The Coastal Skipper Theory course is for students with a sound knowledge of navigation or who have previously completed the Dayskipper theory course.

It is designed to give students a deeper understanding of
navigation and allows students the ability to plan longer
passages off-shore and at night.

This course is recommended for any student wishing to
complete their Coastal Skipper Practical or their Yachtmaster
Preparation.

Course are run either over a five day block or one evening per
week for 14 weeks or via correspondence at the students own
pace.

The course syllabus is as follows:

• Chartwork and navigational duties including:
  Taking and plotting visual fixes, using electronic navigational equipment for position fixing
  Use of waypoints
  Working up dead reckoning and estimated position
  Tidal calculations including heights, streams, secondary ports and tidal vectors
  Working a course to steer to allow for tidal stream, leeway and drift
  Knowledge of IALA buoyage
  Maintenance of navigational records
  Use of echo sounder and lead line
  Navigation at night
  Blind navigation

• Pilotage including
  Preparation and execution of a pilotage plan for entry or departure from a harbour
  Use of leading and clearing lines
  Use of transits and soundings as pilotage aids

•  Meteorology including
  Sources of forecast information
  Interpretation of shipping forecasts
  Use of barometers as forecasting aids
  Understanding fog
  Prediction of wind direction and strength

•  Passage Planning including
  Planning a coastal passage
  Recognition of navigational hazards
  Understanding limitations of boat and crew strengths

•  Rules of the Road including
  Working knowledge of IRPCS both during the day, at night and in restricted visibility