What is the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory exam format?

The exam consists of two 90-minute written papers: one General paper covering safety, weather, and collision regulations (COLREGs), and one Chartwork paper covering navigation, tides, and course plotting.

What is the passing score for the RYA Day Skipper Theory exam?

There is no official numerical passing score. Instead, RYA instructors assess candidate competency and understanding across the syllabus. You must demonstrate safe navigation skills to pass.

Can I take the RYA Day Skipper Theory exam online?

Yes, many RYA-recognized training centers offer the Day Skipper Theory course and invigilated exams online. The exams must be completed under invigilated conditions to receive the official RYA certificate.

How long should I study for the RYA Day Skipper Theory exam?

The RYA requires a minimum of 40 hours of study time, which can be completed in a 5-day classroom course, evening classes over several weeks, or at your own pace via online learning.

What are the prerequisites for RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory?

There are no formal prerequisites. However, having basic sailing or crew experience (such as RYA Start Yachting or Competent Crew) is highly recommended to understand the practical context.

How much does the RYA Day Skipper Theory exam cost?

The exam itself is included in the RYA student pack and course fee, which typically ranges from £250 to £400 depending on whether you choose a classroom-based or online training center.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: RYA Day Skipper Theory Exam

40 hrs

Min. Study Time

RYA

90%

Typical Pass Rate

Estimates

2 papers

Exam Format

RYA

Competency

Passing Mark

RYA

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

Included

Exam Fee

Course packs

The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory exam has a typical pass rate of 90% when taken after the 40-hour prep course. It features two 90-minute written papers (Chartwork and General) testing key seamanship skills. To pass, you must demonstrate a competent understanding of chart plotting, tidal adjustments, and the rules of the road (COLREGs).

Sample RYA Day Skipper Theory Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your RYA Day Skipper Theory exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When converting a True course to a Compass course, in what direction do you apply a West variation and a West deviation?

A.Subtract variation, subtract deviation

B.Add variation, add deviation

C.Add variation, subtract deviation

D.Subtract variation, add deviation

Explanation: The rule is 'Error West, Compass Best' (the compass reading is greater than True when the error is westerly). Going from True to Compass you therefore ADD westerly errors and subtract easterly ones. With a West variation and a West deviation, you add both to the True course to obtain the Compass course.

2What is the definition of a Dead Reckoning (DR) position on a nautical chart?

A.A position calculated using course steered and speed through the water, ignoring wind and tide

B.A position calculated by applying tidal stream and leeway to the course steered

C.A precise position obtained by visual bearings of land landmarks

D.A position calculated using GPS coordinates plotted directly onto the chart

Explanation: A Dead Reckoning (DR) position is estimated based solely on the course steered and the boat's speed through the water (log speed) over a given time. It does not account for external forces like tidal stream or leeway, which would turn it into an Estimated Position (EP).

3How does an Estimated Position (EP) differ from a Dead Reckoning (DR) position?

A.An EP is obtained from electronic GPS data, while a DR is calculated manually

B.An EP is a visual fix using transits, whereas a DR uses compass bearings

C.An EP applies corrections for leeway (wind) and tidal stream to the DR course and distance

D.An EP is only plotted at high water, whereas a DR is plotted at hourly intervals

Explanation: An Estimated Position (EP) is the best estimate of a vessel's position, calculated by applying the effects of wind (leeway) and tidal stream (set and rate) to the Dead Reckoning (DR) position.

4On a standard Admiralty chart, what reference level is used to measure charted depths (soundings)?

A.Mean High Water Springs (MHWS)

B.Mean Sea Level (MSL)

C.Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)

D.Mean Low Water Neaps (MLWN)

Explanation: Charted depths are measured from Chart Datum, which is typically set at the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT). This is the lowest level to which the tide is ever expected to fall under normal meteorological conditions, ensuring a safety margin.

5What does a charted height of a lighthouse (e.g., 'Elevation 15m') represent?

A.The height of the structure from its base to its light source

B.The height of the light source above Mean High Water Springs (MHWS)

C.The height of the light source above Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)

D.The maximum range at which the light can be seen on a clear night

Explanation: Vertical heights on charts, including elevations of lighthouses and bridge clearances, are measured from Mean High Water Springs (MHWS). This ensures that clearance values are conservative, showing the minimum clearance a vessel would experience.

6A drying height of '2.4m' is shown on a chart for a sandbank. What does this mean?

A.The sandbank is 2.4 meters below Chart Datum

B.The sandbank is 2.4 meters above Mean High Water Springs

C.The sandbank dries to 2.4 meters above Chart Datum

D.The water depth over the bank is always at least 2.4 meters

Explanation: Drying heights represent features that are exposed at low tide. They are measured upwards from Chart Datum, meaning this sandbank sits 2.4 meters higher than Chart Datum (LAT).

7What is compass 'deviation' and what causes it?

A.The angle between True North and Magnetic North, caused by Earth's magnetic core

B.The error in the ship's compass caused by local magnetic fields on the vessel itself

C.The drift of a vessel sideways due to strong tidal currents

D.The error introduced by electronic instruments interfering with GPS signals

Explanation: Compass deviation is the deflection of the compass needle from Magnetic North, caused by local magnetic influences on the boat (such as the engine, wiring, keel, or metal equipment). Deviation changes based on the boat's heading.

8What is compass 'variation' and how is its value determined for a specific voyage?

A.The error caused by magnetic equipment on board, found on the vessel's deviation card

B.The angular difference between True North and Magnetic North, read from the chart's compass rose

C.The difference between the boat's speed through the water and speed over ground, read from the log

D.The correction applied for wind leeway, estimated using sea state observations

Explanation: Compass variation is the angle between True North and Magnetic North. It varies by geographical position and is printed in the center of the compass rose on marine charts, along with its annual rate of change.

9When plotting a position line on a chart from a single hand bearing compass reading of a lighthouse, what must be applied first to plot it as a True bearing?

A.Leeway

B.Variation

C.Deviation of the steering compass

D.Tidal set

Explanation: A hand bearing compass is held away from the boat's magnetic structures, meaning it is assumed to have zero deviation. Therefore, to convert the compass bearing to a True bearing for plotting, only magnetic variation must be applied.

10What is the standard RYA chart notation for representing a Dead Reckoning (DR) position?

A.A circle with a dot in the middle and the time written alongside

B.A triangle with the time written inside

C.A square box enclosing the GPS coordinates

D.A straight line with a single arrowhead and a perpendicular tick mark with the time written alongside

Explanation: In RYA chartwork, a water track (heading and speed through water) is shown with a single arrowhead. The DR position is plotted along this line at a specific time, marked with a small cross-line (tick mark) and the time (e.g., '1030').

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