Syllabus guide

RYA Day Skipper theory syllabus checklist

Use this independent checklist to plan revision across the 17 Day Skipper theory topic areas. Each item links to its module and a useful public lesson where available.

Open the module list for free previews, or unlock full revision access for GBP 4.99.

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From basics to skipper decisions

The topics build from terminology and safety through to navigation, tides, weather, pilotage, restricted visibility, and passage planning.

Use the module order as a revision route

Working in order helps the ideas build naturally. If your exam or practical is close, jump straight to your weak topics and use quizzes to check readiness.

Make hard topics visual

The app includes interactive support for buoyage, lights and shapes, compass conversions, tidal curves, course-to-steer vectors, and shipping forecasts.

Use the syllabus to choose practice

After each topic pass, use module questions or a mixed mock to check whether you can recall the idea without notes.

Syllabus modules

17 topics to revise

Open module list

Module 1

Nautical Terms

General nautical terminology and parts of a boat and hull.

Module 2

Ropework

Properties of synthetic ropes in common use aboard yachts.

Module 3

Anchorwork

Anchoring considerations and characteristics of different anchor types.

Module 4

Safety

Rescue procedures, distress signals, personal safety equipment, and fire precautions.

Module 5

COLREGs

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea — steering rules, lights, and shapes.

Module 6

Position, Course & Speed

True bearings, courses, latitude, longitude, and the knot.

Module 7

Charts & Publications

Reading nautical charts, symbols, chart correction, and navigational publications.

Module 8

Drawing Instruments

Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments.

Module 9

Compass

Hand-bearing compass, variation, deviation, and compass conversions.

Module 10

Chartwork

Course to steer, position fixing, waypoints, dead reckoning, and estimated position.

Module 11

Tides & Tidal Streams

Tidal heights, tidal curves, tidal diamonds, stream atlases, and secondary port corrections.

Module 12

Visual Aids to Navigation

Lighthouses, beacons, and light characteristics used for navigation.

Module 13

Meteorology

Shipping forecasts, Beaufort scale, weather systems, and broadcast meteorological information.

Module 14

Passage Planning

Navigational records, passage preparation, waypoints, and the APEM framework.

Module 15

Restricted Visibility

Precautions and limitations imposed by fog and restricted visibility.

Module 16

Pilotage

Harbour entry, IALA buoyage (Region A), transits, leading lines, and clearing bearings.

Module 17

Marine Environment

Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment.

Free downloads

Useful resources to share or print

Day Skipper theory revision checklist

A one-page checklist for planning revision, checking exam readiness, and preparing for a practical course.

Download PDF

COLREGs lights and shapes quick reference

A compact reminder sheet for vessel hierarchy, navigation lights, day shapes, and sound signals.

Download PDF

Common questions

How many modules are in Day Skipper Theory?

There are 17 modules covering the main Day Skipper theory subject areas.

Which topics are usually hardest?

Students often need extra practice with tidal calculations, chartwork, COLREGs, buoyage, and weather interpretation.

Can I browse the syllabus for free?

Yes. The module list and free previews are available before unlocking full access.

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