Classroom Course FAQ's
The human race, as a whole, has a fascination with the sea and this is reflected in the reasons why people choose to do a sailing theory course.
So, why take a RYA Day Skipper Shorebased class?
- Perhaps you aspire to charter a yacht and have a sailing holiday with family and friends in somewhere like the Mediterranean. There is nothing like a sailing holiday to completely unwind and get away from it all!
- Curiosity. Frankly who wouldn’t want to learn about what all the little numbers and the magenta teardrops on a chart mean I ask you?; and about the moon and tides and words like perigee; why the north pole is not actually where the compass points to; and clouds; and knots and anchors; and lots more nautical things.
- Simply that you are interested in sailing or motor boating and want to know more about how to navigate. The course is a starting point for many, particularly during the wintery months. Some people will have done a lot of sailing but haven’t really got involved in the navigation side of things.
- The course is fun. You learn stuff and what is more fun than learning about matters nautical?
- The courses are social. There’s a bit of chat about why people are doing the course, how much (if any) or where people might have sailed. You might get the odd groan from a neighbouring student as they try and get their head around a tidal question. People sometimes go for an after class drink. Often people choose to do a practical course together at a later date.
- Of course, another reason why people take a Day Skipper navigation class is because they recognise the importance of knowing where you are going on a boat.
We will request information from you about your previous experience and any qualifications you already have. We also ask you why you want to do the course. We will then advise you the best way to progress with your training and which course will suit you best.
Pre-Course requirements are posted on the RYA website for each Course here
Classroom based Day Skipper, Coastal/Yachtmaster, Marine Radio & First Aid and On-line Essential Navigation & Marine Radio Courses
Please read our Terms & Condidtions before proceeding
No, we run separate evening classes for Essential Navigation, Day Skipper & Yachtmaster. Intensive courses are by arrangement.
Should you have reason to question a marking or make a complaint, please inform your instructor as soon as possible? This can be in person, by telephone or email. We would like the opportunity to deal with your query at the time they arise so we can rectify them immediately.
Should this not be the case we will endevour to provide an initial acknowlegement with 2 working days of an issue being recieved. All issues/appeals/complaints will be recorded to enable us to monitor our performance and you will be provided with regular updates on its progress. Should you feel it was not dealt with satisfactorily please contact the Sailing School Chief Instructor on : 07802 208090.
If you are still not satisfied with the way it has been handled then you may refer it in writing to the Chief Instructor, Royal Yachting Association, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire, SO31 4YA.
Shorebased Theory courses 12 Students per Instructor.
VHF SRC Radio Classroom Course 8 Students per Instructor.
VHF SRC Assessment 2 Candidates Maximum.
First Aid 6-8 Students per Instructor.
In the event of the student cancelling the booking more than 30 days prior to the course start date, St. Thomas More Sailing School will be entitled to keep the deposit and only refund any balance to the student.
Day Skipper & Yachtmaster Shorebased Courses;
Pens, pencils, & paper, Plotter/Dividers, 5011 (Symbols & Abbreviations)*, COLREGS Handbook*, Weather Handbook*.
* = Optional Items not essential
The cost of each course is included in the course details on this web site.
Day Skipper & Yachtmaster Shorebased Courses include;
Course pack (Training Charts, RYA Shorebased Handbook, Training Exercises), Training Almanac, Course Notes, tuition, exam fees, and certificate.
VHF SRC Radio (Classroom Course) includes;
Course Notes & RYA VHF Handbook (G31)
VHF SRC Radio (On-line Course) includes;
Accessto RYA Interactive, RYA VHF Handbook (G31)
First Aid includes;
RYA First Aid manual
Details of what to bring are included in your Course Joining Instructions but it would be wise to bring along a pen & paper. If you already have a Plotter & Dividers then you will also need these. If not we can order these along with any extra publications you think you might need on your first night.
St. Thomas Sailing School,
Stanely Reservoir,
Stanley Pool,
Stanley
Stoke on Trent,
ST9 9LS
On-line FAQ's
You can do the course at your own pace. All the courses are fully interactive with great animated graphics in order to keep things fun. There are loads of quizzes throughout, giving immediate results in order to enforce the learning experience.
- Take the course and assessment On-line in your own home
- All courses PC, Mac and tablet compatible
- Dedicated St. Thomas More Sailing School or Navathome Instructor offering speedy responses, feedback, personal help & instruction via email and phone
- Free drop-in workshops at our base at St. Thomas More Sailing in North Staffordshire to help with any of the trickier stuff
- Proven teaching methods that really do work
- Fun animations that bring the course to life
- Upon course completion you have access to the lessons for revision
There is no pass mark for the assessment. Immediate results are given for each paper as a guide only.
Your instructor will be looking for a correct course to steer, a correct EP, a correct projected EP and correct answers to tidal height questions and good results for all other questions.
It is not about percentages but about having the required knowledge to keep you, your friends, and your family safe when you are the skipper of a vessel
As a guide and to help you see how you are doing, you will be given immediate automated results for most papers but all of your papers will be marked manually by your instructor who will inform you of your final result usually within a couple of hours of completing the assessment depending on time and country.
No one needs to fail the assessment, Students may not answer everything correctly at the first attempt and if this is the case they can be asked to complete some revision and then answer a new similar question.
Corrections will be requested via email and can be replied to via email so please check your email for feedback during your assessment.
Questions are of a similar mixed type and format to those in the coursework.
Certificates are sent out each week and can take a few weeks to arrive depending on the area. Please be patient and give it time.
You can use the pass confirmation email as proof of passing while you wait for your certificate.
Write down your answers before entering the information into the form and submitting them in case there is an internet problem or similar and they are lost.
The assessment takes between 6 and 8 hours with time allowed for corrections. To pass, a students need to demonstrate that they can complete an estimated position, course to steer, position fix, latitude and longitude and tidal heights calculation within tolerance.
There are questions on collision regulations, safety and weather so good revision is essential
- Take the assessment when taking the practical course (if booked in conjunction with the practical Day Skipper course) and with the agreement of the practical Training Centre.
- Attend a RYA training centre to take the assessment with the permission of the practical centre. This needs to be pre-arranged and it often incurs a fee at the Training Centre. This is the best option if you require an invigilated assessment.
Taking the assessment online requires a declaration that you are completing it without any help, as follows:
“By entering this password you are agreeing to complete this assessment without any help or assistance from a third party.
You also agree to answer all questions relating to the collision regulations without reference to any notes or books.”
Time allowed for the assessment is 8 hours within the access time of 24 hours. The 8 hours starts when you access the questions and you need to complete all of the assessment in one sitting within the 8 hours. The extra time is to allow for corrections.
Only when you are ready to start should you enter the password and click on the “Assessment” button, your time will start and your instructor will be informed.