The Dayskipper Theory course is designed to introduce students to the wonderful world of navigation, meteorology and general seamanship.

Students will learn how to plot positions, work out a course to steer and how to complete a passage plan as well as many other invaluable skills to ensure safe and confident boating.

This course is recommended to any student wishing to complete their Dayskipper practical.

Courses are run either over a five day block or one evening a 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.

•  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.

•  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.