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 terminologyRopework - knots and rope typesAnchors and AnchoringSafety, including safety equipment, fire, personal safety equipment such as harnesses and life jackets, distress signals and rescue proceduresInternational regulations for preventing collisions at seaMeasuring position, course and speedUsing Navigational charts and publicationsUsing Navigational instrumentsPlanning and Navigating a courseUnderstanding Tides, Tide tablesLighthouses and beaconsWeather and MeteorologyPlanning a passageNavigation in restricted visibilityPilotage, Pilotage plans and harbour entryEnvironmental awarenessThe 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 anchorPractical 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 linesPilotage, including pilotage plans for entry or departure from a harbourMeteorology, weather and forecastsMaintenance and repair workEngines, refuelling and emergency maintenanceVictualingEmergency drills, including Man overboard, distress flares, life rafts, VHF radio, securing a tow, helicopter rescueOrganising and keeping a watchYacht Handling under powerYacht handling under sailPassage making - planning and making a coastal passageThere 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.
