The Day Skipper theory is a comprehensive introduction to navigation, chart work, meteorology and basic seamanship.

Pre-course experience

No pre-course experience is required.

Assumed Knowledge

None

Minimum course duration

40 Hours

Course Content

The course topics include basic seamanship, navigation and pilotage, emergency and safety procedures and equipment, parts of the vessel and equipment on board, collision regulation, the tides, weather forecasts, chart work and electronic charts.

How the Courses Can Be Taken

Theory courses can be taken in the form of an intensive one week course, a series of weekends, in once a week evening sessions or through online remote learning.

Ability after the Course

This course provides you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day.

The Next Step

Once you have completed your Day Skipper Theory course, we recommend you move on to your Day Skipper Practical.

What is provided

You will receive a theory pack which includes charts, electronic charts, the Day Skipper Theory book and a question practice book. Some sailing schools will also give you a copy of the training almanac, a pair of dividers and a chart plotter and others will lend this to you for the duration of the course. You will need to provide a 2B pencil and sharpener, an eraser, paper and a pen. A calculator is not compulsory but can sometimes be helpful.

Guide price

Day Skipper Theory Courses can cost between £300 and £400 or between £600 and £675 if you require accommodation. It is also possible to do you Day Skipper theory as part of a combined theory and practical course.