BACK

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.

Nautical terms

  • Parts of a boat and hull
  • General nautical terminology

Ropework

  • Knowledge of the properties of synthetic ropes in common use

Anchorwork

  • Characteristics of different types of anchor
  • Considerations to be taken into account when anchoring

Safety

  • Knowledge of the safety equipment to be carried, its stowage and use (see RYA Boat Safety Handbook C8)
  • Fire precautions and fire fighting
  • Use of personal safety equipment, harnesses and lifejackets
  • Ability to send a distress signal by VHF radiotelephone
  • Basic knowledge of rescue procedures including helicopter rescue

International regulations for preventing collisions at sea

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

Definition of position, course and speed

  • Latitude and longitude
  • Knowledge of standard navigational terms 
  • True bearings and courses
  • The knot

Navigational charts and publications

  • Information shown on charts, chart symbols and representation of direction and distance 
  • Navigational publications in common use 
  • Chart correction 

Navigational drawing instruments 

  • Use of parallel rulers, dividers and proprietary plotting instruments 

Compass

  • Application of variation 
  • Awareness of deviation and its causes 
  • Use of hand-bearing compass 

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 

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 

Visual aids to navigation 

  • Lighthouses and beacons, light characteristics 

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 

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 

Navigation in restricted visibility 

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

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 

Marine Environment 

  • Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment

RYA Training Center

See what our clients say

  • Great week with Jolly Parrot our instructors Ian and Lissie were excellent and prepared us above and beyond for our Yachtmaster assessment at the end of the week. Would definitely recommend for any of your training.

    Ben
    Source Logo

  • Amazing 10 days with my instructor Ian working on my yacht master coastal prep course, which I successfully passed the day after the course. Great company couldn’t recommend them enough booking was easy and very well informed thanks to Rachel working behind the scenes.

    Greg
    Source Logo

  • Absolutely incredible! Recently, I completed Jolly Parrot’s ‘Novice to Day Skipper’ course, and it was one of the best experiences of my life! Not only did I learn to sail, but the course also improved my confidence massively. The instructors were all so lovely and incredibly knowledgeable. Greg was my instructor for the Day Skipper portion and I couldn’t imagine anyone better suited for the job - An excellent instructor with impeccable humour. I met some amazing people during this course (namely my crew mates Bene, Doug and Flo), and overall had a wonderful time :)

    Georgia
    Source Logo

  • Novice to Day Skipper course with Alex & Jason I was eager to learn to sail and at the same time to have relaxing time (holiday-like). It worked well for me, the instructors were cool and I was lucky to meet good colleagues sailors and have good time on the way. Keep rocking Jolly.

    Nikola
    Source Logo

  • 16-week Fast-Track I completed the 16-week Fast-Track program with Jolly Parrot, starting as a complete beginner with no prior sailing experience. From the moment I stepped aboard, the instructors—Ian, Greg, Rob, and Jason—became my guides, transforming my raw inexperience into something far more seasoned and confident. With their patience, skill, and unshakable belief in every student, they taught me far more than I could have imagined. If you’re considering joining, I can wholeheartedly recommend Jolly Parrot. The program is well-structured, and the instructors are highly knowledgeable, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to develop their sailing skills.

    Tobias
    Source Logo

  • We spent a wonderful 11 days in November 2021 with Jolly Parrot. I completed the Coastal Skipper Combined course and my wife the Comp Crew. Instructors Flipper, IanG, Hailey, and Tom were all exceptional in their own unique way and we came away with more rounded skills and knowledge as a result of their patient teaching methods. Clive and Rachel did a fabulous job of shuffling schedules and boats to accommodate our different experience levels. Expect to be challenged on the Coastal Skipper course! We made some abiding memories, some long-term connections and friends, and hope to return soon for the next challenge maybe a mile-builder.

    James
    Source Logo