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.Understanding the language of the marine world is like trying to learn a pirate’s secret code while juggling fish. You’ll wonder why a “sheet” isn’t something you sleep under but a rope that controls a sail. “Bowsprit” sounds like a sneeze, “booby hatch” isn’t a bird’s hideout, and “port” doesn’t come in a glass—it’s just left. If someone yells, “Man overboard!” don’t ask which direction they swam. And heaven help you if you think “scuttlebutt” is gossip—well, actually, you’d be right about that one. By the time you’ve figured out that “head” means toilet and “galley” isn’t an alley with gourds, you’ve already been hit with a wave and lost your hat to the wind they call a “nor’easter.”
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.
The person in command of a vessel and ultimately responsible for its safe operation. The master has authority over navigation, crew, passengers, cargo and compliance with applicable law, while delegating duties to qualified personnel. The title is a legal and operational role and is not limited to any particular size of vessel.
The average height of high waters observed over a defined period at a particular place. The exact tidal-datum definition may specify which high waters and observation epoch are used. It supports coastal boundaries and height references but is not the height of every individual high tide.
The average height of low waters observed over a defined period at a particular place. Its formal definition and epoch depend on the responsible hydrographic or surveying authority. Individual low waters may be higher or lower because of the spring–neap cycle and meteorological effects.
The ratio by which a machine multiplies an applied force. In an ideal tackle it relates to the number of rope parts supporting the moving load, while friction reduces the advantage available in practice. Greater purchase requires more rope movement and does not reduce the load carried by every component equally.
A conformal cylindrical map projection on which rhumb lines appear straight. Angles and local shapes are preserved, making it convenient for marine chartwork, but scale increases toward the poles and areas become greatly exaggerated. Distance must be measured on the nearby latitude scale.
A substantial isolated marine structure used to secure mooring lines or assist berthing. Dolphins may carry bollards, fenders, access walkways or navigation lights and are positioned off a quay or terminal. Their safe use depends on line leads, rated capacity, vessel movement and local procedures.
The horizontal foretriangle measurement from the front of the mast at deck level to the forestay intersection with the deck or bowsprit datum. It is used with the I measurement to describe rig proportions and in sail-rating or design calculations. The exact measurement points follow the applicable rating rule or designer’s convention.
Moving or turning a vessel by carrying out a small anchor and hauling on its line or cable. The kedge is placed in the required direction by boat or other means, then used to warp the vessel. The technique can help refloat, manoeuvre or hold a vessel but requires adequate holding ground, strong gear and…
A mast that passes through the deck and bears on a structural step at or near the keel. Compression is carried directly into the lower structure, while partners at deck level provide support and sealing. Water ingress, corrosion, step condition and alignment at the partners require inspection.
A severe heel in which a sailing vessel is forced onto its side, commonly with the mast near or in the water. It may be caused by a squall, breaking wave, broach or excessive sail. Recovery depends on stability, watertight integrity and reducing the heeling force, while unsecured people and equipment face significant risk.
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...
If you belive the Earth is flat, you're about to fall of the end...
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