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Education RYA Interactive

M

ore than simply a means of communication,

the power of the internet these days has

invaded every single aspect of our business

and personal lives, some for the better,

some for the worse. But especially for us working in the

‘adverse territories’ away from traditional educational

establishments, the ability to receive internationally-

accreditation for our learning and skills, while avoiding the

wet and cold weather is a bonus.

Coastal Safety Sea School ME, the longest-running RYA

training academy in the region is now offering the RYA

Interactive Course program, combining its renowned

classroom teaching with online assignments and tests.

“One of the immediate advantages of an online course is the

library of high-end and up-to-date resource material and

tests that support the learning,” explained Steve Holmes,

founder and principal of Coastal Safety Sea School. “For

some of the courses it is possible to do a mix of “classroom

and at home” – or in the office. You may prefer to do

some classroom and workshop learning as a group to hare

experiences. This is useful for explaining some of the finer

detail and any technical language. So this new method

provides a solution for all people and learning styles.”

The online courses also offer the opportunity to ask your

“online instructor” for guidance if you get stuck or need a

helping hand or just explain something in simple terms.

With a host of courses on offer, here are two examples that

are of particular relevance to those embarking on developing

their skills in this region:

Essential Navigation & Seamanship course (ENS)

“This course offers a great introduction to navigation and

safety awareness for new or inexperienced skippers and

crew, and those wanting to refresh their skills.

In fact it’s for anyone interested in sailing, motor boating,

yachting, canoeing, teaching, sea angling or diving, and

works well in complementing our on-the-water training,

such as the Powerboat Level 2, Start Yachting and a great

foundation to our Day Skipper and Yachtmaster courses.”

Explained Steve.

The Essential Navigation and Seamanship course is highly

informative with lots of pictorial explanations, short videos

and opportunities for you to put your new found knowledge

into practice in the mini exercises.

Course topics include:

• Charts and Publications • Safety


• Engine checks • Buoyage


• Tidal awareness • Visual and electronic navigation


• Pilotage • Rules of the road


• Anchoring • Weather forecasts


• Passage planning

The course pack includes a chart, plotter, dividers, course

handbook, exercises and an electronic chart plotter CD so

that you can use a GPS simulator on your PC.

Online, the course will take around 6 to ten hours, but the

beauty of it is that you can work through it at your own

speed, whenever and wherever you like. You can do the

various modules “as and when” to fit in with your working

schedule and lifestyle commitments.

It is ideal for people wanting to learn a bit more and progress

to the full Day Skipper navigation and safety course.

There are three options to take this course:

• fully interactive on your computer over the web


• fully in the classroom over two full days


• a mix of web interactive and some classroom based workshops

Go to the Coastal Safety web site and watch an introduction

video and see what you can learn and how easy it is to “get

onboard”.

The clarity and detail online are incomparable to old-style textbooks

or mouldy old equipment

Learning at your own pace allows you to spend longer on

the aspects you need

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