5 Day Course PLUS Exam
5 days theory 8.00am – 6.00pm Or
2 weekends (8.00am – 6.00pm) PLUS 2 evenings (6.00pm – 10:30pm)
5 Day Course PLUS Exam
5 days theory 8.00am – 6.00pm Or
2 weekends (8.00am – 6.00pm) PLUS 2 evenings (6.00pm – 10:30pm)

This is one of the few in-person Navigation Courses available in Australia. Gordon Syme has been running these courses for over 25 years and they are so much easier and vastly superior to online courses. With an in-person course, you are able to ask questions as they come up and get in-depth informative answers immediately and if you don’t understand a concept, you can ask questions until you do understand.
This is an advanced navigation course for those who wish to take the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. We assume that you are already qualified as a Day Skipper and although there is some time set aside for the revision of subjects covered in the elementary course you should arrive with a good understanding of the basics.
Previous experience necessary: This course assumes that you are a qualified Day Skipper or have equivalent experience.
On this course you will cover more complex aspects of navigation at sea including how to work out secondary tidal heights, position fixing, navigating in restricted visibility, passage planning and the capabilities and limitations of electronic navigation aids.
Syllabus:
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
Compass swinging
Nautical terms
Emergencies – safety equipment, towing
Tides and currents
Lights
Pilotage
Navigation with restricted visibility
GPS & chart plotters
Echo sounders & logs
Passage planning
Safety at sea
Meteorology
What do I bring?
Plotter*
Dividers*
Two soft 2B pencils
Pencil sharpener
Eraser
Note pad and pens
* Must be pre-ordered at least 2 weeks prior and will supplied on the day, please phone or email details.
How long is the course?
The course involves five days classroom theory, 8.00am – 6.00pm.
RYA Yachtmaster Theory certificate presented upon successful completion of exam.
Our RYA Practical Courses run for 5 days, not 4, because competence, confidence and safety are built through depth — not haste.
Our RYA Theory Courses are taught in the classroom where shared experiences and real stories add depth that can’t be replicated online.
Our instructors are seasoned sailors with extensive offshore experience.
We teach on sea-going yachts, not inshore training boats.
The result is practical, real-world sailing skills
that prepare you for life beyond training.
UPCOMING DATES
or check the calendar for all 2026 course dates available
Introductory Courses
29-30 August; 12-13 September, 24-25 October
Intermediate 2 day weekend courses
18-19 July, 1-2 August, 5-6 September
Prepare to Charter 2 day weekend courses
18-19 July, 1-2 August, 5-6 September
Passage courses
3-4 October, 24-25 October, 14-15 November
Competent Crew | 5 day live aboard course
3-7 August, 12-16 October, 30 Oct-3 November
Day Skipper Practical | 5 day live aboard course
3-7 August, 12-16 October, 30 Oct-3 November
Coastal Skipper Practical | 5 day live aboard course
3-7 August, 12-16 October, 30 Oct-3 November
In-Person shore-based theory courses coming up:
Coastal Navigation | 10-11 October 26
Day Skipper Bridging | 17-18 October 26
Yachtmaster Theory | 9-13 November 26
Gordon is available midweek for 1 on 1 lessons.
Please call to organise a suitable time.
Gift Vouchers make a great presents and can be purchased
for any amount towards any course. Click here for more information
For more information
0414 906 017
[email protected]