Your RYA Shorebased Learning Guide

Understand RYA Shorebased Courses


RYA shorebased courses will give you the vital theoretical knowledge to make you a safe and competent sailor. Whether a complete beginner or a seasoned sailor looking for progression, then there is something for you.

Choosing Your Starting Point

  • New to Sailing & Navigation? Start with the RYA Day Skipper Theory course to understand the basics of chart work, tides, navigation, and passage planning.

  • Want to Learn Essential Communication Skills? The RYA Marine Radio (VHF) Course is a great starting point for anyone operating a marine radio and is often required for skippers and crew.

  • Planning Offshore Voyages? The RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory covers advanced navigation and passage planning.

  • Interested in Weather & Tides? The RYA Weather Course is perfect for sailors wanting a deeper understanding of forecasting and meteorology


Course Pathway

    Beginner Level – Laying the Foundation

  • RYA Marine Radio (VHF) Course: How to work with a marine VHF radio, including making a distress call and the procedures involved. Required for all skippers, necessary for crew.

  • RYA Day Skipper Theory: Introduction to all the basic elements of navigation including tides, collision regulations, and passage planning. Suitable for those wanting to skipper small vessels in daylight only.

  • RYA First Aid Course: The course covers on-water emergency response, CPR, hypothermia treatment, and what to include in a medical kit. Quite useful for all sailors.

   Intermediate Level - Further Knowledge & Skills

  • RYA Radar Course: Understand how to interpret radar displays for navigation and collision avoidance. Recommended for people moving beyond the basics of navigation.

  • RYA Diesel Engine Course: Basic troubleshooting and maintenance on marine diesel engines. Very good for skippers and crew in terms of knowing how to avoid breakdowns.

  • RYA Sea Survival Course: Training in the use of life rafts, distress signals, and other emergency procedures. Required for offshore sailors.

   Advanced Level – Offshore & Professional Skills