{"id":6300,"date":"2023-05-16T13:28:57","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T13:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/?p=6300"},"modified":"2025-10-21T09:59:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:59:53","slug":"what-does-coastal-skipper-allow-you-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/what-does-coastal-skipper-allow-you-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Coastal Skipper Allow You to Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 data-start=\"471\" data-end=\"529\"><strong data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"529\">What Does a Coastal Skipper Licence Allow You To Do?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"878\">If you\u2019ve already completed your <strong data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"583\">RYA Day Skipper<\/strong> and are ready to take the next step, the <strong data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"656\">RYA Coastal Skipper licence<\/strong> opens up a world of new sailing possibilities. This qualification demonstrates that you\u2019re capable of skippering a yacht safely on coastal passages by day and night \u2014 even in more challenging weather and tidal conditions.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"883\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"885\" data-end=\"932\"><strong data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"932\">What Is the RYA Coastal Skipper Licence?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"1247\">The <strong data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"961\">RYA Coastal Skipper<\/strong> certification is an advanced qualification that proves you can take command of a yacht on longer coastal passages. It\u2019s the natural bridge between <strong data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1124\">Day Skipper<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1164\">Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore<\/strong>, combining practical sailing skills with advanced navigation and passage planning.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1249\" data-end=\"1293\">To reach Coastal Skipper level, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1465\">\n<li data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1370\">\n<p data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1370\">Navigation knowledge equivalent to the <strong data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1361\">RYA Yachtmaster Theory<\/strong> course<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1465\">\n<p data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1465\">Sailing experience to at least <strong data-start=\"1404\" data-end=\"1419\">Day Skipper<\/strong> standard (or equivalent practical experience)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1467\" data-end=\"1627\">Once qualified, you\u2019ll receive an official RYA Coastal Skipper course completion certificate \u2014 your ticket to skippering in more demanding coastal environments.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7329\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7329\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7329\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/instructor-on-deck-explaining.webp\" alt=\"RYA Coastal Skipper instructor briefing crew on deck\" width=\"584\" height=\"368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/instructor-on-deck-explaining.webp 584w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/instructor-on-deck-explaining-300x189.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7329\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">RYA Coastal Skipper -instructor briefing crew on deck<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1804\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1859\"><strong data-start=\"1809\" data-end=\"1859\">What You Can Do With a Coastal Skipper Licence<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1910\">With your Coastal Skipper qualification, you can:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"2351\">\n<li data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"2007\">\n<p data-start=\"1913\" data-end=\"2007\"><strong data-start=\"1913\" data-end=\"1948\">Skipper a yacht up to 24 metres<\/strong> in coastal waters, typically up to 20\u201330 miles offshore.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2077\">\n<p data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2077\"><strong data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2054\">Plan and execute longer coastal passages<\/strong>, including at night.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2078\" data-end=\"2161\">\n<p data-start=\"2080\" data-end=\"2161\"><strong data-start=\"2080\" data-end=\"2127\">Take responsibility for the crew and vessel<\/strong> in changing weather conditions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2162\" data-end=\"2248\">\n<p data-start=\"2164\" data-end=\"2248\"><strong data-start=\"2164\" data-end=\"2198\">Charter yachts internationally<\/strong> where proof of advanced competence is required.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2351\">\n<p data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2351\"><strong data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2306\">Progress toward RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore<\/strong>, which build directly on this certification.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_7330\" style=\"width: 746px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7330\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7330\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NIGHT-YACHT.webp\" alt=\"Yacht under sail at dusk during RYA Coastal Skipper night passage\" width=\"736\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NIGHT-YACHT.webp 736w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NIGHT-YACHT-300x245.