RYA Interactive proving a great success 

Five out of five for enjoyment...

Less than six months ago the RYA launched its first online training course, Essential Navigation and Seamanship and so far it’s proving extremely popular with students and training centres alike.  

To date over 250 people have signed up to the course, with some 60 training centres across the UK and as far afield as Australia, Greece, Italy, Canada, USA and Spain offering the new online course.  

“We have been delighted by the take up for the course so far and we have received some fantastic feedback from students raving about the course.  Training centres have also expressed how useful they have found it for preparing students for beginner level practical courses, resulting in much better prepared students”, explained Jane Hall, E-Learning and Training Resources Manager.  

Research undertaken about the course found that a third of students who signed up for the course had no previous boating experience and participants were split evenly between a sail or power boating preference.  Seventy-five per cent of participants rated the course five out of five for enjoyment, with 75 per cent also stating that they would now go on to take another RYA course.  

Richard Broers from Berkshire recently took the course and commented: “I can thoroughly recommend the Essential Navigation and Seamanship online course to anyone who is unsure of whether or not they are ready for Competent Crew.  I was delighted that a month after completing the on-line course I went on to successfully complete my RYA Competent Crew course.  

“The seamanship material within the online course reinforces key aspects needed for Comp Crew, and the navigation and pilotage skills take you beyond the Comp Crew requirements and towards Day Skipper level.  

“For me, with my sailing experience and the ‘on-line’ knowledge the Competent Crew was no longer a daunting prospect – in fact I believe I may have even ‘sailed’ through!”  

The Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is an entry level course designed for anyone who ‘plays’ on the water.  Perfect for all water users from sailors and motor boaters to sea anglers and divers, and whether you’re the skipper or boat owner, or a crew member looking to know a little bit, this course provides, as its name suggests, all the essential elements needed to take to the water safely.   

The course incorporates the use of charts combined with cutting edge technology and everything you need is provided.  It’s a totally flexible way to learn so you can do it when and where you like for as long as you like.  

Written by top RYA training experts and designed by award winning E-learning designers the course is easy to use, fully interactive and packed with engaging graphics and clear instructions.  You’ll cover topics such as; engine checks, passage planning, rules of the road, tidal awareness, buoyage and much more.  

“As an added incentive we will be giving the first 250 people who complete the course £20 of RYA vouchers which participants can put towards their next RYA course”, concluded Jane.  

As for the future the RYA has just started work on the next online course aimed at applicants for commercial endorsements, helping them understand the legal issues and best practice that differentiates them from leisure skippers which they hope to launch next Spring.  

To find out more about the Essential Navigation and Seamanship course, trial the course or find your nearest training centre offering the course, visit www.ryainteractive.org or call the RYA Training on 02380 604 181.