RYA Day Skipper Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What arc of visibility does each sidelight cover?

112.5° (Correct answer)
135°
360°
225°

Correct answer: 112.5°

Each sidelight covers 112.5°, from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on its respective side of the vessel.

Question 2: After sending a DSC distress alert, the skipper should immediately:

Switch to Channel 16 and broadcast a Mayday voice message to supplement the DSC alert (Correct answer)
Switch off the radio to preserve battery
Wait on Channel 70 for a reply
Repeat the DSC alert every 2 minutes

Correct answer: Switch to Channel 16 and broadcast a Mayday voice message to supplement the DSC alert

DSC alert and voice Mayday are complementary. After the DSC alert, switch to Ch 16 and broadcast the full Mayday message (MAYDAY × 3, vessel name × 3, position, nature of distress, number of persons, any useful information).

Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a 'liferaft' on a cruising yacht?

To provide extra sleeping space
To act as a tender for going ashore
To carry extra stores
To provide a means of survival if the yacht must be abandoned, keeping crew out of the water (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide a means of survival if the yacht must be abandoned, keeping crew out of the water

A liferaft is emergency equipment designed to keep the crew alive if the yacht must be abandoned. It provides shelter from the elements and keeps people out of the cold water.

Question 4: Why should a passage plan include a fuel calculation?

To ensure adequate fuel for the engine, including reserves for motoring in calms, charging batteries, and emergency manoeuvring (Correct answer)
Fuel is irrelevant to sailing yachts
To calculate speed only
To minimise marina bills

Correct answer: To ensure adequate fuel for the engine, including reserves for motoring in calms, charging batteries, and emergency manoeuvring

Even sailing yachts need fuel calculations for motoring in calms, battery charging, harbour manoeuvring, and emergencies. A prudent reserve (typically one-third) should always be maintained.

Question 5: What does a rapidly falling barometer indicate to a sailor?

Settled weather ahead
Fog is likely
Rising temperatures
Deteriorating weather conditions with strong winds likely (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deteriorating weather conditions with strong winds likely

A rapidly falling barometer indicates that a deep low-pressure system is approaching, bringing strong winds, rain, and potentially dangerous conditions. A fall of more than 10 mb in 3 hours is significant.

Question 6: In the UK Shipping Forecast, what visibility range does 'poor' indicate?

1,000 metres to 2 nautical miles (Correct answer)
Greater than 5 nautical miles
Less than 1,000 metres
2 to 5 nautical miles

Correct answer: 1,000 metres to 2 nautical miles

In the Shipping Forecast, 'poor' visibility means between 1,000 metres and 2 nautical miles. 'Fog' is less than 1,000m, 'moderate' is 2-5nm, and 'good' is greater than 5nm.

Question 7: On the Beaufort Scale, what wind speed range does Force 6 ('strong breeze') correspond to?

22-27 knots (Correct answer)
17-21 knots
28-33 knots
34-40 knots

Correct answer: 22-27 knots

Force 6 on the Beaufort Scale corresponds to 22-27 knots (strong breeze). At this force, large waves form, white foam crests are extensive, and sailing becomes uncomfortable.

Question 8: What weather conditions are typically associated with an approaching warm front?

Gradually lowering cloud, increasing rain, backing and increasing winds, and falling barometric pressure (Correct answer)
Fog and calm conditions
Clear skies and light winds
Sudden thunderstorms

Correct answer: Gradually lowering cloud, increasing rain, backing and increasing winds, and falling barometric pressure

An approaching warm front typically brings gradually lowering and thickening cloud (cirrus, then altostratus, then nimbostratus), steady rain, falling pressure, and backing winds.

Question 9: At what minimum range must the sidelights of a vessel between 12m and 50m be visible?

5 miles
3 miles
2 miles (Correct answer)
1 mile

Correct answer: 2 miles

COLREGS Rule 22 requires sidelights on a vessel between 12m and 50m to be visible at a minimum range of 2 nautical miles.

