From basics to skipper decisions
The topics build from terminology and safety through to navigation, tides, weather, pilotage, restricted visibility, and passage planning.
Syllabus guide
The Day Skipper theory syllabus in 17 revision modules
Use the syllabus guide to see what you need to revise and where each topic fits. The app mirrors the subject areas with lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and tools.
Open the module list for free previews, or unlock full revision access for GBP 4.99.
Use the module order as a revision route
Working in order helps the ideas build naturally. If your exam or practical is close, jump straight to your weak topics and use quizzes to check readiness.
Make hard topics visual
The app includes interactive support for buoyage, lights and shapes, compass conversions, tidal curves, course-to-steer vectors, and shipping forecasts.
Syllabus modules
17 topics to revise
Module 1
Nautical Terms
General nautical terminology and parts of a boat and hull.
Module 2
Ropework
Properties of synthetic ropes in common use aboard yachts.
Module 3
Anchorwork
Anchoring considerations and characteristics of different anchor types.
Module 4
Safety
Rescue procedures, distress signals, personal safety equipment, and fire precautions.
Module 5
COLREGs
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea — steering rules, lights, and shapes.
Module 6
Position, Course & Speed
True bearings, courses, latitude, longitude, and the knot.
Module 7
Charts & Publications
Reading nautical charts, symbols, chart correction, and navigational publications.
Module 8
Drawing Instruments
Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments.
Module 9
Compass
Hand-bearing compass, variation, deviation, and compass conversions.
Module 10
Chartwork
Course to steer, position fixing, waypoints, dead reckoning, and estimated position.
Module 11
Tides & Tidal Streams
Tidal heights, tidal curves, tidal diamonds, stream atlases, and secondary port corrections.
Module 12
Visual Aids to Navigation
Lighthouses, beacons, and light characteristics used for navigation.
Module 13
Meteorology
Shipping forecasts, Beaufort scale, weather systems, and broadcast meteorological information.
Module 14
Passage Planning
Navigational records, passage preparation, waypoints, and the APEM framework.
Module 15
Restricted Visibility
Precautions and limitations imposed by fog and restricted visibility.
Module 16
Pilotage
Harbour entry, IALA buoyage (Region A), transits, leading lines, and clearing bearings.
Module 17
Marine Environment
Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment.
Free downloads
Useful resources to share or print
Day Skipper theory revision checklist
A one-page checklist for planning revision, checking exam readiness, and preparing for a practical course.
Download PDFCOLREGs lights and shapes quick reference
A compact reminder sheet for vessel hierarchy, navigation lights, day shapes, and sound signals.
Download PDFCommon questions
How many modules are in Day Skipper Revision?
There are 17 modules covering the main Day Skipper theory subject areas.
Which topics are usually hardest?
Students often need extra practice with tidal calculations, chartwork, COLREGs, buoyage, and weather interpretation.
Can I browse the syllabus for free?
Yes. The module list and free previews are available before unlocking full access.
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Revise for RYA Day Skipper theory with syllabus-mapped lessons, quizzes, flashcards, mock exams, and visual tools for chartwork, tides, COLREGs, and pilotage.
Course cost guide
Understand typical Day Skipper theory, practical, equipment, and revision costs, and where a GBP 4.99 revision companion fits into your training budget.
Practice questions
Practise RYA Day Skipper theory questions by module, with instant feedback for COLREGs, tides, chartwork, pilotage, meteorology, safety, and more.