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Whether you’re a commercial operator or go out on the water just for pleasure, the RYA shore based courses are a perfect way to gain new skills and ensure you are suitably qualified. Please click on the image below to download our dates and prices.

• Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Short Range Certificate Courses for Radio Operators (ex VHF)
• GMDSS Short Range Certificate (Upgrade Course)
• GMDSS/DSC Short Range Operator Courses (Including VHF)
• RYA First Aid Certificate
• RYA Radar Operator Course
• GPS Operator Courses
• Dayskipper and Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster RYA Shore-based Certificate Courses

Diesel Engine Maintenance
The majority of cruising yachts are fitted with inboard diesel engines which should remain trouble free for many years so long as they are properly serviced and maintained.   This course explains how to do that, covering the 4-stroke cycle, fuel and cooling systems, electrics, fault-finding and servicing procedures.   A diesel engine and selection of spare parts will be in the lecture room for students to work with.

A Diesel Engine Course Notebook is produced for the course by the RYA, and is included in the course fee.   A certificate will be awarded at the end of the course after a short assessment.

Short Range Certificate Courses for Radio Operators (ex VHF)
In recent years a number of important changes have taken place leading to the replacement of the old VHF exam by a new Short Range Certificate. These new courses give an introduction to DSC/SRC radios and the procedures which will rapidly become more common on modern pleasure craft.

The new system is known as GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) which uses digital signals to make rapid contact with other stations using DSC (Digital Selective Calling). This facility is especially important when there is an emergency resulting in the need to transmit a distress message. It is now only possible to purchase DSC Radios, and soon any vessel equipped only with an old-style VHF set may be at a considerable disadvantage.

Two RYA booklets are available from our office. These are VHF Radio inc. GMDSS (G22/02) which covers the use of equipment, choice of channels and correct procedure, and Radio Examinations (G26/02) which explains the exam procedure and types of questions.

GMDSS Short Range Certificate (Upgrade Course)
A half day course for holders of the existing VHF operators certificate to upgrade to the new Short Range qualification.

ALL CANDIDATES MUST BRING A PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOGRAPH AND THEIR CURRENT VHF LICENCE TO THE COURSE
Minimum age 16 years.

GMDSS/DSC Short Range Operator Courses (Including VHF)
A one day course that covers both the Digital Selective Calling procedures and equipment and conventional VHF voice communication methods.

RYA First Aid Certificate
Think – could you cope if someone else on the boat had a heart attack or injured themselves?

An understanding the principles of First Aid can be one of the most useful qualifications for just about everyone, and may literally be a life saver. Injuries or illness may occur at any time when out sailing or boating so 1st Aid skills may be needed without warning – so be prepared!

The RYA First Aid course is specifically designed to cover the types of injury that may happen afloat as well as ashore. The certificate is a pre-requisite for all RYA Instructors, Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster exam candidates, and applicants for Advanced Powerboat Courses. 

RYA Radar Operator Course
Radar is being fitted to an increasing number of sailing and motor yachts as the equipment becomes more affordable and compact. However without training you are unlikely to get the greatest benefit from the many safety aspects of radar, and might even place your boat in a position of danger. The course will explain how radar works and how to interpret the information it delivers. A course note book is included in the course fee. 

GPS Operator Courses
The majority of yachts and many other small craft are now fitted with satellite linked GPS receivers, but many owners do not use them to full advantage. These courses will help novice users to learn how to use the different functions of GPS, and to be aware of their limitations. NB-Course includes time on the water - bring waterproofs, warm clothing, etc.

Dayskipper and Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster RYA Shore-based Certificate Courses
During the winter months Port Edgar organises courses following the syllabus of RYA certificates at:

• Dayskipper
• Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster

A number of courses have been organised at each level either as evening classes or over several weekends. The syllabus of each course may be found in the RYA Cruising Logbook (G15), on sale in our office.

In addition to the course fee, each student must buy course exercise papers and practice navigation tables. These and various other publications will be sold on the first day of the course at a cost of £25 upwards. Students must also bring chart instruments such as dividers and parallel rules or plotters.

Dayskipper Courses
These courses are for relative newcomers to yachting or to dinghy sailors who are thinking of moving on to larger boats. A minimum of 2 weeks experience under power of sail is essential. 

Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Courses
These courses are suitable for more experienced cruising yachtsmen who already hold the Dayskipper Certificate, or are confident they are at that standard.