DAY SKIPPER and

WATCH LEADER
Northern Hemisphere
Electronic Navigation Resources

DAY SKIPPE
R and WATC
H LEADER

RYA DAY SKIPPER AND WATCH LEADER - SHOREBASED COURSE

© 2019/20/1 DSENR

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INTRODUCTION

This booklet is a new addition to the RYA Day Skipper and Watch Leader course pack and
replaces the RYA Training Chart Plotter.

The booklet and associated exercises are designed to help you learn about the principles
and practical application of electronic charts and other electronic aids to navigation,
as well as gaining an understanding of their limitations and place alongside traditional
navigation techniques.

What are ‘Electronic Aids to Navigation’?

Electronic aids to navigation include global navigation and satellite systems (GNSS), electronic charts, radar,
automatic identification system (AIS), echo sounders, electronic compasses and heading sensors. Additionally, a
single multi-function display or multiple screens are needed to display the information from these sources.

How do I use the screenshots in this booklet?

The chartplotter screenshots included in this booklet are designed to be used in conjunction with
A specific questions in the ‘Exercises and course information’ booklet (DS1). These questions are
marked with the icon (left). Your instructor will be able to answer any questions about the exercises,
questions or screenshots.

Do the screenshots depict a real chartplotter?

On-board chartplotters vary in design, size and functionality so the chartplotter interface used in the screenshots
has been drawn for training purposes. It is intended to be representative of a typical, leisure vessel chartplotter
display but is not intended to train you in the use of any particular commercial chartplotter.

Not all functions shown in the screenshots will be available on all chartplotters and it is important to familiarise
yourself with the on-board navigational equipment that you use.

Is learning about electronic navigation aids a requirement of the shorebased course?

The completion of the exercises that relate to electronic navigation must be completed as part of your Day Skipper
& Watch Leader course. A course completion certificate will only be awarded if all the exercises contained within
the ‘Exercises and course information’ booklet (DS1) and the assessment papers have been completed and an
appropriate level of knowledge, understanding or ability achieved.

Acknowledgements
Thanks to Navionics for their collaboration with RYA Training to produce
the electronic versions of the RYA Training Charts used to create the
enclosed screenshots.

Thanks to Raymarine for assisting with the capture of the chart screenshots.

The Training Charts, Training Almanac and chartplotter screenshots depict a completely fabricated
sailing area and must not be used for real world navigation.

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CHART FAMILIARISATION

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ROUTE PLANNING WITH A CHARTPLOTTER

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