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-7330\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yacht under sail at dusk during RYA Coastal Skipper night passage<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"2528\" data-end=\"2531\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2580\"><strong data-start=\"2536\" data-end=\"2580\">How the RYA Coastal Skipper Course Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2623\">The Coastal Skipper course has two parts:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2837\">\n<li data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2717\">\n<p data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2717\"><strong data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2648\">Shorebased theory<\/strong> \u2013 covering advanced navigation, meteorology, and passage planning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2718\" data-end=\"2837\">\n<p data-start=\"2721\" data-end=\"2837\"><strong data-start=\"2721\" data-end=\"2741\">Practical course<\/strong> \u2013 five consecutive days at sea, focusing on yacht handling, pilotage, and skippering decisions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"2839\" data-end=\"3039\">During the practical week, you\u2019ll take part in night sailing, handle emergency scenarios, and complete real passage plans. It\u2019s a challenging but rewarding step that builds true skippering confidence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3041\" data-end=\"3067\"><strong data-start=\"3041\" data-end=\"3067\">Course topics include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3068\" data-end=\"3254\">\n<li data-start=\"3068\" data-end=\"3104\">\n<p data-start=\"3070\" data-end=\"3104\">Passage planning and preparation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3105\" data-end=\"3134\">\n<p data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3134\">Pilotage by day and night<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3135\" data-end=\"3174\">\n<p data-start=\"3137\" data-end=\"3174\">Yacht handling under sail and power<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3175\" data-end=\"3207\">\n<p data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3207\">Dealing with adverse weather<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3254\">\n<p data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3254\">Safety management and emergency procedures<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3443\">\n<p data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3443\">\ud83d\udca1 <em data-start=\"3261\" data-end=\"3443\">To book with First Class Sailing, see our <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/rya-courses\/coastal-skipper\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3405\">RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course<\/a> for full details, prices, and dates.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"3445\" data-end=\"3448\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3450\" data-end=\"3487\"><strong data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3487\">CS vs Day Skipper<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3489\" data-end=\"3809\">The main difference between <strong data-start=\"3517\" data-end=\"3532\">Day Skipper<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"3537\" data-end=\"3556\">Coastal Skipper<\/strong> is the level of independence and complexity.<br data-start=\"3601\" data-end=\"3604\" \/>Day Skipper focuses on short, daytime passages in familiar waters. Coastal Skipper demands more advanced skills \u2014 managing tides, watchkeeping, night navigation, and skippering in unfamiliar coastal areas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3811\" data-end=\"3955\">Typical routes might include <strong data-start=\"3840\" data-end=\"3859\">Hamble to Poole<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"3863\" data-end=\"3885\">Hamble to Weymouth<\/strong>, rather than shorter Solent hops like Day Skipper students undertake.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"3957\" data-end=\"4153\">\n<p data-start=\"3959\" data-end=\"4153\">\ud83d\udcd6 <em data-start=\"3962\" data-end=\"4153\">For a detailed comparison, see our guide on the <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/difference-between-day-skipper-coastal-skipper\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4151\">Difference Between Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4158\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4160\" data-end=\"4203\"><strong data-start=\"4163\" data-end=\"4203\">Why Earn the Coastal Skipper Licence<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4205\" data-end=\"4352\">Earning the Coastal Skipper certificate shows you can lead confidently and handle real-world challenges at sea.<br data-start=\"4316\" data-end=\"4319\" \/>It\u2019s ideal for those planning to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4353\" data-end=\"4494\">\n<li data-start=\"4353\" data-end=\"4385\">\n<p data-start=\"4355\" data-end=\"4385\">Charter yachts independently<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4386\" data-end=\"4422\">\n<p data-start=\"4388\" data-end=\"4422\">Skipper extended coastal voyages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4423\" data-end=\"4494\">\n<p data-start=\"4425\" data-end=\"4494\">Gain experience before attempting <strong data-start=\"4459\" data-end=\"4478\">RYA Yachtmaster<\/strong> certification<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4496\" data-end=\"4603\">If you\u2019re serious about becoming a capable, self-reliant skipper, this is the qualification that proves it.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"4605\" data-end=\"4929\">\n<p data-start=\"4607\" data-end=\"4929\">\u2693<a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/what-is-the-rya-coastal-skipper-practical\/\">Read our FAQ on the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course<\/a><br data-start=\"4776\" data-end=\"4779\" \/>\ud83e\udded <em data-start=\"4784\" data-end=\"4929\">Next step after Coastal Skipper? Explore our <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4830\" data-end=\"4927\">Yachtmaster courses<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"4931\" data-end=\"4934\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4936\" data-end=\"4957\"><strong data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"4957\">Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4959\" data-end=\"5345\">The <strong data-start=\"4963\" data-end=\"4994\">RYA Coastal Skipper licence<\/strong> isn\u2019t just another certificate \u2014 it\u2019s proof that you\u2019re ready to take responsibility for a yacht and crew on more ambitious coastal journeys.<br data-start=\"5136\" data-end=\"5139\" \/>With First Class Sailing\u2019s expert RYA instructors and well-equipped training yachts, you\u2019ll gain the confidence, judgment, and practical skills needed to skipper anywhere around the UK coastline and beyond.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4959\" data-end=\"5345\">Updated 20 October 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover what an RYA Coastal Skipper licence allows you to do \u2014 from skippering coastal passages to chartering yachts and progressing to Yachtmaster.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7329,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[633,1,533],"tags":[635,634,636],"class_list":["post-6300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-coastal-skipper","category-learn-to-sail","category-rya-courses","tag-coastal-skipper","tag-coastal-skipper-licence","tag-coastal-skipper-license"],"views":4457,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6300","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6300"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6300\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7338,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6300\/revisions\/7338"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}