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.
The theory part of the Day Skipper qualification is a shorebased (classroom) course that normally takes 36 hours, including an exam.
Course Content includes:
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
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:
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
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.
