RYA Certified Training Courses

Digital First & Electronic Nav Short Course

Q: Do I need previous navigation experience?

No, this course is suitable for beginners. Some boating experience is helpful, but not essential.

Q: Is this course suitable for both sailing and motorboating?

Yes, the course is relevant for both sailors and motorboaters using electronic navigation systems.

Q: What will I learn on the course?

You will learn how to use chartplotters, apps, AIS and digital weather and tidal tools more confidently, while understanding their limitations.

Q: Is this course classroom-based?

Yes, this is a classroom-based short course using practical examples and discussion.

Q: How long is the course?

The course runs for approximately 3.5 hours.

Q: Will this help me use a chartplotter more confidently?

Yes, the course is designed to improve confidence with chartplotters, digital planning tools and onboard navigation systems.

Q: Does the course replace traditional navigation training?

No, the course is designed to complement traditional navigation skills and show how digital tools can support good seamanship.

Q: Where is the course held?

Courses are delivered in Southampton and the Solent area, typically at Hamble Point Marina or Marchwood Yacht Club.

Q: What should I bring with me?

All materials are provided, though you may wish to bring a notebook for personal notes.

From £65.00

Learn how to use modern navigation tools with confidence through this practical, classroom-based electronic navigation short course.

Designed for skippers and crew using chartplotters, tablets, apps and onboard systems, this session focuses on how digital tools can support safer planning, monitoring and decision-making on the water.

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Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

This short course provides a practical introduction to modern electronic navigation and the digital tools used by today’s boaters.

Using real-world examples and guided discussion, you’ll learn how to get more from chartplotters, apps, AIS and digital weather and tidal services, while understanding the limits of relying too heavily on electronics.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

Use electronic charts, apps and onboard systems for route planning and monitoring
Understand key features such as AIS, GPS data, safety contours and alarms
Use digital weather and tidal information to support decision-making
Set up devices correctly and manage updates
Check data accuracy and identify common issues
Combine digital tools with traditional navigation methods

This course reinforces practical seamanship and helps you use electronic navigation as a reliable support tool rather than a substitute for sound judgement.

Topics Covered

Electronic chartplotters and onboard navigation systems
Navigation apps and tablets
AIS, GPS and digital position data
Safety settings, alarms and contours
Digital weather and tidal resources
System setup, updates and data checks
Limitations of electronic navigation
Combining digital and traditional navigation

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for:

Skippers wanting more confidence with chartplotters and navigation apps
Crew members developing practical navigation knowledge
Sailors and motorboaters moving from paper charts to digital tools
Boaters wanting to make better use of AIS and onboard systems
Anyone looking to improve confidence with electronic navigation

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

No formal qualifications are required.

Helpful (but not essential):

Some experience on the water as crew
A basic interest in navigation and seamanship

This course is suitable for beginners and is delivered in a supportive classroom environment.

Course Duration, Price & Certification

This is a classroom-based theory course delivered over multiple sessions, allowing flexibility to suit different schedules.

Course Details:

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Time: 13:00 to 16:30
Price: From £65.00
Format: Classroom-based tuition with practical examples and discussion

Course Locations & Training Areas

This course is delivered at:

Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina, SO31 4NB
Marchwood Yacht Club, Maritime Avenue, Marchwood, Southampton, SO40 4AD

Both locations offer convenient access, on-site facilities and parking.

FAQs

Do I need previous navigation experience?

Is this course suitable for both sailing and motorboating?

What will I learn on the course?

Is this course classroom-based?

How long is the course?

Will this help me use a chartplotter more confidently?

Does the course replace traditional navigation training?

Where is the course held?

What should I bring with me?

Customer Reviews

“Cloud Nine is a fantastic boat that handles the sea well-lots of power to get on the plane and kept going if you wanted it. My wife who is not the most confident boater said she wasn’t worried as the boat always felt planted to the water. Rob is a really great guy very laid back and gives you confidence going over the boat and its equipment to give you a great day out on the water.”

Star Google Rating – Trusted by Happy Customers

Martin Gordon

“Rob skippered us and our 35ft Sailboat from Portishead to Falmouth. We encountered weather and issues on the boat which without Rob’s leadership, skill and confidence would have caused us to turn back. On the 36 hour journey Rob was consistently professional and friendly, providing coaching and friendly pointers throughout. The entire journey felt like a very easy lesson and we will benefit for many years to come from Rob’s advice and the simple standards he set aboard. Can’t thank him enough and will definitely be in touch in future!.”

Ricky Velai

“Great School, great instructors, great boat, highly recommend taking course with these guys. Instructor Ramos was a great teacher”

Antony Clark

Do you have a question?

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