DS Theory

Day Skipper Theory course

Shore based Course Syllabus

A comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship for Competent Crew and Helmsmen. You will find this course invaluable if you want to learn how to start making decisions on board.

1. Nautical terms - Parts of a boat and hull

General nautical terminology

2. Ropework - Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use

3. Anchorwork Characteristics of different types of anchor

Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring

4. Safety

Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, it's stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook, C8)

Fire precautions and fire fighting

Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and life-jackets. Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone

Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

5. International regulations for preventing collisions at sea .

Steering and sailing rules (5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12-19). General rules (all other rules)

6. Definition of position, course and speed

Latitude and longitude

Knowledge of standard navigational terms

True bearings and courses

The knot as a measure of speed

7. Navigational charts and publications . Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance . Navigational publications in common use. Chart corrections

8. Navigational drawing instruments

Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments

9. Compass

Application of variation

Awareness of deviation and its causes

Use of hand-bearing compass

10. Chartwork

Dead reckoning and estimated position including an awareness of leeway

Techniques of visual fixing

Satellite-derived positions

. Use of waypoints to fix position

. Course to steer

11. Tides and tidal streams

Tidal definitions, levels and datum . Tide tables

Use of Admiralty method of determining tidal height at standard port and awareness of corrections for secondary ports

Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases for chartwork

12.Visual aids to navigation

Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics

13.Meteorology

Sources of broadcast meteorological information

Knowledge of terms used in shipping forecasts, including

The Beaufort scale, and their significance to small craft

Basic knowledge of highs, lows and fronts

14.Passage planning

Preparation of navigational plan for short coastal passages

Meteorological considerations in planning short coastal passages . Use of waypoints on passage

Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source . Keeping a navigational record

15.Navigation in restricted visibility

Precautions to be taken in, and limitations imposed by, fog

16.Pilotage

Use of transits, leading lines and clearing lines . IALA system of buoyage for Region A

Use of sailing directions

Pilotage plans and harbour entry

17.Marine environment

Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment