Coastal Skipper teaches further skills and relies on greater experience than the previous course, Day Skipper.

The aim of the cours is to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht (7-15m LOA) safely on coastal and offshore passaages by day and night.

The course includes the following:

• Passage planning
• Preparation for sea, including safety requirements for offshore passages
• Pilotage
• Passage making
• Ability as a skipper
• Yacht handling under power
• Yacht handling under sail
• Dealing with adverse weather conditions
• Emergency situations

The course is taught over five days, on board one of our yachts in the Solent and surrounding waters.

A reasonable amount of skill on board a boat is required in order to take the Coastal Skipper qualification. We would strongly recommend that you also have completed, or are skilled to the level of Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster navigation.

In order to receive a Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence, you are required to take a practical exam of around 6 to 10 hours.

In addition, the following pre-exam requirements must be met:

• Hold at least a restricted (VHF) Radio Operator's Certificate or GMDSS Short Range certificate
• Hold a valid first aid certificate
• Have logged 800 miles seatime in the prior 10 years, 30 days living on board, 2 days as skipper and 12 night hours

The cost for this course is £525 (ex VAT). Accommodation will be on board the vessel.