RYA YACHTMASTER THEORY

• Day Skipper theory required
• Classroom-based
• Advanced navigation skills
• Skills required to pass Yachtmaster certification

• All course material, including notes.

All training is conducted in a classroom setting under the guidance of an experienced JVN instructor. Classes are limited to 8 students to ensure proper interaction with the instructor. Students arrive with varying levels of prior knowledge, but don’t worry: the entire curriculum is taught from the ground up and no prior knowledge is assumed before starting.

Instructors Quality

The simple truth is that many land-based navigation courses are taught by people with limited experience outside their local areas, which restricts their skills and knowledge. This can translate into repetitive lectures and predictable anecdotes.
We constantly evolve, refine our teaching and stay current in navigation and theory. With us, you will learn from experienced experts who apply the latest methods in sailing theory.

This is an advanced navigation and meteorology course for candidates seeking to obtain the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore certificates. The syllabus includes reviews of the contents of the Day Skipper course; however, those who do not have the basic knowledge of this level may find it difficult to cover all the advanced topics in the time available.

Position fixation

• Estimated navigation and calculated position.
• Satellite-derived position.
• Use of waypoints to determine position.
• Radar corrections.
• Visual position fixation techniques.
• Corrections using a combination of position lines.
• Relative accuracy of the different position fixation methods.
• Area of uncertainty.

Magnetic compass

• Compensation for variation.
• Changes in variation according to time and position.
• Causes of deviation.
• Adjustment for measuring deviation (but not for correction).
• Compensation for deviation.
• Different types of compasses.

Tides

• Causes of tides: neap and neap tides.
• Tide tables: sources.
• Tide levels and datum.
• Standard and secondary ports.
• Tidal anomalies (e.g., in the Solent).

Tidal Streams

• Sources of information on tidal currents.
• Information on tidal currents in pilot books and nautical almanacs.
• Compensation for tidal currents when calculating the course to follow.
• Whirlpools, undertows and narrow passages.
• Tide gauges, beacons, etc.

Beaconing

• IALA beaconing system in Region A.
• Limitations of buoys as aids to navigation.

Lights

• Characteristics.
• Scopes: visual, luminous and nominal.
• Elevation and concealment distances.
• List of lights.

Pilotage

• Port regulations and control signals.
• Pre-planning methods.
• Clearance lines.
• Use of probes.
• Transits and alignments.

GPS and chart plotters

• Operating principles and limitations of use.
• Raster and vector charts.
• Datum.
• Importance of verifying the position through an independent source and keeping a separate record.
• Importance of paper letters.

Echo sounders

• Operating principles and limitations of use.

Records (speed and distance measurement)

• Operating principles and limitations of use.

Logbook

• Importance of the logbook as an official document of the yacht.

Meteorology

• Basic terms:
  a. Beaufort Scale
  b. Air masses
  c. Cloud types
  d. Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems
  e. Sources of weather forecasts
  f. Ability to interpret navigational forecast, weather fax, and satellite information
  g. Land and sea breezes
  h. Sea fog
  i. Use of the barometer as a forecasting tool.

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (RIPA)

• Thorough knowledge of the regulations, excluding Annexes 1 and 3.

Safety at sea

• Personal safety: use of life jackets, safety harnesses and lifelines.
• Fire prevention and fire extinguishing.
• Distress signals.
• Crew and vessel safety plan.
• Preparation for adverse weather conditions.
• Life rafts and helicopter rescue.
• Understanding of the boat’s capabilities and basic knowledge of stability.

Navigation with restricted visibility

• Precautions in case of fog.
• Limitations on safe navigation imposed by fog.
• Navigation with limited visibility.

Crossing planning

• Elaboration of charts and voyage plans for planning and use at sea.
• Customs regulations applicable to yachts.
• Coastal navigation routines.
• Strategy for course design.
• Use of waypoints and routes.
• Use of meteorological information for voyage planning strategies.
• Sources of local and national regulations.