Coastal Skipper

A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night. There is a shorebased course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence.

RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence

The RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence confirms that the successful candidate 'has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages.' The Royal Yacht Association administers the Yachtmaster Scheme and examines candidates on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency .

Exam - The exam takes about 6 to 10 hours for one candidate and 8 to 14 hours for two. Candidates are set tasks to demonstrate their ability as a Coastal Skipper and may be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Coastal Skipper.

Pre-requisites - Candidates must be aged 17 or over and require:

1. Radio Operators Qualification -A Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operators Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate.

2. First Aid - a valid First Aid Certificate, from the RYA. First Aid qualifications held by Police, Fire and Armed Services are also acceptable.

3. Seatime - 800 miles logged within 10 years prior to examination, 30 days living on board 2 days as skipper and 12 night hours. For holders of the Coastal Skipper Practical Course Completion Certificate, the seatime requirement is reduced to: 400 miles, 20 days living aboard, 12 night hours, 2 days as skipper. Half the qualifying seatime must have been conducted in tidal waters.

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Sailing Course

This is a course for potential skippers and those attending should already have a good knowledge of the theory of navigation and meteorology, and have a level of experience approaching that for the Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence. The course may be taken in tidal and non-tidal versions. The non-tidal course is designed for those who wish to sail in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. Assumed knowledge - Navigation to Coastal Skipper Shorebased standard. Sailing to Day Skipper Practical standard. 15 days sea time (2 days as skipper). 300 miles. 8 night hours.

Minimum duration: 5 days

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course

This course assumes that the student has already studied navigation to Day Skipper Shorebased standard. This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate.offshore and coastal navigation. The course lasts about 40 hours. It may be taken continuously over several days, or as evening or several weekends, or by distance learning. Good tool for distance learning you can find at Nauticalive.com webpage.