RYA Coastal Skipper Motor - Seven Seas School of Yachting

RYA Coastal Skipper Motor Course

**Develop the skills and confidence to skipper a motor cruiser* safely on extended coastal passages and at night**

Start your training in Greece with top-tier RYA tuition

The RYA Coastal Skipper Motor course is designed for experience skippers who already have solid motor cruising experience and wish to develop the advanced skills needed to undertake longer and more challenging coastal and offshore passages, including those at night.

Its goal is to prepare participants to safely and confidently skipper a motor cruiser on passages up to 60 miles offshore, making sound decisions and managing a crew effectively in varied conditions.

By the end of the course, you should be able to take command of a motor cruiser for extended coastal passages by day or night, demonstrating a high standard of seamanship, advanced navigation, and the ability to manage both vessel and crew safely and efficiently.

*What is a motor cruiser?

In contrast to speedboats, motor cruisers are larger motorboats up to 24m in size, typically with two inboard engines and accommodation facilities, meant for multi-day trips.

You will gain hands-on practice and build confidence in operating and manoeuvring a twin inboard engine motor cruiser, while becoming familiar with the specific characteristics of this type of vessel for future charters or potential purchases.

Key Course Information

Course Name

RYA Coastal Skipper Motor

Location

Departs from: Kallithea Marina, Athens
Sails in: Saronic Gulf

Duration

5 full days (usually 10:00 – 18:00) with disembarkation at the end of each daily session (no onboard accommodation)

Level

Advanced

Prerequisites

15 days of active experience on a motor cruiser, 2 as skipper and 300 miles, 8 night hours
RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory

Minimum Age

17 years

Group Size

Maximum 4 students per yacht

Student-Instructor Ratio

4:1 (maximum)

Format

Shared training, private tuition or own-boat tuition

Instructor

RYA Yachtmaster Instructor onboard

Language of Instruction

English

What You Learn

Passage planning, navigation by day and night, pilotage, boat handling, anchoring and berthing, watchkeeping, safety procedures, engine checks, weather assessment, emergency management, crew leadership.

Course Outcome

RYA Coastal Skipper Motor Certificate
ΙCC (endorsed for power) available for eligible nationalities

Season

Courses available year-round

Costs

€1870 per person

Related Courses

RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory
RYA SRC VHF Course

Next Step

Mile Building
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

Experienced Day Skippers: Individuals who have completed the RYA Day Skipper Motor course and wish to expand their cruising range and responsibilities.
Ambitious Skippers: Those seeking to improve their skills and learn to make full use of the boat on longer, more complex passages.
Aspiring Yachtmasters: Individuals aiming to develop the practical skills and confidence to take command of a motor cruiser on extended passages.

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 Day Skipper Motor Course provides the ideal transition from crew to competent skipper, developing the practical skills and confidence needed to take command of a motor vessel. Throughout the course, participants will focus on the following key areas:

Preparation for sea
Navigation and pilotage
Collision Regulations (Rules of the Road)
Basic meteorology
Passage planning and monitoring
Simple boat maintenance and essential engine knowledge
Emergency situations (passive and active safety) and effective use of VHF radio
Boat handling in harbours and at sea

Do I need to complete any theory in advance?

Yes, participants are required to complete the RYA Coastal Skipper Shorebased Theory or possess equivalent theory knowledge before starting the practical course. This ensures you have the essential knowledge of navigation, charts, weather, and safety, allowing you to focus fully on developing practical skills on board.

Who will I be sharing the boat with?

The cap for participants on any RYA motor cruising course is set at 4, ensuring optimal learning and practice opportunities for each attendee, along with dedicated attention from the instructor.

Rather than relying on automatic booking systems, we prioritize direct communication with all prospective participants. This approach allows us to thoughtfully create groups with individuals who are compatible.

Our groups comprise individuals from diverse cultures worldwide, creating a vibrant and dynamic social environment.

Can I book this course as private training?

Yes, you can!

We offer the option to run this course as private training, tailored to your schedule, your own boat (if applicable), and your specific learning needs. It can be organised for individuals, couples, families, or small groups who prefer a more personalised experience

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

Yes, you will!

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive your RYA Coastal Skipper Motor Certificate. This license is a widely accepted certification that allows holders to legally operate motor cruisers in many countries worldwide, and also entitles holders to apply to the RYA for an International Certificate of Competence (eligibility requirements apply).

Available Yachts

Jetcraft P10

CHRISTIE

Availability

Check availability for this course

Calendar

Have more questions?

Schedule a 1:1 video call with one of our experts

Book now

Enquiry form

This field is required.

Number of participants (for group enquiries)