A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night. There is a shore-based course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence. While the qualification originated in the United Kingdom, the course is taught worldwide. Recognised sailing Schools authorised to conduct the training can be found on the RYA website.

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Sailing Course

This is a course for potential skippers and those attending should already have a good knowledge of the theory of navigation and meteorology, and have a level of experience approaching that for the Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence. The course may be taken in tidal and non-tidal versions.

Assumed knowledge

Course content

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Course

This course assumes that the student has already studied navigation to Day Skipper Shore-based standard. This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. The course lasts about 40 hours. It may be taken continuously over several days, or as evening or several weekends, or by distance learning.