Coastal Skipper

A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night. There is a shorebased course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence.

While the qualification originated in the United Kingdom, the course is taught worldwide. Recognised sailing Schools authorised to conduct the training can be found on the RYA website.

This is a course for potential skippers and those attending should already have a good knowledge of the theory of navigation and meteorology, and have a level of experience approaching that for the Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence. The course may be taken in tidal and non-tidal versions.

The RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence confirms that the successful candidate 'has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages.' The Royal Yachting Association administers the Yachtmaster scheme and examines candidates on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Candidates must be aged 17 or over and require:

The exam takes about 6 to 10 hours for one candidate and 8 to 14 hours for two. Candidates are set tasks to demonstrate their ability as a Coastal Skipper and may be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Coastal Skipper.

This course assumes that the student has already studied navigation to Day Skipper Shorebased standard. This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. The course lasts about 40 hours. It may be taken continuously over several days, or as evening or several weekends, or by distance learning.

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