The RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence examination is the next natural step for those who have completed the RYA Coastal Skipper course and have completed some coastal sailing since in order to put the lessons learnt into practice. The holder of an RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence has the knowledge needed to to skipper a yacht on coastal passages, but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer offshore passages. The theory knowledge required for the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence is the same as that for Yachtmaster, but less practical experience and skill is required.  

Early in the week your experienced instructor will give you an honest appraisal of your chances of success and will then address any weaknesses that may have been highlighted. During the course you will take command of the yacht on short passages by day and night and practice lots of close quarters boat handling techniques under sail and power. The instructor will tailor the course to your specific needs however our experience leads us to emphasize the following subjects:  passage planning, man overboard recovery, close quarters handling under sail and power, skippering techniques, navigation in restricted visibilty, pilotage and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations. Before joining the course, students should have the pre-requisite experience outlined above, navigation theory to the level of the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory course and a thorough knowledge of the Collision Regulations.

At the end of the week your instructor will give you a debrief and leave you feeling relaxed and confident in your ability to take the examination should you feel ready to do so.