Day Skipper Practical (Motor)

This 4 course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to to develop your ability to confidently handle the vessel whilst also spending time on navigation and making a short coastal passage.

Also includes an introduction to night navigation.

It is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) (Power >10m)

The RYA Day Skipper practical motor course is four days long making it the best course for those new, or with a little experience of motor cruising and wishing to Skipper their own motor cruiser. This RYA training course is designed to consolidate what you learned on the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course by offering practical application for what you need to know to safely navigate a motor cruiser in local waters berthing in marinas or anchorages in secluded spots. You will also learn to handle the boat in close quarters situations. This course is also available as Own Boat Tuition.

We aim to maximize the time you spend afloat and minimize the classroom time.

Your instructor will cover the following topics with you during your time with him/her:

  • Safety & preparation for sea
  • Boat handling including leaving & coming alongside
  • Navigation including use of electronic navigation techniques and radar
  • Pilotage & passage planning
  • Rules of the road
  • Engines
  • Emergency situations including man overboard recovery
  • Introduction to Night cruising
  • Meteorology

The Day Skipper Practical course is ideal for:

  • for those new, or with a little experience of motor cruising and wishing to Skipper their own motor cruiser.
  • Those looking to hire a boat abroad and who require an ICC over 10m.

Candidates should have some experience and be keen to develop their knowledge onto the next level.  Recommended pre-course experience is:

  • 5 Days at Sea
  • 100 miles motor cruising
  • 4 night hours

This course is extremely popular as success on it entitles the holder to apply for their ICC

It is highly recommended that you attend the Day Skipper Shorebased Course before taking this practical course or have theory knowledge to the level of Day Skipper.

9am-5pm each day with approximately 45 mins for lunch

The course also includes an evening passage on one of the days which will mean a slightly later finish.

Minimum Duration: 4 days

Minimum age 16 years old.

For younger boaters see the Helmsman Course (min age 12) or Start Motor Cruising (min age 8)

An International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is often considered as the international ‘boat driving licence’. It is usually required by countries/operators if you wish to use your own craft abroad or to charter one and we’re offering 10% off our June 2016 course dates.
The RYA powerboat level 2 is the basic level course allowing you to rent a boat abroad once you have obtained your ICC boat handling license (International Certificate of Competence). You can find out more about the ICC here

What class of ICC can I get?:
Unrestricted Power (Coastal) – vessels up to 24m, Coastal

Inland – To obtain the ‘Inland endorsement’ you need to undertake an additional short online test – the ‘CEVNI’ test see here for more details.

Your ICC is valid for 5 years.

Applying for your first ICC:
To obtain an ICC, you must complete an ICC application form in full and sign the declaration. You can download the ICC application form from the website or request a copy from the RYA Certification Department.
This should be sent to the RYA Certification Department, together with:

  • a passport sized photograph (with your name on the reverse);
  • evidence that your nationality does not preclude you from being issued with an ICC by the RYA;
  • evidence of your competence (relevant sections of the application form have been signed to say you have passed the ICC assessment or the ICC CEVNI test or photocopies of any certificates you are presenting as evidence) are enclosed; and
  • payment (including the fast track fee if required)
  • Renewing an ICC
  • The ICC is valid for 5 years.

This course operates with a maximum of 5 students per instructor/vessel

RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook and Day Skipper Handbook (Motor)

If you need a Day Skipper certificate in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA’s codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed. You can then work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 5 and 6 waters – that is up to 20 miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight.

Please note: If you will be working in category 5 waters, you will need to hold both the shorebased (with invigilated exams) and practical Day Skipper certificates, and get them commercially endorsed.