A coastal skipper is a yachtsman or woman who has the ability to skipper a yacht in coastal waters by day or night. There is a shorebased course which provides the background knowledge required, a practical course which teaches the skills and techniques required, and a Certificate of Competence. While the qualification originated in the United Kingdom, the course is taught worldwide. Recognised sailing Schools authorised to conduct the training include Deep Blue Sea Training.
Pre-course requirements
- Minimum age 17
- 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours
- Boat handling to the standard of Day Skipper and navigation to shorebased Coastal
- Completed the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore shore-based course
Recommended reading
- Seaman’s Guide to the Rules of the Road by JWW Ford
- Yachtmaster for Sail and Power by Alison Noice
Bring with you on the day
- Waterproof clothing
- Sunscreen
Course Details
- Duration: 5 days
- Start and finish time: 09.30 to variable
Course Syllabus
- Passage planning
- Preparation for sea
- Pilotage
- Passage making and ability as skipper
- Yacht handling under power
- Yacht handling under sail
- Adverse weather conditions
- Emergency situations
- Ability after the course Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night
Certification
- The Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate is awarded on successful completion of practical exam over one day and one night
Post Course:
- By the end of the course you Coastal Skippers should be able to undertake more difficult passages by day and night, be able to handle the yacht in more demanding conditions and have the knowledge, if not the experience, to become a Yachtmaster™
