Description
RYA Interactive Essential Navigation and Seamanship (Online)
Build solid navigation and safety skills from the comfort of home with the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship online course. This RYA Interactive programme is a flexible, beginner-friendly introduction to the core skills every small boat skipper or crew member should have.
Whether you’re completely new to boating or want to refresh your knowledge, this course gives you the confidence to plan and enjoy short trips safely.
Who is the course for?
Perfect for:
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New or aspiring boat owners
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RIB and sportsboat users
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Dinghy and keelboat sailors stepping up to bigger trips
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PWC / jetski riders wanting better chart and buoyage awareness
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Anyone preparing for Day Skipper Theory or practical courses later on
No previous experience or minimum age is required.
Course format
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Delivery: 100% online via the official RYA Interactive platform
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Typical duration: Around 8–10 hours of study in total, taken at your own pace
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Access: Study anytime, anywhere with an internet connection for 6 months.
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Learning style: Short lessons, quizzes and interactive exercises that bring real-world boating scenarios to life.
What you’ll learn
The syllabus follows the official RYA outline and includes:
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Charts & publications – understanding charts, symbols and key reference books
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Safety – essential equipment, lifejackets, distress signals and staying safe on the water
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Engine checks – simple pre-departure checks to avoid breakdowns
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Buoyage (IALA A) – lateral and cardinal marks, safe water and special marks
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Tidal awareness – tide heights and streams in simple, practical language
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Visual & electronic navigation – using landmarks, bearings, GPS and electronic charts together
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Pilotage – entering and leaving harbours safely
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Rules of the Road (COLREGS basics) – who gives way, sound signals and good lookout
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Anchoring – choosing a spot, setting the anchor and checking you’re secure
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Weather forecasts – where to find them and how to interpret the key information
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Passage planning – putting it all together for a short, safe trip
By the end of the course you’ll be able to read a chart, recognise buoys and marks, understand tides at a basic level and plan simple passages with far more confidence.
Course materials
When you enrol on the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course you’ll receive an official RYA course pack, which typically includes:
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Practice training chart
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Plotter and dividers
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Course handbook
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Exercise booklet and practice scenarios
These materials support the online lessons and give you plenty of opportunity to practise traditional chartwork alongside your electronic navigation skills.
Certification
On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive the official RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship certificate, recognised worldwide as proof of your foundational navigation and seamanship knowledge.
This course is an ideal stepping stone towards:
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RYA Day Skipper Theory
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RYA Day Skipper Practical
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Further shorebased courses such as Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore in the futur
Marine Pro Academy Policy on data sharing with the RYA
