RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship - E-Learning

The online interactive RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course is split into a series of modules:

• Charts, publications & terms
• Buoyage
• Navigation
• Safety
• Anchoring
• Tides
• Electronic navigation
• Rules of the road
• Weather forecasts
• Pilotage
• Passage planning

For each module there will be a Learn it section where there will be a series of explanatory notes, interactive animations and videos followed by a recap of the topics covered.

For major topics there will be a Try It section where you can put into practice what you have learnt both online and offline and finally once you are happy that you have understood the subject you will complete a short online test. Once you have answered all the questions you will be given feedback on how you did. Your answers will be saved as evidence that you have completed the module.

In addition to the online information a pack containing the following will be posted out to you:

• RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course book
• 2 RYA training charts
• Training almanac
• Plotters & dividers
• Training Electronic Chart Plotter CD

You will also receive unlimited email and telephone support from a fully qualified instructor with a guarantee that we will respond to any queries you have within 24 hours.

On successful completion of the course a certificate will be posted out to you.

The cost of the course including all course materials is £99.

It is anticipated that the course will take approximately 6 hours to complete and you will be given 6 months to complete it.

To book on this course please click the book now button on the right of the page or to discuss your requirements you can contact us seven days a week from 8.00a.m to 7.30pm on 01243 432485 or 07702 842190

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course - Syllabus

1. 1. Charts, publications and terms
   • Basic terms
   • Chart overview
   • Introduction to chart datum and depths
2. 2. Buoyage 
   • Lateral buoys
   • Cardinal buoys
   • Where to find information
3. 3. Navigation
   • Plotting a position
   • Measuring distance and bearing
   • Position fix
   • Heading
4. 4. Safety
   • Personal and boat safety equipment
   • Safety procedures and briefing
   • Communications
   • Engine checks
   • Rescue procedures
5. 5. Anchoring
   • Where to anchor
   • How to anchor
6. 6. Tides
   • Tidal streams
   • Tidal heights
7. 7. Electronic navigation
   • GPS terms
   • GPS use
   • Using waypoints
8. 8. Rules of the road
   • Risk of collision
   • Who gives way
9. 9. Weather forecasts
   • Sources of forecast
   • Terms used in forecasts
10. 10. Pilotage
    • Harbour information
    • Transits
    • Pilotage plan
11. 11. Passage planning
    • SOLAS V requirements
    • Pre planning
    • Chart choice

Online RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship – FAQ’s

These are a few of the questions we get asked by people booking on the RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Online Course. If you have any further queries or are unsure whether this is the course for you please call us on 01243 432485 and we will be only too happy to chat to you.

What are the benefits of completing the course online rather than in a classroom?

The benefits of the online course is that it offers you complete flexibility to complete it as and when you want to so if you can’t commit to two days in a classroom it is ideal. When completing the course you are not completely on your own as there will be an instructor on hand to help with any queries you may have during the course via email or phone

What is included in the course fee?

The price includes all course materials to be able to complete the course and exam fees. 

What qualifications or experience do I need to complete the RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course

You do not need to have any practical experience or navigational knowledge to be able to complete this course.

Are there any exams?

There are no exams, however there is a short online test at the end of each module so that you can see how you are getting on. We can also see the results and if you have any problems help you to clear them up.

What qualification will I get once I have completed the course?

On successful completion of the course you will be issued with the RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course Certificate.

Who is a typical Essential Navigation & Seamanship Student?

• It is difficult to say what a typical student looks like but we often find that students are:.
• New or prospective boat owners who want to gain knowledge on the basics of navigation & tides and safety at sea before setting of on their newly acquired yacht or powerboat.
• People who wish to be more useful crew members.

What courses should I do after completing the RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course?

If you own your own boat or intend to charter a boat one person on board will be required to have the RYA VHF SRC Operators certificate which can be obtained by successfully completing the one day RYA VHF SRC Radio Course. Other support courses you may find useful are the RYA Diesel Engine Course and the RYA First Aid Course. If you wish to go further afield in the future then the RYA Day Skipper Theory is recommended.

How do I book?
Just click on the book now button