Day Skipper
The Day Skipper qualification confirms that the successful candidate has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on shorter, coastal cruises during daylight. The Royal Yacht Association administers the qualification, although most of the training is carried out by private companies.
It is a part of a series of qualifications that include Competent Crew, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster. While the qualification is primarily for the United Kingdom it is widely recognised internationally.
The course has two elements, a theory and practical. Generally, candidates complete the theory part of the course first.
Day Skipper Theory
The theory part of the Day Skipper qualification is a shorebased (classroom) course that normally takes 36 hours, including an exam.
Course Content includes:[1][2]
- Nautical terminology
- Ropework - knots and rope types
- Anchors and Anchoring
- Safety, including safety equipment, fire, personal safety equipment such as harnesses and life jackets, distress signals and rescue procedures
- International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
- Measuring position, course and speed
- Using Navigational charts and publications
- Using Navigational instruments
- Planning and Navigating a course
- Understanding Tides, Tide tables
- Lighthouses and beacons
- Weather and Meteorology
- Planning a passage
- Navigation in restricted visibility
- Pilotage, Pilotage plans and harbour entry
- Environmental awareness
Day Skipper Practical
The practical element of the day skipper course takes approximately 5 days on board a suitable yacht, and can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters.
The Day Skipper Practical Course includes:[3][4]
- Preparing a yacht for sea, including engine, sails and gear.
- Deck work, including reefing, shaking out reefs, changing sails, preparing an anchor, mooring, anchoring, weighing anchor
- Practical navigation - taking and plotting visual fixes, electronic navigation equipment, estimating tidal heights, steering to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift, navigational records, echo sounders and lead lines
- Pilotage, including pilotage plans for entry or departure from a harbour
- Meteorology, weather and forecasts
- Maintenance and repair work
- Engines, refuelling and emergency maintenance
- Victualing
- Emergency drills, including Man overboard, distress flares, life rafts, VHF radio, securing a tow, helicopter rescue
- Organising and keeping a watch
- Yacht Handling under power
- Yacht handling under sail
- Passage making - planning and making a coastal passage
Day Skipper Requirements
There are no qualification requirements, but it is recommended that participants are at least Competent Crew standard before taking the Practical course. Participants should have 5 days, 100 miles and 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht. Minimum age is 16.
See also
References
- ^ "Day Skipper Theory". Royal Yachting Association. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
- ^ Day Skipper Theory Course Details First Class Sailing Retrieved 17/07/2013
- ^ "Day Skipper Practical". Royal Yachting Association. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
- ^ "Day Skipper Practical Course Details". First Class Sailing. Retrieved 14 June 2013.