There’s no separate invigilated exam. Assessment is built into the online course through quizzes and checks of understanding.

New boaters and crew, paddleboarders, kayakers, dinghy sailors and motorboaters wanting a solid foundation in navigation and seamanship.

Yes. Enrol online and you’ll receive instant access to start learning immediately.

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course – foundational theory in chart work, tides, and safety

RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Online Course

£99.00

Whether you’re in Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, or anywhere in the UK, this course is accessible to you. Start your boating journey with confidence and gain a recognised RYA certificate.

Secure your place and get certified.

Build Your Boating Confidence with the RYA’s Entry-Level Navigation Course

Whether you’re new to boating or looking to refresh your skills, the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Online Course is the perfect starting point. Designed for beginners, this flexible online course gives you the foundational knowledge needed to navigate safely and confidently on UK waters and beyond.

Why Take the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course?

RYA Certified– Trusted by sailors and boaters across the UK
100% Online & Flexible– Learn at your own pace, from anywhere
Beginner-Friendly– No prior experience required
Interactive Learning– Engaging videos, quizzes, and charts
Ideal for All Water Users– Sailors, motorboaters, paddleboarders & more

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

New boaters and crew members
Day skippers looking to refresh their knowledge
Paddleboarders, kayakers, and dinghy sailors
Anyone planning to go afloat in UK coastal or inland waters

What You’ll Learn

The course covers essential topics to help you stay safe and informed on the water:

Charts and Publications– Understanding nautical charts and reference materials
Buoyage– Recognising navigation marks and their meanings
Tides– Basics of tidal movement and its impact on navigation
Navigation– Plotting courses and using bearings
Safety– Equipment, procedures, and emergency protocols
Anchoring, Weather, and Rules of the Road– Core seamanship skills

Course Format & Requirements

Duration: Approx. 6–10 hours (self-paced)
Delivery: 100% online with interactive modules
Materials: Includes downloadable resources and practice exercises
Support: Instructor support available via email or phone

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Overview

The RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Online Course is the ideal entry point for anyone new to boating or looking to build confidence on the water. Fully accessible online and beginner-friendly, it provides key foundational knowledge in navigation, safety, and seamanship—whether you’re sailing, motorboating, paddleboarding, or crewing.

Learn at your own pace with engaging, interactive content covering charts, buoyage, tides, rules of the road, safety equipment, and more. With no prior experience required, this course is ideal for first-time boaters and anyone seeking to refresh their core skills.

Study from anywhere in the UK with expert support available throughout. On completion, you’ll gain a recognised RYA certificate that opens the door to further training or safe, independent boating.

Experience Required

No previous boating experience is required to take the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Online Course.

It is specifically designed as an entry-level course for complete beginners, making it ideal for new boaters, crew members, paddleboarders, kayakers, dinghy sailors, or anyone planning to get out on the water. The course provides all the foundational knowledge you need, with clear explanations, interactive learning, and full support from qualified instructors.

Find Us

Saltmakers House,
Hamble Point Marina,
School Ln, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton
SO31 4NB

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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?

Not sure about something? No need to worry, we are here to help and are happy to answer your questions. Send us a message using this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.