RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory

Advanced Theory Course

The RYA Coastal Skipper shorebased course provides advanced navigation and meteorology training for experienced skippers who want to undertake longer and more complex passages, including night sailing.

Building on Day Skipper theory, you’ll develop the skills to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages, refine your pilotage techniques, and gain confidence in decision-making for extended voyages. This course prepares you for the RYA Coastal Skipper Sail or RYA Coastal Skipper Motor Practical Course

Delivery Options

Choose between a classroom or online course

Classroom Theory

This is an in-person course delivered in our classrooms in Athens. One of the key benefits of on-site training is the direct contact with your instructor, allowing for effective learning, open discussion, and plenty of opportunities for questions and answers in an interactive classroom environment shared with fellow students.

The course comprises 40 hours of tuition plus exam time and is usually delivered as an intensive 5-day programme, running Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00, with breaks included. The corresponding exam is included as part of the course.

This schedule is designed to allow you to complete the theory course in time for the start of your RYA Coastal Skipper Sail or Motor practical course on Saturday morning.

Online Theory

We offer this option through our partner, Navathome.com. This course is a comprehensive distance‑learning programme designed to help you complete the RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased theory qualification from anywhere in the world. It’s delivered entirely online with flexible study that fits around your schedule. The course takes approximately 50-60 hours to complete, including the online final assessment.

Support from experienced instructors is available 7 days a week via email.

Key Course Information

Course Name

RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory

Course Format

Face-to-face classroom training or self-study, followed by an assessment.

Duration

Face-to-face classroom training: ≈ 40 hours, including written assessment
Online self study: ≈ 50 hours, including online assessment

Location

Face-to-face classroom training: Seven Seas School of Yachting Offices (Athens)

Student-Instructor Ratio

Face-to-face classroom training: 5:1 (maximum)

Language of Instruction

English

What You Learn

Advanced navigation skills covering tidal calculations, passage planning, pilotage, meteorology, night navigation, COLREGs, and integrating electronic and traditional methods.

Course Outcome

RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Certificate

Season

Courses available year-round

Costs

Classroom Theory: €650 per person
Inclusions: Instructor fees, use of training equipment, RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Pack, snacks and refreshments, RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory Certificate

Online Theory: €420 per person
Inclusions: 6-month access to the platform (renewable), RYA Coastal Skipper Theory Prack and shipping costs to your location, 7/7 support from Navathome.com, RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory Certificate

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

Sailors with Day Skipper theory level knowledge wanting to advance
Skippers seeking to progress to the RYA Coastal Skipper Sail Practical or RYA Coastal Skipper Motor Practical course
Anyone planning longer coastal or offshore passages, including night navigation

Why take this course with Seven Seas?

More than just certification – Our goal is to provide meaningful training, helping you build real skills and lasting confidence on the water, not just a piece of paper.

Experienced and supportive instructors – You’ll be guided by a team of highly skilled RYA instructors with years of experience and a deep understanding of the local waters.

What will I learn?

The RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory Course is the essential step for anyone looking to skipper a yacht safely on extended coastal passages, providing the knowledge and confidence to navigate, plan passages, and manage advanced seamanship and decision-making. Throughout the course, participants will be introduced to and practise the following areas:

Advanced seamanship principles and yacht handling
Chart work, coastal navigation, and position fixing techniques
Passage planning for longer coastal trips and route plotting
Tidal heights, streams, and associated calculations for safe navigation
Collision regulations (COLREGs), lights, shapes, and right-of-way rules
Use of electronic navigation tools, including GPS, chartplotters, and radar
Weather interpretation, forecasting, and voyage planning for varying conditions
Safety at sea, emergency procedures, and effective onboard communications
Buoyage systems, markers, and advanced port/marina navigation
Practical exercises using charts, navigation tools, and simulators
Preparation for and completion of the RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory exam

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Upon successful completion of the RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory course and exam, participants will be awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Certificate.

This internationally recognised certificate confirms that you have the advanced theoretical knowledge needed to skipper a yacht safely on extended coastal passages and manage more complex navigation and seamanship tasks.

It is a prerequisite for the RYA Coastal Skipper practical course, allowing you to put your navigation, passage planning, safety, and decision-making skills into practice on the water. While the certificate does not expire, it does not replace practical training and is often required by charter companies and maritime authorities for those acting as skipper.

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