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RYA Practical Courses
The RYA Training Scheme is recognised as one of the finest in the world. RYA certificates are recognised by insurers and maritime authorities as proof of competence. At Yachtmaster level, the certificates can provide professional qualification, recognised under maritime law. The scheme encompasses the entire spectrum of sailing experience, from complete beginner to professional skipper with a course to suit all abilities. It is not necessary to start at the beginning as sailors with experience can join at higher levels. It may also be possible to accredit skippered charteror milebuilder clients with RYA qualifications provided syllabus material is covered during charter. OffshoreScotland is a Royal Yachting Association recognised sea school providing a range of RYA sail cruising courses, skippered, milebuilding and bareboat charter from our base in Largs, Scotland.
The Start Yachting course is an excellent short introduction to sailing. This two-day course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
Competant Crew >>>This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines on board. The minimum course duration is five days, but it is commonly run over three weekends or three days plus a weekend. If you have previously completed the Start Yachting course, the Competence Crew course can be completed in three or four days.
Day Skipper >>>This five-day course gives you the chance to take charge on short passages under instruction. You will concentrate on pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation. The course can be taken in tidal or non-tidal waters and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
Coastal Skipper >>>This is a five-day advanced skippering course for those who have considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night. Each trainee will skipper more challenging passages and learn more about passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations. The course can be taken in tidal or non- tidal waters and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
Yachtmaster>>>The Yachtmaster preparation course fine-tunes candidates for independent assessment for a certificate of competence that is recognised by the Department of Transport. We offer a 5 day Yachtmaster Preparation Course which can be concluded with a examination by an independent RYA examiner. The cours is highly recommended as it ensures that candidates are given the chance to brush up on any weak areas and practice for the examination itself.
Cruising Instructor >>>Cruising Instructors are able to teach up to the level of the Day Skipper practical course through an RYA recognised training centre. The course can be taken in either sail or motor cruisers, and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly.