RYA Day Skipper

Knowledge of

• Basic stability and buoyancy for small vessels

Can

• Prepare a cruising vessel for sea, including engine checks, securing and stowage of all gear on deck and below
• Selection of sails

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 an alongside berth
• Reef, shake out reefs and change sails to suit prevailing conditions

Knowledge of

• The use and limitations of AIS

Understands

• Working up Dead Reckoning (DR) and Estimated Position (EP)
• Use of a lead line, or similar

Can

• Take and plot visual fixtures
• Use electronic navigation equipment for position fixing
• Use secondary means of position fixing
• Use waypoints and routes
• Use knowledge of IALA buoyage
• Maintain navigational records
• Use an echo sounder

Can

• Prepare and execute a pilotage plan for entry into, or departure from, harbour
• Use leading and clearing lines
• Use transits and soundings as aids to pilotage

Understands

• How to interpret shipping forecasts and use barometer as a forecasting aid

Can

• Source forecast information

Can

• Demonstrate a practical understanding of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Knowledge of

• The properties and uses of common synthetic-fibre ropes

Understands

• Maintenance tasks and is able to carry them out

Understands

• The need for periodic maintenance checks on engines and electrical installations
• Requirements for tool kits, spares and lubricants
• The locations of filters and bleed points for fuel
• The tension of drive belts and how to adjust or replace them

Can

• Carry out checks before starting, while running and after stopping
• Clean water filters and knows the location of impellors
• Estimate fuel consumption at various speeds and knows the effects of fouling
• Basic troubleshooting

Understands

• How to victual a cruising vessel appropriately for the planned passage

Understands

• How to issue distress signals by all available means, including distress flares and a VHF radio, in an emergency
• How to use a life raft
• How to secure a tow
• Rescue procedures including helicopter rescue
• The effects of cold-water shock on a casualty in the water
• The aftercare requirements of a casualty who has been in the water

Can

• Carry out out correct action as skipper for the recovery of a man overboard

Knowledge of

• Effects of waves on boat handling and crew comfort

Understands

• Differing styles of hull and propulsion systems
• How to moor and leave a bow/stern-to mooring (practical experience where possible)

Can

• Carry out the following manoeuvres under power in various wind and tide conditions:
• Steer a straight course
• Turn in a confined space
• Anchor at a pre-determined position
• Berth alongside
• Leave an alongside berth
• Pick up a mooring buoy
• Be aware of other water users

Understands

• The characteristics of different types of keel

Can

• Bring a boat safely to and from a mooring buoy, and anchor under various conditions of wide and tide
• Steer and trim sails effectively on all points of sailing

Knowledge of

• Marina Locks

Understands

• The practical benefits and limitations of a chart plotter or GNSS

Can

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

Knowledge of

• Has experienced cruising at night, including leaving and entering harbour

Understands

• Special considerations for pilotage plans, keeping a lookout and identify marks

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