster theory course takes you deeper into the world of navigation, pilotage and seamanship. One of the largest benefits of these courses are the instructors themselves, all of whom are registered and have trained through the RYA themselves. They will guide you through this fascinating course.
It’s advised to complete the RYA Basic Navigation or Day Skipper theory first as this will form a foundation from which you can easily digest and work through the more complex Yachtmaster theory. You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy this course, for many it provide an insight into how our exploring heroes from centuries ago navigated around the world with fairly basic equipment and tools.
Highlights
* Develop a deep insight into ancient means of Navigation,
* Expert instructors on hand to guide you all the way,
* Join a 5 day cours in a classroom, over 2 weekends or learn at home online.
Syllabus
Simply click on the titles to get more information about them:
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
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
Tides
Causes of tides – Springs and Neaps
Tide tables – sources
Tidal levels and datum
Standard and secondary ports
Tidal anomalies (Solent, etc.)
Tidl Streams
Harbour regulations and control signals
Methods of pre-planning
Clearing lines
Use of soundings
Transits and leading lines
GPS Chart Plotter
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
Source 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.
Buoyage
IALA system buoyage in Region A
Limitations of buoys as navigational aids
Lights
Characteristics
Ranges – visual, luminous and nominal
Rising and dipping distances
Light lists
Echo Sounders
Principles of operation and limitations of use
Logs (Speed and Distance)
Principles of operation and limitations of use
Deck Log
Importance of log as yacht’s official document
Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries
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
Rules of the Road
A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for preventing Collisions at Sea, except Annexes 1 and 3
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 capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability
Next Step
Once you’re passed the Yachtmaster theory it’s worth doing the RYA Coastal Course and maybe followed by the exam. If is possible to also go straight into the Yachtmaster Offshore preperations, however the Coastal course provides a vital experience and enables you to put everything you learn t into practise in a controlled and a fairly relaxed enviroment.
Destinations
You can do the theory in a range of locations from the UK to Gibraltar, Turkey, the Canaries and even as far out as Malaysia. Alternatively you can do it online.