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RYA Training Centre MCA PCA
RYA Essential Navigation

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship

Online or in the classroom – your choice, book online using the button below. Classroom course dates will be displayed under online book button if availabble

The RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course can be taken over 2-days in our classroom or Online.

The course, online or face2face, is for anyone interested in sailing, motor boating, sea angling, canoing, paddleboarding or diving – or pretty much anything else on the water!

This RYA theory course will give you the essential knowledge needed when you’re afloat, from navigation to safety and seamanship and passage planning.

The RYA online course can be taken anytime, anywhere and at your own speed. All you need is a computer and the internet.

How to purchase the course:
To purchase the online course click the ‘Book now’ button at the top of the page.  There is nothing to download.  We will send you your log on details by email and  your pack in the next available mail run and away you go.  Please note: Login codes and packs are normally despatched the same day Mon – Fri, office hours.

To book the 2-day classroom course click the ‘enrol on course’  button next to the date you want to book.

Pre-course experience None
Assumed knowledge None
Minimum duration Classsroom 2 days, 16 hours
Online Own speed / Recommended minimum 6 hours. 
Compatibility Compatible with Mac or PC (not iPad).

Windows XP or later, Mac OS X 10.6 or later,  Internet Explorer 6, Safari 4 or Firefox 3, pop up blocker off. 

Minimum age None
Course content  Course topics include:

  • Charts and Publications
  • Engine checks
  • Tidal awareness
  • Pilotage
  • Anchoring
  • Passage planning
  • Safety
  • Buoyage
  • Visual and electronic navigation
  • Rules of the road
  • Weather forecasts 
Ability after the course Basic introduction to navigation and safety which is aimed at users of smaller day boats and RIBs.

Top 10 reasons to take the online course:

  • Flexibility – anytime, anywhere, at your own speed
  • Suitable for all – new crews through to budding skippers
  • Safety Essentials – all the essential knowledge for going afloat
  • Simplicity – easy to use, interactive and full of great graphics
  • Supporting your knowledge – an ideal accompaniment to your practical course
  • Stepping stone – a great starting point for more advanced courses
  • Real skills – use real skills alongside online technology
  • Best advice – written by top RYA instructors, created by award winning designers
  • Learn it, try it, test it – practice what you’ve learnt before taking the test
  • Be part of it!