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.This part outlines the rules for the sounds used when signalling manoeuvres and during restricted visibility (fog signals).
Bells, gongs, whistles and lights make up the various combinations of signals available. However, most of the time, the only signal we’ll use or hear is a whistle. Unfortunately, the term whistle is a little misleading, as it refers to any sound signalling appliance, usually a horn. Bells and gongs are reserved for longer vessels to indicate their length when anchored in restricted visibility.
These signals are focused on communication. They allow vessels to communicate their intentions, ask a question of another vessel, or reply to confirm their understanding of the situation.
The sound signals used in restricted visibility replace what would otherwise be visible by day, using shapes, or night using lights. The rule book’s definitions and application fundamentally change in restricted visibility
Lastly, are signals used to attract attention or indicate distress. The distress signals are found in annex IV of the rules, which includes the Mayday message, VHF DSC, and EPRIB, among some of the more old-fashioned methods.
If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorised elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light…
When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex IV to these Regulations. Distress signals The distress signal rule directs you to ANNEX IV: Distress Signals of the regulations. This is the complete list of distress signals, including Mayday radio calls, electronic search and rescue…
Bells, gongs, whistles and lights make up the various combinations of signals available. However, most of the time, the only signal we’ll use or hear is a whistle. Unfortunately, the term whistle is a little misleading, as it refers to any sound signalling appliance, usually a horn. Bells and gongs are reserved for longer vessels…
The rule book takes a pragmatic approach to who should carry what regarding sound signals.
Manoeuvring signals are among the more commonly heard sounds around a busy harbour. These are usually not directly aimed at recreational vessels but can be helpful as they give an idea of what a commercial vessel is up to and, if applicable, help with our give-way duties. When in sight of one another, manoeuvring signals…
In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows: Restricted visibility has its own rule (Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility), which covers the required conduct of vessels and refers to the appropriate sound signals to be made…
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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