Recently, we discussed the RYA Intermediate and Advanced powerboating qualifications. There, we also discussed certain shorebased courses as they were highly recommended and necessary to advance with your goal. In this article, let’s understand the different types of RYA Shorebased Courses available in South Africa. You may either take these courses in a classroom in South Africa, or you can simply take them online.
RYA Shorebased Courses in South Africa
There are plenty of courses to choose from when it comes to RYA Shorebased Courses in South Africa. While these courses are also online, we highly recommend taking them in a classroom. One reason is that employers still consider certificates obtained via a classroom course rather than an online course. You should only consider online courses when there’s absolutely no way you can learn in a classroom.
In South Africa, Sail and Power SA—an RYA-accredited training centre—provides a variety of RYA theory courses. Let’s divide them into three sections for a better understanding. In this article, we will only focus on the courses that we provide. For a full list, please check the “Final Thoughts” section of this article.
Shorebased Navigation Courses by RYA
If you are going for the RYA Powerboat qualifications, these navigation courses are a must. Each Powerboat qualification requires you to have navigational knowledge of certain standards. While they are optional courses, they are highly favourable for novices.
All RYA theory courses have a written exam at the end. You must pass the exam to obtain your qualification.
Let’s understand them briefly.
Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course
A course for complete beginners, the Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course focuses on the ABCs of navigation when you are out on the sea. As a beginner course, people as young as the age of 12 can take the course.
The course will focus on charts and publications, tidal awareness, visual and electronic navigation, rules of the road, weather forecasts and much more.
The course duration is about 16 hours in a classroom or about 10 hours online.
Day Skipper Theory Course
As a RYA Powerboat Intermediate, you must have the Day Skipper level of navigational knowledge. If you are not confident with your navigation knowledge or abilities, we highly recommend taking the Day Skipper Theory course prior to the RYA Powerboat Intermediate course.
This course primarily focuses on the knowledge required for safely charting and navigating a course in familiar waters by day.
The course duration is about 40 hours and additional exam time.
Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course
Trying for RYA Powerboat Advanced? This course is a must before you embark on becoming an Advanced powerboater. The primary focus of this course is to help you familiarise yourself with the navigational knowledge required for planning a passage on coastal waters day and night.
That’s right! As an advanced Powerboater, you should be able to navigate a boat during nighttime as well. The Coastal Skipper Theory Course will help you understand the nitty-gritty of nighttime navigations.
The minimum duration of this course is 40 hours plus additional exam time.
Specialist Courses
The RYA specialist courses allow you to obtain additional qualifications. These qualifications can teach you some of the important aspects of dealing with certain emergencies.
At Sail and Power SA, we primarily cover the Diesel Engine Course and Radar Course. Apart from that, we also focus on the professional aspects of being a marine worker and understanding your responsibilities.
Let’s take a brief look at these courses.
Diesel Engine Course
Technical difficulties can occur anywhere and at any time. Being prepared during such times is the key to swiftly dealing with such situations. While you may not be able to deal with it 100% of the time, at least you will have a few cards up your sleeves when life decides to deal a bad hand for you.
What I am saying is if you have basic knowledge regarding how a powerboat engine works, you have a better chance at mitigating a few minor issues, if not all of them. Thus, while majorly optional, we highly recommend you take the RYA Diesel Engine Course.
This is strictly a 1-day classroom-based course.
Radar Course
Yet another handy course, the RYA Radar Course focuses on how to operate and read a radar effectively. Radar is a crucial tool that helps with navigation and avoiding collisions. In this one-day course, you will learn radar wave propagation, radar set components, target definitions, radar reflectors, and more.
RYA’s Radar Course is useful for boaters from all backgrounds. The course can either be in a classroom or on a boat, depending on the training centre.
Professional Practices and Responsibilities Course
Professional Practices and Responsibilities or PPR is a mandatory course for RYA Commercial Endorsement holders. If you are applying for an RYA Commercial Endorsement, this course is a must.
In South Africa, the nature of this course is completely online. You may study this course at your own pace. The course focuses on teaching you about professional mannerisms and your responsibilities as a marine worker. Apart from that, you will also learn about safety responsibilities as well.
Final Thoughts
Being an RYA-accredited training centre, Sail and Power SA makes taking RYA Courses convenient for you in South Africa. Get RYA-certified in no time with our professional team with rich experience in the marine industry. And of course, as mentioned earlier, these are not the only RYA courses we offer.
For a full list of the RYA Shorebased Courses in South Africa, please refer to this link. For a full list of RYA courses, including the ones we do not provide, please check the RYA website.
And of course, if you have any questions or if you are looking for further information on our curriculum, please feel free to get in touch with us.