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.Describes an anchor that has been lifted clear of the seabed and is no longer holding the vessel. During weighing, the cable is shortened until the anchor breaks free of the bottom; once clear, the anchor is aweigh. It may still be below the surface and must then be brought home and secured for sea….
A black ball-shaped day signal used to indicate that a vessel is at anchor. It is displayed where it can best be seen so that other mariners can distinguish an anchored vessel from one underway. The signal identifies the vessel’s status; it does not mean that the vessel is “not under command”. The applicable collision…
A floating marker connected by a buoyed line to an anchor or its crown to show the anchor’s position. It can help identify where the anchor lies and, when correctly arranged, may provide a trip line for freeing an anchor that is fouled. The buoy and line must have suitable size, strength and length for…
The chain, rope, wire or combination connecting a vessel to its anchor. On ships, “anchor cable” commonly means the chain cable; on small craft, the broader term “anchor rode” is often used for chain, rope or a combination. The cable transmits the vessel’s load to the anchor and its weight and elasticity influence shock loading…
An all-round white light displayed as part of the prescribed signal for a vessel at anchor. It enables other mariners to recognise the presence and status of an anchored vessel after dark and in restricted visibility. The required number, position and visibility range depend on vessel length and the applicable collision regulations, so the signal…
A compartment designed to stow an anchor, anchor rode or associated anchoring equipment. It is commonly located near the bow so the rode can lead to the windlass, bow roller or hawsepipe, but arrangements vary. A chain locker may be a separate compartment below the windlass into which cable self-stows as it is recovered. Drainage,…
A bow fitting with one or more rollers that supports and guides an anchor and its rode during handling. The roller reduces friction and helps lead chain or rope between the water, windlass and stowage position. Its geometry must suit the anchor so that the anchor launches, returns and nests without damaging the stem, pulpit…
A place where vessels anchor or may anchor. An anchorage may be officially designated and charted or simply a location selected by a mariner. It may serve leisure craft, ships awaiting a berth, quarantine or other operational needs, and it is not necessarily sheltered or provided with good holding ground. Selection requires assessment of depth…
To bring a vessel deliberately onto a shore or drying surface. Beaching may be used for landing, inspection, maintenance, emergency action or planned drying out. Suitability depends on hull and appendage design, bottom material and slope, wave action, tidal range and how the vessel will be supported as the water falls. A plan should cover…
A mooring line leading from the stern area of a vessel to a shore fitting or other secure point. It helps control the stern’s position at a berth and is normally used with bow, breast and spring lines as appropriate. Its lead determines which movement it restrains, so a poorly positioned or over-tight stern line…
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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