Passage Planning & Making

A bit of planning goes a long way. Knowing what the weather and tides are doing will considerably affect the overall enjoyment and speed of the passage.

Learn how to plan and safely execute a passage during daylight hours in familiar waters.

Approximately 5 hours

This is where everything we’ve learned comes together. A passage (or voyage) is the process of a vessel getting from a start point to a destination. To do this successfully requires a plan.

Proper passage planning will increase the safety of your trip, help ensure you avoid poor weather, and don’t fight adverse tides, all of which are required by law (SOLAS V).

This module is part of the Day Skipper theory course.

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Module Prerequisites

Before learning about buoys and pilotage, you need to understand charts, positioning, where there will be water, and the impact wind and tide have on your vessel. Trying to get in and out of a harbour is only relevant if you know where the harbour is and if there’s enough water to float!

You’ll require these skills before embarking on the Passage Planning module. Don’t worry; we’ll walk you through each step step-by-step, and make 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.

Tidal Heights

Learn to find water depth anywhere on a chart using the Almanac & electronic tools.

Plotting Positions

Learn how to plot positions on a chart using tide, boat speed and direction.

Buoyage & Pilotage

Learn how to plan and safely execute departure from or arrival at port.

We recommend you have a sound knowledge of the following before starting the passage planning module. We’ll guide you every step of the way, making sure you’re confident with these topics.

Collision Regulations

Learn the rules, how to interpret them and what to do when crossing another vessel.

Meteorology

Learn how to find, read & interpret forecasts and monitor the weather.

Skills Covered

This module combines the navigation skills learned so far, enabling you to prepare a plan for a passage to be executed during daylight hours in familiar waters. You’ll learn new skills to help you successfully execute and monitor the passage using electronic, plotting, and visual tools. What’s more, you’ll have the Passage Planning insignia, too!

Passage Planning

Learn how to plan and safely execute a passage during daylight hours in familiar waters.

For this module, you will need the following:
  • RYA Training Charts 3 & 4
  • RYA Training Almanac
  • Portland Course Plotter
  • Dividers
  • Pencil
  • Notepad
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.
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    Module Includes

    • 4 Topics
    • 10 Sessions
    • 2 Exercises