RYA courses and qualifications

Training

RYA Training is responsible for the development of the world renowned RYA Training Schemes, which are delivered internationally by RYA Recognised Training Centres.

Popular courses

From beginners to professionals, there's something for everyone. Explore our most popular courses or browse by activity.

person standing on shore holding a wing up in the air

RYA Learn to Wingsurf

Get started in winging! In as little as four hours you'll learn how to fly the wing ashore and afloat, building your confidence on the water.

RYA Day Skipper

Make the transition from crew to skipper, developing the practical skills and confidence to take command of a small yacht.

Two men standing on a powerboat, the younger man is steering and older ma is instructing

RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling

Get to grips with the basics and learn how to master the waves with this two-day entry level course.

two women looking at navigation screen, and one using VHF radio.

RYA Marine Radio (SRC)

If you have a VHF radio onboard your boat, or carry a handheld VHF whilst out on the water, you need to hold an operator's licence. Get qualified with our one-day course and exam

two men sat onboard a yacht, at a table looking at charts and planning

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship

Learn the basics of navigation, tides, charts and safety awareness in just two days in the classroom or eight hours online

Numerous people in a classroom at a First aid course, one man in knelt on the floor demonstrating CPR on a dummy

RYA First Aid

Our one-day first aid course has been specifically developed for water users and covers everything from CPR and head injuries to cold water shock

sailor in a dinghy smiling at the camera

Dinghy Sailing Courses

Lightweight and easy to rig and launch, dinghies are a great choice for beginners and more advanced sailors

Keelboat sailing courses

Keelboats bridge the gap between small boats and cruisers, offering the benefits of both to beginners learning to sail

Multihull sailing courses

Multihulls require slightly different sailing techniques compared to boats with single hulls, our multihull courses will help you master the technique

Explore our courses

With more than 100 courses to choose from, there's something for every age, ability and interest.

numerous people sat over the side of a sailing yacht whilst sailing on the ocean

Sail cruising

Motor cruiser speeding through the ocean with numerous people onboard

Motor cruising

Side view of powerboat speeding across the ocean with numerous people onboard

Powerboating

Personal watercraft

Inland water

two people sat on one side of a dinghy whilst sailing across the ocean

Small boat sailing

Windsurfing

single man wingsurfing on the open water

Winging

Foiling

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Navigation

Courses ashore

Under 16s

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Certificates of Competence

From RYA Yachtmaster® to Advanced Powerboat, RYA Certificates of Competence are the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. Find out more about the required experience and book your exam.

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Instructors, coaches and careers

Looking for more information about becoming an RYA Instructor or Race Coach? Or want to turn your passion into a career on the water? Here’s everything you need to know.