I am doing Day Skipper practical soon
Day Skipper Theory
Use this for the core theory foundations you will apply on the water.
RYA theory pathway guide
Which RYA theory course do I need?
Start with your next real sailing goal. This independent guide separates navigation theory, advanced assessment preparation, and marine radio revision.
Direct answer
Day Skipper is the usual starting point for coastal skippers. Move to the shared Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster foundation for advanced passage-making, add Yachtmaster assessment practice only when needed, and treat Marine Radio SRC as a separate radio qualification area.
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Choose by what you are doing next
| Your situation | Recommended product | Why |
|---|---|---|
I am doing Day Skipper practical soon | Day Skipper Theory | Use this for the Day Skipper theory foundations you will need to apply on the water: chartwork, tides, pilotage, COLREGs, weather, and passage planning. |
I passed Day Skipper and want to go further | Coastal Skipper TheoryAdd the credited Yachtmaster assessment layer when exam prep becomes the focus. | Coastal Skipper is positioned for the post-Day-Skipper passage-making step: longer coastal passages, night navigation, weather choices, tidal gates, and skipper decisions. |
I am preparing for Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore | Yachtmaster / Advanced Theory | Use Yachtmaster Theory for exam-standard consolidation: advanced navigation, meteorology, electronic position checks, safety, passage planning, and explainable decision making. |
I need to use a VHF radio | Marine Radio SRC | Marine Radio SRC is separate from navigation theory. Use it for VHF radio, DSC, Channel 16, Channel 70, MMSI, Mayday, Pan-Pan, and spoken call practice. |
I am chartering abroad | Also check ICC and CEVNI requirements with an official provider. | Many charter situations require practical certificates, local paperwork, and radio competence. This network helps with revision only; it does not issue ICC, CEVNI, RYA certificates, or charter paperwork. |
I am buying my first boat | Beginner route, then Day Skipper | If you are brand new, start with Essential Navigation-style basics from a recognised provider, then move to Day Skipper Theory. Add Marine Radio SRC if you will carry or operate VHF radio equipment. |
I passed Day Skipper and want to go further
Coastal Skipper Theory
Use this for the post-Day-Skipper coastal passage-making step.
I am preparing for Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore
Yachtmaster / Advanced Theory
Use this for exam-standard consolidation before Yachtmaster assessment.
I need to use a VHF radio
Marine Radio SRC
Use this for VHF radio, DSC, emergency procedure, and call practice.
I am chartering abroad
Day Skipper + Marine Radio + ICC/CEVNI guidance
Revise navigation and radio, then check official charter, ICC, and CEVNI requirements.
I am buying my first boat
Beginner route, then Day Skipper
Start with basic navigation and safety, then move into Day Skipper Theory.
Shorebased progression
The usual pathway
The RYA shorebased route is commonly framed as a progression from Essential Navigation and Seamanship, into Day Skipper Theory, then Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory, and later Yachtmaster Ocean Theory. You do not always need to start at the beginning, but you do need the assumed knowledge for the level you choose.
Essential Navigation
Best for complete beginners who need the basics of charts, tides, buoyage, safety, and short-trip planning before Day Skipper.
Day Skipper Theory
The normal theory step before Day Skipper practical, covering chartwork, navigation, tides, COLREGs, weather, pilotage, and passage planning.
Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore
The advanced navigation step after Day Skipper, taking the same core topics into coastal passages, night work, weather decisions, and exam-standard judgement.
Yachtmaster Ocean
The later ocean-navigation route for astro navigation and longer offshore passages. Compass provides a dedicated Yachtmaster Ocean and Astro Navigation revision course.
Compass Revision Network
Pick the revision product that matches your current study
Day Skipper
Best when Day Skipper practical is coming up, or when you need the core shorebased theory before skippering in familiar waters by day.
One-time unlock: £4.99
Coastal Skipper
Best when you have Day Skipper foundations and want the next advanced coastal passage-making step.
One-time unlock: £7.99
Yachtmaster Offshore
Best when you are preparing for Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore assessment and need exam-standard consolidation.
One-time unlock: £9.99
Marine Radio SRC
Best when you need to operate a marine VHF radio, revise DSC, Mayday, Pan-Pan, Channel 16, Channel 70, MMSI, and SRC procedure.
One-time unlock: £12.99
Looking for CEVNI, radar, first aid, diesel, buoyage or another specialist topic? Browse the specialist course catalogue.
Keep revision and certification separate
Compass Revision Network sites are independent revision aids. They do not provide official RYA courses, exams, practical assessments, certificates, ICC, CEVNI, commercial endorsements, or charter paperwork. Use recognised training providers and official RYA material for certification decisions.
Match the revision to your next step
Use the chooser to decide whether you need core navigation, advanced passage-making, radio procedure, inland-waterway rules, or a short specialist refresher before your next course or assessment.