Sailing Essentials Course
FREE
Join now and get access to our FREE Sailing Essentials course to help you remain safe on the water.
The course is broken into modules designed to introduce and develop the skills & knowledge required. Each one contains bite-sized sessions, allowing you to jump in and out of the module as and when time permits.
Tap on any module to learn more about its content, or click here to see the full course syllabus.
The modules in this course make up part of the Day Skipper theory syllabus.
The list below indicates the depth of knowledge required and the minimum time spent on each subject area.
A: Full knowledge
A depth of knowledge which is fundamental to safe navigation and good seamanship. The student will be able to apply the knowledge in a practical situation and also appreciates why the knowledge is so important.
B: Working knowledge
Understands what knowledge to apply, when and how to apply it for a particular undertaking. Recognises what their level of knowledge is relative to the given situation. The student is aware that their knowledge is broad but not necessarily deep.
C: Outline knowledge
An awareness of the subject area but only a superficial understanding of its application in practice. The student recognises that further knowledge of the topic will be required in some practical situations and knows enough to find appropriate sources of information for learning.
- Nautical terms (2hrs)
Parts of a boat and hull – B
General nautical terminology – B - Ropework (½hr)
Knowledge of the properties of synthetic rope – B - Anchorwork (1hr)
Characteristics of different types of anchor – B
Factors to take into account when anchoring – B - Safety (3hrs)
Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see G103 RYA Safety Handbook) – B
Fire precautions and firefighting – B
Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and life jackets – B
Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radio – B
Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue – B
Stability – C - International regulations for the prevention of collisions at sea (3hrs)
Steering & sailing rules (5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 – 19) – A
General rules (all other rules) – B - Meteorology (2hrs)
Sources of broadcasting meteorological information – B
Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including the Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft – B
Basic knowledge of highs, lows and fronts – C - Marine environment (1hr)
Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment – B
Our courses have been designed to work on any device, allowing you to study when and where you want. You will use charts and tools when working on some modules, so space to work will be required. Both tablets and desktop devices allow you to view the content full-screen, removing those pesky distractions and allowing you to focus on the session.
Mobile
Perfect for checking your progress or doing some revision on the move.
Tablet
Great for working on navigation modules alongside your charts and navigation tools.
Desktop
We’ve got you covered–Mac or PC–, beautifully.
Great overview & introduction, especially the rules. Helped me get my head around them!
Thanks for the free resource. It’s been great helping me learn the rules!
You’re very welcome Charlotte. We’ll be adding more free content over the coming months.