Can I take theory and practical together?

Yes. If you have not completed the theory, you can combine the shore-based Day Skipper theory with the practical to cover navigation and hands-on training in one programme.

RYA Day Skipper Course (Motor) / ICC Licence

RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA Day Skipper (Motor) Course

Q: Do I need previous experience before joining the RYA Day Skipper Motor course?

Yes. You should have basic helmsmanship and boat handling skills, at least 5 days or 100 NM of experience on a motor cruiser, and 4 hours of night cruising. Day Skipper theory knowledge (shore-based or equivalent) is also required.

Q: How long does the RYA Day Skipper Motor course take?

The course runs over 4 days as a continuous block, with the option to split it into two 2-day modules.

Q: Where is the course held?

Training is based at Hamble Point Marina, Southampton, with practical sessions on the Solent.

Q: What is included in the course price?

£1,095 includes tuition, accommodation onboard, meals during the course, fuel, and mooring fees. Travel and meals ashore are not included.

Q: What certificate will I receive?

On successful completion you will receive the RYA Day Skipper Motor Practical Certificate, which can be commercially endorsed and used to apply for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

Q: What can I do once I have the Day Skipper Motor qualification?

You can skipper a motor cruiser by day in familiar tidal waters. Many charter companies accept Day Skipper as proof of competence, and it is the stepping stone towards RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster.

From £1,095.00

The RYA Day Skipper (Motor) Practical Course is designed for aspiring skippers who want to confidently take command of a motor cruiser in familiar tidal waters. Building on existing boating knowledge, this course develops your navigation, pilotage, seamanship and decision-making skills to Day Skipper standard.

Delivered in the Solent by experienced RYA-qualified instructors, the course includes valuable night navigation training, allowing you to practise recognising buoyage and vessel lights and safely entering and leaving harbour after dark.

On successful completion, the course may be commercially endorsed and can also be used to support an application for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

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Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

The RYA Day Skipper (Motor) Practical Course focuses on developing the skills required to skipper a motor cruiser safely in familiar tidal waters. Training takes place on board and combines navigation, pilotage, seamanship and practical boat handling.

What You’ll Learn

Navigation & Pilotage
– Chartwork and passage planning
– Position fixing and dead reckoning
– Harbour entry and exit pilotage

Boat Handling & Seamanship
– Handling under power in varying conditions
– Manoeuvring in confined spaces
– Berthing and leaving pontoons and quays

Safety & Emergency Procedures
– Collision regulations (COLREGs)
– Distress procedures and signals
– Liferaft awareness and emergency response

Passage Planning & Operation
– Use of chart plotters and GNSS
– Planning and executing coastal passages
– Weather interpretation and decision-making

Night Navigation
– Recognition of buoyage and vessel lights
– Harbour entry and departure after dark

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for boaters who already have some experience and want to progress to skipper level.

Suitable for:

- Motorboat owners looking to take full control of their vessel
- Helmsman-level boaters progressing to Day Skipper
- Charterers preparing for independent cruising
- Those planning coastal passages in tidal waters

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

Before enrolling, you should already have a good foundation in boat handling, navigation and safety procedures.

Recommended experience:

Basic helmsmanship and confidence handling a motor cruiser
At least 5 days’ logged experience
Approximately 100 nautical miles
A minimum of 4 hours of night cruising
Completion of the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course (or equivalent knowledge)

If you are not yet at this level, we recommend completing the RYA Helmsman Course or RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship before progressing.

Course Duration, Price & Certification

The RYA Day Skipper (Motor) Practical Course is delivered over multiple days to ensure sufficient time for hands-on training, passage planning and on-the-water experience.

Key details:

- Duration: 4 days (or 2 × 2-day modules)
- Minimum age: 16
- Price: From £1,095.00

What’s included:

- Expert tuition from RYA-qualified instructors
- Accommodation onboard
- Meals during the course
- Fuel and mooring fees

On successful completion, the course may be commercially endorsed and can be used to support an application for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

Course Locations & Training Areas

Practical training for the RYA Day Skipper (Motor) course takes place in the Solent, one of the UK’s premier boating and training areas. The Solent offers tidal waters, busy harbours and varied navigation challenges, making it ideal for developing skipper-level skills.

Training locations include:

Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina, SO31 4NB
Southampton Water
Surrounding Solent waters

The course also includes night navigation, allowing you to gain valuable experience recognising lights and operating safely after dark.

FAQs

Do I need previous experience before joining the RYA Day Skipper Motor course?

How long does the RYA Day Skipper Motor course take?

Where is the course held?

What is included in the course price?

What certificate will I receive after completing the course?

Can I do the theory and practical together?

What can I do once I have the Day Skipper Motor qualification?

Customer Reviews

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