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
RYA Day Skipper theory syllabus checklist
Direct answer
Use this independent checklist to plan revision across the 17 Day Skipper theory topic areas. Each item links to its module and a useful public lesson where available. Open the module list for free previews, or unlock full revision access for £4.99.
- Course
- Day Skipper
- Format
- Syllabus guide with checklist and module links
- Review focus
- From basics to skipper decisions and Use the module order as a revision route
- Independence
- Independent revision aid; not affiliated with or endorsed by the RYA
Use this independent checklist to plan revision across the 17 Day Skipper theory topic areas. Each item links to its module and a useful public lesson where available.
Open the module list for free previews, or unlock full revision access for £4.99.
Checklist
Checkable 17-topic revision checklist
Use this independent revision structure to plan study and check coverage. It is not an official RYA syllabus publication.
Foundations
1. Nautical TermsModulePublic lesson
2. RopeworkModulePublic lesson
3. AnchorworkModulePublic lesson
4. SafetyModulePublic lesson
17. Marine EnvironmentModulePublic lesson
Rules and safety
5. COLREGsModulePublic lesson
15. Restricted VisibilityModulePublic lesson
12. Visual Aids to NavigationModulePublic lesson
Calculations and navigation
6. Position, Course & SpeedModulePublic lesson
7. Charts & PublicationsModulePublic lesson
8. Drawing InstrumentsModulePublic lesson
9. CompassModulePublic lesson
10. ChartworkModulePublic lesson
11. Tides & Tidal StreamsModulePublic lesson
Practical planning
13. MeteorologyModulePublic lesson
14. Passage PlanningModulePublic lesson
16. PilotageModulePublic lesson
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.
Use the syllabus to choose practice
After each topic pass, use module questions or a mixed mock to check whether you can recall the idea without notes.
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 printables
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Free printable
Day Skipper theory revision checklist
A printable syllabus and readiness checklist for planning revision, checking weak areas, and preparing for the theory assessment or practical course.
Independent revision aid, not official RYA material.Privacy policy
Free printable
COLREGs lights and shapes quick reference
A visual recognition sheet for common navigation-light arrangements, day shapes, vessel status, and the action that follows identification.
Independent revision aid, not official RYA material.Privacy policy
Common questions
How many modules are in Day Skipper Theory?
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.
Keep exploring
Related Day Skipper revision pages
14-day revision plan
Plan RYA Day Skipper revision with a 14-day study plan, free quiz links, checklist, and a topic route across chartwork, COLREGs, tides, weather, lights, and passage planning.
Course cost guide
Understand typical Day Skipper theory, practical, equipment, and revision costs, and where a £4.99 revision companion fits into your training budget.
Practice questions
Try a free 10-question Day Skipper revision quiz with explanations, then continue into mixed practice across chartwork, COLREGs, tides, weather, and navigation.