Theory Courses


ENS

Pre-requisites: None

Who should take this course?: Students who have signed up for an entry level practical course, inexperienced skippers and crew. Theory component to our day programs, Start Yachting/Introduction to Sailing,  CYA Keelboat Crew and Dayskippper and RYA Competent Crew

Format: This course is available through online learning, or a 16hr classroom session

Online the course will take around six hours, but you can work through it at your own speed, whenever and wherever you like. All you need is internet access and your course pack.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE COURSE

  1. Go to the RYA Interactive website and  Login at the top right of the page.
  2. Create New Account at the bottom of the right hand column.
  3. Enter your details
  4. Select Vancouver Island Maritime Academy as your training centre.
  5. Complete the registration information
  6. You will be sent a 4 digit code to access your course

Payment for the course can be done online below. You will be sent a course pack to accompany your online modules;

  • A chart
  • Portland Plotter
  • Dividers
  • Course handbook and exersices
  • Training Almanac
  • Electronic chart plotter CD
  • RYA Logbook

DS

Pre-requisites: None

Date:

  • Oct 31st  – Nov 4th FULL                
  • Feb 27th – March 2nd FULL           
  • June 20th – 24th

Who should take this course?: Inexperienced skippers looking to cruise multi-day trips and passages.

This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

Format: 5 Days in the classroom, 9am – 5pm at Westbay Marine Village.

Course topics include:

  • Basics of seamanship
  • Essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage
  • Chartwork
  • Electronic charts
  • Position fixing
  • Plotting a course to steer
  • Weather forecasting and meteorology
  • Tides
  • Collision regulations
  • Construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat
  • Emergency and safety procedures including distress calls,use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and liferafts

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Pre-requisites: RYA Dayskipper Theory or an equivalent level of theory training

  • January 4th – 8th 2012
  • March 14th – 18th 2012
  • April 23rd – 27th 2012

Who should take this course?: Experienced skippers preferably having completed the RYA Dayskipper Theory

This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. It allows some time for revision of the basics and then moves on to advanced navigation techniques.

Format: 5 Days in the classroom, 9am – 5pm at Westbay Marine Village.

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.

Course topics include:

  • Position fixing
  • Course shaping and plotting
  • Tidal knowledge
  • Use of Almanacs and maritime publications
  • Electronic position finding equipment
  • Taking and interpreting forecasts
  • Plotting weather systems
  • Weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
  • Collision regulations
  • Customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

Theory Courses