Preparing for your RYA Coastal Skipper Course can feel a little daunting, so we at Ardent Training, an RYA-recognised online training school, have put together answers to the questions we’re most often asked by students.

Getting ready for an RYA Coastal Skipper Course can be a stressful time, so we at Ardent Training, an RYA-certified teaching school, have put together some frequently asked questions to help you!

This information applies to both RYA Coastal Skipper Sail and RYA Coastal Skipper Motor. For more information about these, click here for motor and sail.

What Are The Pre-Requisites for an RYA Coastal Skipper Course?

Before joining the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course, you’ll need:

• 15 days spent at sea

• 300 nautical miles logged

• Ideally 8 night hours (though not always possible)

• 2 days as skipper

• Theory knowledge up to RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Theory level

How Long Does the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course Take?

Usually 5 days, although some training centres offer it over two or three weekends.
It’s an intensive course focused on advanced skippering techniques, passage planning, night sailing, and handling a crew under pressure.

How Does the RYA Define ‘Coastal Waters’’?

There’s no strict line on the chart for this, but coastal waters generally refers to areas where you may lose sight of land for part of the passage, and where a watch system might reasonably be required.

What Kind of Experience Will I Get During the Course?

You’ll gain real experience skippering longer passages, including overnight navigation, watch-keeping, and pilotage into unfamiliar harbours.
Of course longer passages often mean more unexpected challenges, like changes in the weather. Expect to plan and execute several passages while managing a crew and dealing with real-world scenarios such as weather changes or equipment issues.

Do I Need Skippering Experience Before Taking the RYA Coastal Skipper Course?

Yes. You should first complete your RYA Day Skipper course, then spend time skippering independently to consolidate your skills.
The RYA Coastal Skipper Course builds on that experience, it’s designed to develop your existing skippering and decision-making ability rather than teach it from scratch.

What Does the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate Allow Me to Do?

It qualifies you to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day or night, and to charter yachts without supervision in most areas worldwide (subject to local regulations).
Many charter companies view this as a strong professional-level recreational qualification.

If I Pass the RYA Coastal Skipper Course, Can I Use It Abroad?

While the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate is highly respected, some countries, particularly in the Mediterranean, require an ICC (International Certificate of Competence).

If you already hold your Coastal Skipper Practical certificate, obtaining your ICC is straightforward. Depending on your country of residence, it can be issued through the RYA or your national authority for a small fee (free with RYA membership).

Is the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Difficult?

It’s a step up from Day Skipper, both in responsibility, practical skills, and theory knowledge.
You’ll need confidence in tidal planning, navigation, and seamanship, but with the right preparation, it’s well within reach for a competent and motivated sailor.

Can I Go Straight From Day Skipper to Coastal Skipper Practical?

Not quite.
You’ll need to spend time building experience as skipper between the two, as well as completing the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course first.

The practical course assumes a higher level of knowledge and confidence, both in navigation and decision-making, than Day Skipper.

What’s the Difference Between the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical and the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam?

The Coastal Skipper Practical is an instructional course with continuous assessment and no formal exam.
The Yachtmaster Coastal is a separate exam assessing your competence as skipper. This exam is not part of a course, but a stand alone assessment.
Many students complete the Coastal Skipper Practical first to gain experience before attempting the Yachtmaster Coastal exam later.

How Can I Build Experience Before Taking the Coastal Skipper Practical?

here are plenty of ways to gain mileage and confidence:

• Join local sailing clubs or crewing opportunities

• Take part in racing or adventure charters

• Try skippered charters to experience different boats

• Get out regularly on your own boat, if you have one

And of course, complete your RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory before stepping aboard for the practical.

Does This Qualification Allow Me to Drive a Rib up to 15 Metres?

No, RIB operations fall under the RYA powerboat scheme.
If that’s your goal, you’ll likely want the RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate, especially if you plan to work commercially.

What’s Included in the Course Fee?

Usually:

• Accommodation and meals on board (potentially in a shared cabin, it is worth checking this)

• Tuition from an RYA Instructor

• Use of the yacht and safety gear

• Fuel and mooring fees are subject to each individual training centres terms and conditions

Always confirm what’s included with your chosen training centre.

Can I Commercially Endorse My RYA Coastal Skipper Qualification?

Yes, you can.

Your RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate can be commercially endorsed, allowing you to work as skipper on small commercial vessels (under 24m, within certain distance limits from the coast).

To apply for commercial endorsement, you’ll also need:

• A valid medical certificate (ML5 or ENG1)

• RYA VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC)

• RYA First Aid certificate

• RYA Personal Survival Techniques (Sea Survival)

Once complete, you can apply for the endorsement through the RYA.

Is There an Exam for the RYA Coastal Skipper Course?

No formal exam.
Like the Day Skipper Practical, your certificate is awarded through continuous assessment by your instructor throughout the course.

Basically, so long as you pay attention, and demonstrate you are taking on (and capable of) everything your instructor is showing you, you should do well.

Is VHF or First Aid Training Required?

Not officially for the Coastal Skipper Practical Course, but both are strongly recommended, especially if you plan to progress towards commercial endorsement.
You can learn more about the VHF SRC course here..

I Already Have an ICC for Motorboats and Now Want to Do Coastal Skipper Sail. Does That Make Sense?

Absolutely!
However, unless you already have solid sailing experience, it’s best to start with RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper Sail first.
These will give you the foundation sail handling skills you need before stepping up to Coastal Skipper level.

How Much Does the ICC Cost?

If you’re not an RYA member, it costs £55.
If you’re an RYA member, it’s free, and RYA membership itself also costs £55, so it’s well worth joining if you plan to gain more qualifications.

What’s the Next Step After RYA Coastal Skipper?

Most sailors go on to:

• Gain more sea miles and experience

• Work towards their RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Certificate of Competence

• Or simply enjoy skippering more ambitious trips with confidence

Final Thoughts

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course is a significant step up, but with the right preparation, theory knowledge, sea miles, and skippering experience, it’s one of the most rewarding courses in the RYA scheme.

If you have any questions or would like advice on how to prepare, our instructors at Ardent Training are always happy to help.
Get in touch today.