RYA Day Skipper Theory Shorebased Course in Dartmouth. Classes run at Dart Marine Academy, based at Noss on Dart Marina in Kingswear. The course runs over 4 days, part-time during the day, covering the essential knowledge and skills needed by a competent powerboat driver. You'll study boat handling, seamanship, low-speed close-quarters manoeuvres, man overboard recovery, an introduction to planing speed, and collision regulations.
Who this course is for
A comprehensive introduction to chartwork navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship. Invaluable for learning how to start making decisions on board and if you are considering taking the Day Skipper practical course.This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. Course topics include; the basics of seamanship, the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage, chart work, 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, life jackets and life rafts.A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising. The course is taught over 40 hours with formalised exam papers as assessment.Interested? Let us knowPlease click here to register your interest.
What you will learn
You'll develop essential boat handling and seamanship skills.
You'll practise low-speed close-quarters manoeuvres in a variety of boat types.
You'll learn man overboard recovery techniques.
You'll be introduced to driving at planing speed.
You'll study collision regulations and how to apply them on the water.
You'll build the background knowledge required for the International Certificate of Competence.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in a classroom setting over 4 days. Instruction covers both theory and practical seamanship knowledge. The course may be conducted using a variety of boat types as part of the training. Tuition is delivered in person at the marina, giving you direct access to a working waterside environment throughout your studies.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Dart Marine Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Powerboat skipper: operate leisure or charter powerboats independently.
RIB operator: crew or skipper rigid inflatable boats commercially.
Water taxi driver: transport passengers on inland or coastal waterways.
Sailing or powerboat instructor (trainee): work toward RYA instructor qualifications.
Marine leisure industry crew: support operations at marinas or sailing clubs.
What you could study next
RYA Day Skipper Practical Course: puts your theory into practice on the water and leads to the full Day Skipper Certificate.
RYA Coastal Skipper Theory and Practical: the next step up, covering offshore passage planning and more advanced seamanship.
International Certificate of Competence: the recognised certificate for powerboat drivers in many European and international waters, which this course directly supports.
