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, 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.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.
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 & TerminologyUnderstanding 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 FlashcardsFlashcards 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 BlogFrom 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.Get a taste of what Nautical Know-How has to offer with our free example downloads—featuring real-world resources like passage plans, tidal calculations, and navigation checklists. These practical tools show you how theory translates into action on the water. Want more? By joining us, you’ll unlock full access to our growing library of downloadable crib sheets, templates, and training aids—all designed to help you feel confident and prepared at every stage of your learning.
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency SOLAS V regulations are relevant to pleasure vessels under 150 GT (Gross Tonnage). SOLAS V – Safety of Life at Sea isn’t just for commercial ships. Some parts apply to pleasure craft too—and they’re legally binding. This handy guide breaks down…
PDF · 1 file · 1.82 MB
Updated 15 April 2026 · 794 downloads
The SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Life Saving Signals card, commonly called the SOLAS No. 2 card, is an essential tool for mariners and rescue personnel. It is part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, which aim…
PDF · 1 file · 499.99 KB · Version 1.0
Updated 8 July 2025 · 3,009 downloads
Here’s a handy crib sheet you can download that lists all 31 Shipping Forecast sea areas at a glance, complete with their names, locations and key details—perfect for mariners, weather enthusiasts or anyone who needs a quick reference when tuning into the forecast. Whether you’re…
PDF · 1 file · 698.59 KB
Updated 15 April 2026 · 47,490 downloads
Before you cast off, make sure your crew is fully briefed and confident. Our Safety Briefing Checklist is a practical tool for skippers to deliver clear, effective safety briefings—especially useful for novice or trainee skippers looking to build good habits from day one. This checklist covers all…
PDF · 1 file · 206.99 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 10,146 downloads
Take the guesswork out of voyage preparation with our Passage Planning Template! Designed to keep your journeys smooth and stress-free, this customisable template helps you organise every trip detail—from waypoints and weather forecasts to tidal calculations and safety checks. Whether plotting a short coastal hop or…
PDF · 1 file · 67.85 KB
Updated 24 September 2026 · 14,968 downloads
Whether you’re preparing for your SRC(VHF) exam or simply brushing up on your communications discipline, this crib sheet puts the essential marine prowords at your fingertips. Prowords (procedure words) are standardized signal‐communication shortcuts—like “Over,” “Correction,” and “Say Again”—that ensure clarity, brevity, and mutual understanding over…
PDF · 1 file · 344.18 KB
Updated 5 September 2026 · 8,089 downloads
Elevate your knowledge of collision regulations with our IRPCS – Specialist Lights & Shapes Crib Sheet! Tailored for those preparing for the Yachtmaster® exam or anyone wanting to deepen their understanding, this handy download demystifies the special lights and shapes used by vessels at sea –…
PDF · 1 file · 102.12 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 134 downloads
Understanding and identifying navigation lights is a crucial part of staying safe at sea and complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS). This crib sheet focuses specifically on vessels making way—those that are underway and moving through the water under their own…
PDF · 1 file · 116.40 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 121 downloads
A step-by-step guide showing how to plot Dead Reckoning. This chart plotting technique is taught in the Plotting Positions module of the Day Skipper Theory course.
PDF · 1 file · 262.07 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 9,981 downloads
A step-by-step guide showing how to plot an Estimated Position. This chart plotting technique is taught in the Plotting Positions module of the Day Skipper Theory course.
PDF · 1 file · 274.42 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 9,836 downloads
Worksheet to help calculate the height of tide required to clear a charted depth. This supports the Solving Depth Conundrums topic in the How much water? Module of the Day Skipper theory course.
PDF · 1 file · 208.86 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 484 downloads
This handy reference sheet sets out the standard symbols, abbreviations, and notations used in chart plotting—perfect for students, new skippers, or anyone brushing up their nav skills. From course and bearings to fix times and EPs, these conventions help keep your chartwork clear, consistent, and…
PDF · 1 file · 57.28 KB
Updated 8 July 2025 · 15,903 downloads
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