As a guide we would recommend an absolute minimum of five days (or 100 nautical miles) of tidal waters yacht sailing experience as an active crew member. This requirement is usually obtained by taking the RYA Competent Crew course. However, If you are short of a few days experience then why not try one of our sailing mile builders!

We sometimes find that students with less than this level of experience struggle to pass and complete the RYA Day Skipper Theory course.

One alternative is to undertake the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course online in the comfort of your own home in front of your PC.

We have teamed up with Skippers Online to offer easy to follow on-line theory courses with the added advantage that you can submit your answers on-line and find out if your answers are correct with instant feedback as you go.

You will need access to a computer / ipad / smartphone but there is nothing to download, everything is accessible online.

Full tutor support is provided with an experienced RYA instructor. We are so confident that you will find this Day Skipper Theory Course Online delivered by Skippers Online both clear and easy to follow that we offering you the chance to attend a FREE Day Skipper Theory Course Online ‘Theory Clinic’ at Gosport Marina if required as many times as you like until you have completed the course.

There are detailed explanations on each subject with interactive graphics which can be clicked through forwards and backwards.

Course Materials and Learning Resources

When it comes to learning, we understand that everyone absorbs information differently—which is why our course delivers the content in a dynamic, multi-layered way to help you get the most from your studies.

You’ll have access to an impressive array of multimedia materials, including:

• Interactive animations: Watch step-by-step walkthroughs of navigation techniques, buoyage systems, and knot-tying, brought to life with highly realistic visuals to make key concepts stick.
• Concise training videos: Over 30 easy-to-follow videos break down essential topics such as rules of the road, chartwork, and weather. Each video is designed to explain not just the theory, but also real-life applications.
• Clear visual guides: From electronic chart demonstrations to illustrating the use of nautical equipment, visual resources reinforce your understanding and confidence.
• Essential navigation tools: Every course enrolment also includes a set of top-quality navigation tools: the trusted Portland plotter and dividers for accurate chartwork.
• Official charts and almanac: You’ll receive the RYA Training Charts 3 & 4 and the official RYA Training Almanac, so you can practise genuine navigation exercises as you learn.

And, to make sure you get hands-on practice, your course pack—with all necessary books, charts, and navigation tools—will be delivered straight to your door in a reusable bag. Alongside all of this, you’ll benefit from unlimited support from RYA Yachtmaster™ instructors and examiners, so you’re never left stuck at a tricky topic.

You can even try the course with a free trial!

Please note that by completing the booking you are agreeing to the terms and conditions

Dedicated Tutor Support: Your Questions Answered

Throughout your Day Skipper Theory course, you won’t be competing for attention—every student is assigned their own RYA Yachtmaster Instructor to ensure you get tailored, one-to-one support. This means your queries receive prompt, personalised answers, and you can progress at your own pace with the reassurance of expert guidance every step of the way.

Receiving Your Course Materials

Once you enrol, you’ll receive instant online access to all course content so you can get started right away. All physical materials, including charts, books, and navigation tools, are sent out promptly by courier in a complimentary Skippers Online navigation bag—usually arriving the next working day within the UK.

For students overseas, we provide free worldwide delivery, typically taking just 2-3 days for your pack to arrive. This ensures you’ll have everything you need without delay, whether you’re preparing at home or abroad.

Packs to Russia must go to a Business address.

All packs must be signed-for so make sure you or someone will be available to accept the package.

Skippers Online will not accept responsibility for Packs sent to Marinas, or C/o addresses. If the pack goes missing after it has been signed for the student will be liable for the cost of the replacement pack.

Postage to some of Europe you will be invoiced for this after your purchase is complete. Charges are £40 for postage. Please ensure there will be someone to sign for your package*

How the Exams Work and What You’ll Need

Once you’re ready to put your new skills to the test, you’ll complete two separate assessments to finish your RYA Day Skipper Theory course. Both exams are completed online—so you can take them wherever you’re most comfortable, whether that’s from your kitchen table or the local marina with a good cup of tea to hand.

Here’s what to expect:

• General Assessment: This part checks your understanding of all the core theory—think navigation, meteorology, safety, and the Collision Regulations (often known as the ‘ColRegs’—the rules of the road at sea).
• Chartwork Assessment: This focuses on the practical side, such as using charts to plot your course, working out tidal heights and streams, and planning your passages.

Both exams are “closed book,” but don’t worry—you’re allowed (and expected) to use your RYA Training Charts 3 & 4 and the RYA Training Almanac as references, just as you would on the water. The system will time you once you start, but you can choose when to take each exam, so there’s no need to do them back-to-back; take a breather in between if you wish.

You’ll need a quiet space, your course materials, and plenty of paper for calculations and plotting. Once finished, just submit your completed exams through the online system and await your results from your instructor.

Assessments and Exam Format

To successfully complete the RYA Day Skipper Theory course, you’ll undertake two key assessments, each designed to reflect real-world scenarios you might encounter as a skipper.

• General Theory Paper:
  This exam tests your understanding of core topics such as navigation, weather, collision regulations, and essential safety procedures. Expect questions that check both your theoretical knowledge and practical decision-making skills when on board.
• Practical Chartwork Paper:
  Here, you’ll demonstrate your ability to work with nautical charts. You’ll be asked to plot courses, fix positions, make tidal calculations, and develop pilotage and passage plans. These are hands-on skills you’ll need every time you go afloat.

Both assessments are carried out remotely and require your RYA Almanac and practice charts (3 & 4). Once you begin, the online exam platform will time your session. You don’t have to take both assessments back-to-back—they can be completed on different days to best fit your schedule.