RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course – CLASSROOM

RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship course - Classroom version

About the course

The RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course is an entry-level shorebased course that provides a practical introduction to navigation and safety for anyone new to boating. It is designed to give learners a solid grounding in fundamental skills and knowledge needed to safely enjoy time on the water, whether by sail, powerboat, motor cruiser, or even paddlecraft. The course is typically delivered over two days in a classroom setting or can be completed online at your own pace through interactive modules and exercises.

The course syllabus covers a wide range of essential boating topics. Students learn the basics of nautical charts, symbols, and tidal information, including how to understand tidal heights and streams to plan a safe journey. Introduction to basic navigation techniques, simple plotting, bearings, and estimating positions are core elements. Weather awareness is also covered, giving learners the tools to interpret forecasts and make informed boating decisions. Other key topics include buoyage and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), helping students recognise navigation marks and understand the “rules of the road” on the water.

Safety is a strong focus throughout. The course explains the use of lifejackets, VHF radio, distress signals, and emergency equipment. Students also get an overview of anchoring, seasickness prevention, basic engine checks, and safe passage planning. By the end of the course, participants have a toolkit of essential knowledge to support further training or independent boating.

The RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship Course is aimed at complete beginners or those who want a structured, confidence-building introduction to navigation and safety. It is ideal for new boat owners, crew members wanting to be more involved on board, paddleboarders, dinghy sailors, or anyone taking their first steps into boating. It also provides a useful stepping stone toward higher-level courses like RYA Day Skipper Theory or is a great follow from Powerboat Level 2. Whether you’re planning short trips on inland waterways or exploring the coast, this course helps make boating safer and more enjoyable.

Book a date for your course

 
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  Courses shown for Poole are run by Powerboat Training UK.  

For information... When you make a booking using this system please be aware that we allocate you the places but the booking is provisional and subject to confirmation. We will review your booking and then you will receive a payment request from us, the payment you make will secure your place. You will receive confirmation from us at the latest during the next business day. For all courses we have a minimum required number for the course to go ahead. Also...We have an automatic cutoff built into this system that doesn't allow you to book within 48 hours of the course starting. We may still have places though - use the contact button to alert us to your interest. And finally...Once you have finished the process you will receive a variety of emails. If you do not get any then please check your spam folder and if there is nothing there then please let us know.