RYA Day Skipper Certification: Get Confident on the Water

If you’re a boat owner, planning to buy your first cruiser, or preparing for more advanced qualifications, the RYA Day Skipper certification is a great starting point. At Seascope France in Antibes, on Cote D’Azur, this course is well-known and focuses on giving you both the hands-on skills and the theory you need to feel confident taking the helm.

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Many aspiring skippers and budding professionals ask, “Where do I begin?” The answer is almost always the same: build on your foundations with the RYA Day Skipper certification. While this course is a key milestone, it’s generally a good idea to have some previous knowledge, such as completing the RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2) course or a theory course before taking this step. The RYA Day Skipper course itself isn’t just a formality; it provides essential training in boat handling, seamanship, and trip planning. This qualification is recognised worldwide and opens the door to both personal adventures and commercial opportunities.

We understand that every boat, and every skipper, is unique. That’s why Seascope France offers private, bespoke courses delivered directly onboard your own vessel. Our experienced instructors can join you on your boat, providing hands-on training in the environment where you’ll actually be skippering. This personalised approach helps you become comfortable with your own equipment, layout, and handling characteristics, building the familiarity and confidence you need to take charge like a pro. As a qualified Day Skipper, you’ll be able to skipper a yacht up to 24 meters in length and operate in daylight hours in coastal waters, typically up to 20 miles offshore. Our tailored training ensures you get the most out of your RYA Day Skipper experience and are fully prepared to enjoy your time on the water.

What You’ll Learn:

The RYA Day Skipper course is structured to give you genuine experience, not just theory. Over four intensive days, you’ll be immersed in:

• Yacht handling techniques, including close-quarters manoeuvring

• Electronic navigation systems and their practical use

• Passage planning and execution, including night operations

• Understanding marine engines and troubleshooting common issues

• Safety equipment and emergency procedures

This hands-on approach means you’re not just learning from a book, you’re applying your skills on the water, preparing you for the realities of skippering a vessel up to 24 metres in length.

Theory and Practice: The Complete Package

To fully benefit from your RYA Day Skipper certification, it is highly recommended to complete both the theory and practical courses. The theory component, which is now conveniently available online (but can also be taught in person), covers navigation, meteorology, tides, and collision regulations. This knowledge is the backbone of safe and effective boat management. After you’ve got the theory down, the practical course will help you put it all into practice. You'll spend four days on the water in Golfe-Juan, learning from experienced instructors.

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Who Can Enrol? Entry Requirements and Recommendations

To join the practical course at Seascope France, you’ll need to meet a few prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have at least two days of practical experience on a motor cruiser

• Recommended: Hold a Powerboat Level 2 licence

• Have a good grasp of English

We also strongly recommend completing the online RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course before your practical training. This foundational course covers the basics: buoyage, anchoring, safety and tides, and will set you up for success as you move into more advanced material.

If your goal is to use your RYA Day Skipper certification commercially, perhaps as a charter skipper or in another professional capacity, you’ll need to complete both the theory and practical courses. Once you have both, you can apply for a commercial endorsement, which allows you to work on motor vessels up to 24 metres in length by day in familiar waters.

Learn more about the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship here.

A Recommended Step to the Yachtmaster Offshore

For many, the RYA Day Skipper certification is just the beginning. It’s the recommended pathway for those aiming for the prestigious yachtmaster offshore qualification. By mastering the skills and knowledge at this level, you’ll be well-prepared for the more advanced training and experience required to progress in the yachting industry.

Advance to the yachtmaster offshore here.

Why Choose Seascope France?

At Seascope France, our instructors are committed to providing a supportive, professional learning environment. All instruction is in English, so a good command of the language is essential for success. Our course will ensure you finish not only with a certificate but with the confidence and competence to skipper a vessel safely and responsibly. We offer some of the most comprehensive superyacht training packages in Europe, all at competitive prices. Whether you’re just starting with STCW basic training or aiming for advanced Yachtmaster qualifications, our curriculum is designed to support every stage of your professional journey. Our RYA-recognised training is available whether you prefer to learn on our vessel in Antibes or onboard your own boat, giving you hands-on experience with the latest equipment in the setting that suits you best. With over 30 years of combined industry experience, our instructors bring real-world insight to every session, ensuring your learning is practical, relevant, and tailored to your needs.

If you have questions about prerequisites, course content, or commercial endorsement, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you chart your path to confidence.