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
This course provides the skills and background knowledge required by a competent powerboat driver and forms the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It teaches essential boat handling and seamanship skills, focusing on low-speed close-quarters manoeuvres, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course takes place at our Marine Academy at Noss on Dart Marina in Kingswear and may be conducted in a variety of boat types, including both planing and displacement hulls.You will learn how to handle a boat confidently, secure to a buoy, anchor, leave and come alongside a pontoon, carry out man overboard drills, perform confined turns, understand collision regulations, and interpret IALA A buoyage systems.
Entry requirements
You should have a genuine interest in this subject
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.
