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RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course

An introduction to navigation and safety awareness

Course description

An element of preparation and planning is needed for even the shortest of journeys. Whether you’re just starting out on the water or looking to refresh your knowledge, the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is great way to boost your skillset. 

This course offers an introduction to navigation, tides, charts, and safety awareness and can be taken either online or in person, giving you the option to learn at a pace that suits you.

When taking the course you'll be provided with a helpful course pack, including a chart, plotter, dividers, course handbook and exercises.

However you decide to take the course there’s plenty of opportunities to put your new-found knowledge into practice. For those joining online, you’ll experience a variety of interactive exercises to reinforce all that you’ve learned. 

Course overview

Course length

16 hours in the classroom or approximately 8-10 hours online

Course format

Can be taken in the classroom or online

Required experience

None

Minimum age

None

More information

  • Charts and Publications
  • Safety
  • Engine checks
  • Buoyage
  • Tidal awareness
  • Visual and electronic navigation
  • Pilotage
  • Rules of the road
  • Anchoring
  • Weather forecasts
  • Passage planning

Find a training centre

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