Anglia Sea Ventures

The RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence is an internationally recognised qualification. It can be commercially endorsed which will allow you to skipper a yacht commercially up to 20 miles from a harbour. Note: This Coastal Skipper preparation and exam is not the same as the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course.

To increase your chances of passing the exam, it is recommended that you take the RYA Coastal Skipper Course followed by some further sailing, followed by this preparation and exam course. If you are confident that you are at the required level you may opt to go straight for this preparation course and exam.

Be aware that you will need to gain a good deal of experience and knowledge before taking the exam. Our Adventure Sails are an excellent way to help you build miles and experience. We also recommend attending a shorebased Navigation Theory Brush-up course as your navigational theory and collision regulations will need to be to a high standard.

If you have the prerequisite experience then this course with one of our Yachtmaster instructors will prepare you for the exam which can be taken on the 5th day. Not all candidates are ready for the exam and if we believe you are not, we will tell you why and work with you on the specific areas that need development. Assuming all goes well you will take the exam on the Friday. There is an additional exam fee payable to the RYA.

During your time aboard, you will be living in the most spacious and luxurious sea school yacht in the region with separate living, sleeping and toilet/shower facilities. You will receive expert tuition from one of our experienced qualified RYA Instructors who is there not only to teach you but to ensure you have a most enjoyable time. Each night we will stay in a different marina with each one having excellent shoreside toilet and shower facilities. Domestic duties are shared by all on board and at the end of each course we ask you to help clean the yacht ready for the next crew.

The course fee includes full board for the duration of your course, tuition, wet weather and safety gear so there is nothing else to pay whilst on board.

The minimum course duration is 5 days (four days preparation plus the exam day).

Previous Experience

Radio Operator's Qualification - A restricted (VHF only) or Radio Operator’s Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate

First Aid - A valid first aid certificate.

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shorebased course.

Seatime - The minimum pre-exam requirements are 30 days on board (2 Days as Skipper), 800 sea miles and a minimum of 12 night hours. (The requirement for holders of the Coastal Skipper Course Completion Certificate is reduced to 20 days on board [2 as Skipper], 400 miles on board and a minimum of 12 night hours). At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. It is worth noting that most candidates for this examination have substantially more than the minimum experience detailed above.

Location

Haven Marina, Ipswich, East Anglia

Duration

Each course lasts 5 days (5 nights on board)

Course start dates

Other dates may be available subject to demand so please contact us if your preferred dates are not listed.

Note that you will need to join the yacht the evening before the course start date for a pre-course briefing.

What's included?

Tuition, accommodation and meals, fuel, harnesses and life jackets, wet weather gear. If you have any special dietary requirements please contact us. Dinner Friday evening is not included.

Restrictions

The minimum age is 18 years. To operate within the safety parameters of the life saving equipment on board the maximum weight is 18 stone. No smoking on board.

Number on board

To ensure full participation by all, numbers will be limited to a maximum of 5 students per course (usually 4).

What to wear

Non-marking soft soled shoes or sailing boots (sorry but Wellington or garden boots are not suitable). Wet weather gear if you have any (we can supply some if you don't). A hat or cap. Sailing gloves. Change of clothing (It can get chilly out on the water so several layers of clothing are best rather than fewer thick layers). Please pack all items in a soft sports type bag that can be easily stowed

What to bring

During a 5 day course we may go abroard so please bring your Passport (and Visa for France or Belgium if necessary), EU Health Insurance card if you have one, cash for any purchases ashore in Sterling and Euros. Sun block, sun glasses, camera, sleeping bag and pillow case (we provide a pillow), wash gear and bath towel, G15 log book if you have one.

Other things you should know

An Exam fee is payable to the RYA in addition to the course fee above. If this course has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, you will be offered an alternative date. Sailing requires a degree of physical exertion so if you have any doubts concerning your fitness please make us aware. Please consult your pharmacist or doctor if you require seasickness medication. There are toilet facilities on board. Please be aware that your instructor will need to be satisfied that you have demonstrated the appropriate level of competence before a course completion certificate will be awarded. Attending a course does not automatically result in a course completion certificate being issued. If for any reason you do not meet the required standard your instructor will provide you with an action plan identifying areas for improvement.

Payment

A £100 deposit per person is required when booking. The balance is due 4 weeks prior to the course date. To proceed, click the Buy and Book button above. If you have already paid a deposit and you wish to pay the balance, click here. We are sorry but vouchers, must be paid for in advance.