What is a Day Skipper?

The RYA Day Skipper certification is an entry-level qualification in the sailing world. It is designed for individuals with limited previous sailing experience who wish to become competent in handling a small sailing vessel during daylight hours in familiar waters. To achieve the RYA Day Skipper certification, candidates must complete a practical training course that covers theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It is strongly advised to complete the RYA Day Skipper Theory course first, which is typically a five-day classroom based programme. The course typically includes topics such as navigation, boat handling, safety procedures, and understanding weather conditions. Candidates will also gain experience in planning and executing short passages and basic seamanship.

What is a Coastal Skipper?

The RYA Coastal Skipper certification is a more advanced qualification that builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired in the RYA Day Skipper course. It is designed for sailors who have already obtained the RYA Day Skipper certification or have equivalent experience and wish to enhance their sailing competence to operate larger vessels in more challenging conditions. The Coastal Skipper course focuses on developing advanced navigational skills, including passage planning, offshore navigation, and night sailing. Candidates also gain experience in boat handling techniques, including manoeuvring under power, close-quarters handling, and sailing in various wind and sea conditions.

What is the Difference between RYA Day Skipper and RYA Coastal Skipper?

Skill Level: The RYA Day Skipper certification is an entry-level qualification suitable for members of competent crew or those with limited experience. It focuses on developing basic sailing skills, knowledge, and confidence to handle a small vessel in familiar waters. The RYA Coastal Skipper certification is more advanced and requires a higher level of competence, including proficiency in navigation, boat handling, and decision-making in various conditions. Scope of Operation: Day Skippers are qualified to operate small sailing vessels during daylight hours, within sight of land, in favourable weather conditions. Coastal Skippers have a broader scope of operation, allowing them to skipper larger vessels on coastal passages, including night sailing and navigation in more challenging weather and sea conditions. Navigational Skills: While the RYA Day Skipper course provides a solid foundation in navigation, the RYA Coastal Skipper course takes it to a higher level. Coastal Skippers gain advanced knowledge in passage planning, offshore navigation techniques, and the ability to navigate in more complex environments. Experience and Responsibility: Day Skippers are typically responsible for smaller vessels and may operate within familiar waters. Coastal Skippers handle larger vessels and have the skills and experience to navigate coastal passages, potentially in less familiar or more challenging areas.

UKSA funds record 80 per cent of Superyacht Cadetship students as it makes training accessible to all

Published 12/09/2023

UKSA has announced 80 per cent of the September intake for its Superyacht Cadetship course are receiving funding in a move to ensure the maritime industry is accessible to as many young people as possible.

The Isle of Wight based charity, which provides life-enhancing water-based adventures, education and world-leading maritime training, has provided over half of the funding towards course fees – an average of £12,000 – enabling students from all backgrounds to take part in its flagship maritime training programme.

Available to those aged 18-25, the structured four-year programme which this year sees 42 students start in September, an increase of 13 per cent from the previous year, is designed to train the future officer of the superyacht industry and was created with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It equips graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge, alongside offering a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in a career in the superyacht industry.

James Potipher, cadetship manager at UKSA, said: “UKSA is incredibly proud to enable the funding of 80 per cent of our Superyacht Cadetship students thanks to our incredible sponsors; Edmiston, The Seafarers’ Charity, TK Foundation, Trinity House, and Olesinski with additional funding from the Noel Lister Memorial Fund, Milo Hanlon Fund, Stephen Thomas Bursary and the Will Black Fund.”

“We are committed to making careers in maritime as accessible as possible and removing any barriers to those who wish to pursue a career in the industry is something we will continue to encourage and enable.”

“This course is a fantastic alternative to university and uniquely, students earn while they learn so they can pay off their course fees while they’re working and training in the industry. The course is also all inclusive of food and accommodation during the training phases, so we’re really making it available to as many young people as possible.”

Cadets additionally have the opportunity to undertake a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science during phase one and three of the Superyacht Cadetship, which is awarded by the University of Plymouth. The option gives additional careers and training pathways into different sectors in the maritime industry.

The course comprises five phases; phase one will see cadets developing skills and knowledge of seamanship and safety as well as industry qualifications. Phase two sees students employed on a superyacht as an entry-level deckhand and phase three progresses cadets from a junior deckhand to more senior positions onboard such as lead deckhand or bosun by building on their working experience. Phase four gives the cadets watch keeping experience in a paid employment role which will see them practically applying and honing the techniques and practices learned. The final stage is the Officer of the Watch 3,000gt training with cadets studying senior modules towards a final examination.

See full course details here.

See other training options for professional Yachtmasters, superyacht deckhands and superyacht stewardess and steward training

For a full list of available courses and start dates please contact the careers team us on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email [email protected]