Theory Courses


Shorebased Courses

Southwest Yachting is a fully recognised RYA Shorebased School. The courses form part of the overall scheme of training outlined in RYA booklets G15 and G18.

The following courses are run over five days (Monday to Friday). Dates of courses are available on request

Shorebased Course for Day Skipper/Watchleader

This is an elementary course in basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology, suitable for beginners and people with little experience in cruising yachts or motor yachts.

Shorebased Course for Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore

A more advanced course in navigation and meteorology, suitable for students who have already completed the elementary course or who have a background of sailing, motor cruising or offshore racing experience. This course is definitely not for beginners.

In addition to 5 day navigation courses Southwest Yachting also offers courses in Basic Sea Survival, GMDSS VHF Radio, Diesel Engine Maintenance, Radar and First Aid. Each of these courses is outlined below.

Basic Sea Survival – 1 day course covering the operation of life jackets, life rafts, and other emergency safety equipment. The course involves practical life raft drills at a near by swimming pool. Recommended for all sailors but is mandatory for anybody requiring a commercially endorsed Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster qualification. A certificate is issued on completion of the course. We recommend that anybody taking this course also considers taking a First Aid course as well – special weekend programmes for the two courses available.

GMDSS VHF Radio – 1 day course covering the operational procedures for routine, distress and emergency calls. Also includes GMDSS. A Short Range Certificate (SRC) will be issued on successful completion of the course. Mandatory for anybody requiring a commercially endorsed Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster qualification.

Diesel Engine Maintenance – 1 day course to understand the operation and maintenance of marine diesel engines and cooling systems. The course also involves practical “hands on” learning. Recommended for owners or crew of diesel power marine craft.

Radar – 1 day course covering radar reflectors, use of radar sets, collision avoidance and plotting techniques. Recommended for owners or crews where a radar system is already installed or where crews wish to improve general navigation skills through the use of Radar.

First Aid – 1 day course to learn the fundamentals of first aid at sea, includes diagnosis and treatment of hypothermia as well resuscitation techniques. A first aid certificate is recommended to all sailors, but is mandatory for anybody requiring a commercially endorsed Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster qualification. We recommend that anybody taking this course also considers taking a Basic Sea Survival course as well – special weekend programmes for the two courses available.