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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

      • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
      • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

      • Places
        Find anywhere nautical, including marinas & training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
      • Courses
        We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

      • Nautical Terms & Terminology
        Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
      • Why do we have tides?
        Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
      • What causes our weather?
        A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
      • Buoyage Flashcards
        Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
      • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
        Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
      • The Salty Sea Blog
        From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
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Nautical Know How
  • Our Courses

      All our courses are engaging, interactive and fun! Whether formal training or simply looking to brush up, we take online learning to the next level.

      • Sailing EssentialsFreeA free course great for anyone who spends time on the water.
      • Essential Navigation & SeamanshipRYA course for beginners. Learn charts, tides, pilotage, and core seamanship with simple practice tasks.
      • Day Skipper TheoryMost PopularRYA course for inshore skippers. Plan day passages using chartwork, tides, weather, and COLREGs.
      • Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® TheoryComing SoonRYA course for advanced navigation and passage planning. Work with secondary ports, tidal streams, and offshore weather.
      • SRC (VHF) Marine Radio CourseRYA Short Range Certificate radio course. Study online, then take the practical exam with an RYA assessor.
  • Directory

      Are you looking for something nautical related? Our directory is an extensive list of courses and places associated with the marine industry. Hop over and search now.

      • Places
        Find anywhere nautical, including marinas & training centres. If it exists, we’ve got it listed!
      • Courses
        We help you navigate through the complex world of training and help find what’s best for you.
  • Know-How

      We believe every day’s a school day on a boat! That’s why we built Nautical Know-How, dedicated to answering your questions. Even better, if it can’t answer your question immediately, you can request it, and we’ll add it to our knowledge base.

      • Nautical Terms & Terminology
        Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. Let us explain why a sheet isn’t for your bed, why “heave ho” doesn’t mean throw up (most of the time), and why “dead reckoning” is surprisingly less ominous than it sounds.
      • Why do we have tides?
        Have you ever wondered what causes the tides? Check out this video, which introduces the forces that create the tides we experience on Earth.
      • What causes our weather?
        A video introducing the drivers behind our weather, part of our RYA Day Skipper & RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster® Offshore theory courses.
      • Buoyage Flashcards
        Flashcards designed to help remember the buoys in the IALA system. If you want to learn them in detail, our module ‘Getting in and out of harbour‘, covers the IALA system and different buoys used.
      • Interactive Rule Book (COLREGs / IRPCS)
        Whether you’re a novice sailor or a seasoned skipper, we can help you navigate the IRPCS confidently and clearly. Our easy-to-use, easy-to-understand, plain English rule book with helpful interpretations of what each rule means.
      • The Salty Sea Blog
        From salty old sea dogs to fresh-faced deckhands, this blog is for anyone who finds peace, adventure, and a bit of mischief on the water. So hoist the main, set your course, and let’s sail into the stories, lessons, and musings that make life on the sea so irresistible.
  • Chandlery
Sign In Join now—it’s Free

Courses

The thrill of gliding across the water, feeling the ocean breeze, and exploring the vast blue is an experience like no other. Whether it’s sailing, kayaking, or powerboating, marine and watersports activities offer adventure, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature. Learning essential skills through structured courses not only enhances safety and confidence but also allows enthusiasts to make the most of their time on the water.

Marine and watersports courses cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, from beginners looking to navigate a paddleboard for the first time to experienced sailors aiming for advanced certifications. These courses provide hands-on training in fundamental techniques, safety procedures, and environmental awareness. Understanding the principles of wind, tides, and water currents, as well as mastering equipment handling, can significantly enhance the enjoyment of any watersport.

Safety is a key reason to invest in proper training. Whether you’re learning to sail, operate or a powerboat, knowing how to react in different conditions is essential. Courses teach vital skills such as rescue techniques, navigation, and risk assessment, ensuring that water-based adventures remain safe and enjoyable.

Beyond the technical aspects, marine and watersports courses open the door to new experiences and communities. They offer opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, join sailing clubs, or even pursue a career in marine industries. The sense of accomplishment gained from mastering a new skill—whether it’s steering a boat or catching a wave—builds confidence and a lifelong passion for the water.

No matter your age or experience, learning watersports skills enhances your ability to explore, enjoy, and respect the marine environment. With the right training, the water becomes not just a place to visit, but a playground of adventure and discovery.

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  • Term
    Definition
  • Courses, RYA Offshore Personal Survival (RYA/World Sailing)The Offshore Personal Survival course is an intensive program designed for sailors participating in offshore and ocean races. Participants learn... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Personal Watercraft ProficiencyThe RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency course is designed for jet ski operators, covering essential skills for safe and enjoyable use.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Powerboat AdvancedThe RYA Powerboat Advanced course is designed for experienced powerboaters operating in challenging conditions, including night navigation.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Powerboat IntermediateThe RYA Powerboat Intermediate course bridges the gap between Level 2 and advanced powerboating. Participants learn navigation, passage planning,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Professional Practices and ResponsibilitiesThe RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) course is a mandatory online qualification for individuals seeking a Commercial... More Details
  • Courses RadarThe RYA Radar course teaches participants to use radar systems effectively for navigation and collision avoidance. Topics include radar setup,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA DofE CentreThe RYA DofE Centre course is aimed at individuals and organizations offering Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award activities with a sailing or... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat ExamThe RYA Diesel Engine course is designed for boat operators seeking to understand their engine's basic maintenance and troubleshooting. This... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor ExamThe Youth Sailing Scheme - Start Sailing Stage 2 builds on the basics introduced in Stage 1. Young sailors refine their steering and sail control... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail ExamYouth Sailing Scheme - Stage 3 introduces advanced sailing techniques, such as upwind and downwind sailing, alongside improving overall boat... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean ExamThe RYA Coastal Skipper course prepares experienced sailors for extended coastal passages. Covering advanced navigation, passage planning, and... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor ExamThe RYA Radar course provides an introduction to using radar systems for marine navigation and safety. Participants learn to interpret radar... More Details
  • Courses, RYA RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail ExamThe RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is tailored for those planning long-distance offshore passages. It delves into celestial navigation,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Safe and Fun SafeguardingThe RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding course is an online program aimed at instructors, coaches, and volunteers working with children and vulnerable... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Safety BoatThe RYA Safety Boat course is essential for those providing rescue and safety cover for water sports or racing events. Participants learn advanced... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Start Motor CruisingThe RYA Start Motor Cruising course is a beginner-friendly introduction to motor boating. Participants learn the basics of boat handling, safety,... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Start WindsurfingThe RYA Start Windsurfing course is designed for complete beginners, teaching the fundamentals of windsurfing in a fun and supportive environment.... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Start YachtingThe RYA Start Yachting course is a two-day introduction to the basics of yacht sailing. Participants learn steering, sail handling, and onboard... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Tender OperatorThe RYA Tender Operator course is tailored for individuals using tenders in marina or superyacht environments. The course covers low-speed... More Details
  • Courses, RYA Windsurfing Advanced RacingThe RYA Windsurfing Advanced Racing course is for competitive windsurfers looking to improve their race performance. Participants learn advanced... More Details
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  • Contact UsGet in touch, we love talking to people on our wavelength.

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