How much water?

A core skill for any skipper is knowing if there's enough water to float. Knowing how to work this out opens up new places to explore and prevents running aground due to lack of water.

Learn about tides and depths on charts.

Approximately 4 hours

What do sailing yachts and canoes have in common? They can’t float without enough water!

This module looks at tides and the impact they have on boating. We explore how to find the depth of water at any time, anywhere. In tidal areas, the rise & fall of the water will likely have a significant influence on us and knowing how to calculate how deep the water is will open up a whole world of new places to explore.

This module is part of the Day Skipper theory course.

Enrol to get access to this content now.

Module Prerequisites

Before learning about tides and depths of water, you need to understand charts and positioning. Water depth is only relevant if you know where you are in relation to it! Don’t worry; we’ll walk you through each step step-by-step, making sure you are confident in the subject.

Chart Familiarisation

Learn to read, interpret & use paper and electronic charts for navigation.

Position Fixing

Learn tools and techniques to position yourself on a chart visually & electronically.

Skills Covered

This module discusses finding and interpreting tidal information, including sources from Nautical Almanacs to Mobile Apps. Once completed, you’ll be confident about how deep the water will be using traditional and electronic tools. Moreover, you’ll have the Tidal Heights Insignia to show for it!

Tidal Heights

  • I know how to work out the depth, anywhere on a chart.
For this module, you will need the following:
The Day Skipper course pack includes the RYA Almanac and charts required to complete this module. Enrol for access and your course pack will be dispatched within 24 hours.
Everything needed to complete this module is included in your course pack.
Downloadable resources:
Many of our downloads are available FREE! You don't have to be enrolled in one of our courses; you can study with any sailing school and still get access! Sign up for immediate access.
Downloadable resources are to support learning, not a pre-requisite for the sessions. You only need to download or print something if it helps your understanding of a topic.
Module downloads:

    Students enrolled on a course have direct access to a briefing room where they can get instructor support. If you are enrolled on a course, log in to access your briefing room.

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    Module Includes

    • 3 Topics
    • 11 Sessions
    • 1 Exercise