Duration:  6 Days with a maximum of 3 students per boat. Comprises 5 day preparation and 1 day exam.

Previous Experience Required:
30 days aboard, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles logged 12 night hours, VHF radio operators certificate, suitable first aid certificate. If a Coastal Skipper completion certificate is held only 400 miles are required.

Content:
Boat handling, navigation, pilotage, man overboard recovery and overall boat management skills, Advanced skippering techniques in preparation for RYA/MCA exams.

To attain the Coastal Skipper candidates must pass a practical examination of their skippering ability. Both certificates are granted by the Royal Yachting Association in conjunction with the MCA and are amongst the worlds most respected yachting qualifications. Hayling Sea School specialises in exam preparations and students come from around the world to attend our courses. Exam preparations are conducted by our most experienced skippers - all fully qualified Yacht master Offshore Instructors.

During these 5 days courses your instructor will assess your ability and coach you in all the disciplines required to pass from mooring under one engine, to “blind” navigation exercises. Early in the week the instructor will give you an honest appraisal of your chances of success and will then address any weakness that may have been highlighted. During the course you will take command of the yacht on passages by day and night, and practice boat handling techniques. In addition, you will be thoroughly tested on your knowledge of theoretical navigation and collision regulations so make sure you have brushed up on these before you come.

At the end of the week your instructor will give you a debrief and leave you feeling confident in your ability. Normally you will have been working with fellow candidates for 5 days and you will have a solid understanding of your boat and crew before the arrival of the examiner.  Each student is examined as they skipper the motor cruiser on short passages and complete various demonstrations of skippering techniques. All our instructors have been through these exams themselves and will therefore do their utmost to prepare you for your exams so that you are relaxed and confident on the day.