Question 10: On an Admiralty chart, what does a magenta diamond symbol indicate?

A dangerous wreck
A restricted area
A reference to additional information in the chart notes or tidal diamond data (Correct answer)
A lighthouse

Correct answer: A reference to additional information in the chart notes or tidal diamond data

Magenta diamonds on Admiralty charts refer to tidal stream information. Each diamond has a letter that corresponds to a tidal stream table on the chart, showing direction and rate.

Question 11: What is the internationally recognised distress signal using sound?

Three short blasts
A continuous sounding of the fog signal apparatus, or repeated signals of SOS (three short, three long, three short) (Correct answer)
One prolonged blast every minute
Two long blasts

Correct answer: A continuous sounding of the fog signal apparatus, or repeated signals of SOS (three short, three long, three short)

The international distress signal by sound is the continuous sounding of any fog-signalling apparatus, or the SOS signal in Morse code (dot-dot-dot, dash-dash-dash, dot-dot-dot).

Question 12: Under the Short Range Certificate syllabus, what is the correct procedure after a false DSC distress alert is transmitted?

Send a Pan Pan to cancel the Mayday
Immediately transmit a cancellation message on Ch 16 and notify the nearest coast guard on Ch 16 (Correct answer)
Ignore it as it was a mistake
Switch off the radio

Correct answer: Immediately transmit a cancellation message on Ch 16 and notify the nearest coast guard on Ch 16

A false alert must be cancelled immediately on Ch 16: state the vessel name/MMSI, that the distress alert was transmitted in error, and that no assistance is required. This prevents costly and dangerous SAR resource deployment.

Question 13: What is the primary cause of sea fog around UK coasts?

Warm, moist air moving over cooler sea surface, causing the air to cool below its dew point (Correct answer)
Cold air over warm sea
Heavy rainfall
Volcanic activity

Correct answer: Warm, moist air moving over cooler sea surface, causing the air to cool below its dew point

Sea fog (advection fog) forms when warm, moist air moves over a cooler sea surface. The air cools below its dew point, causing water vapour to condense into fog. It is common in spring and early summer.

Question 14: What does 'drying height' on a chart indicate?

The height of a lighthouse above sea level
The height of the seabed above chart datum — these areas are exposed (dry) at low water (Correct answer)
The height of the dock wall
The maximum wave height

Correct answer: The height of the seabed above chart datum — these areas are exposed (dry) at low water

A drying height (shown underlined on charts) indicates how far the seabed rises above chart datum. These areas are covered at high water but exposed at low water.

Question 15: What is the minimum life jacket buoyancy recommended for offshore coastal sailing under the RYA Day Skipper standard?

100N — suitable for sheltered waters
50N — adequate for calm inshore waters
150N — suitable for offshore and coastal sailing where self-righting is required (Correct answer)
275N — required only for survival suit categories

Correct answer: 150N — suitable for offshore and coastal sailing where self-righting is required

150N lifejackets provide sufficient buoyancy to turn an unconscious person face-up in rough water. They are recommended for coastal and offshore use. 100N is suitable for sheltered waters where help is nearby.

Question 16: What does 'Buys Ballot's Law' help a sailor determine?

The tidal range
The visibility forecast
The approximate direction to the centre of a low-pressure system from the wind direction (Correct answer)
The height of waves

Correct answer: The approximate direction to the centre of a low-pressure system from the wind direction

Buys Ballot's Law states that if you stand with your back to the wind in the Northern Hemisphere, low pressure is to your left. This helps locate the centre of approaching depressions.

Question 17: What type of cloud is most associated with an approaching cold front?

Cumulonimbus with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms (Correct answer)
Stratus
Cirrus
Fair-weather cumulus

Correct answer: Cumulonimbus with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms

Cold fronts are characterised by a narrow band of cumulonimbus clouds producing heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, and squally winds, followed by clearer conditions with cumulus clouds.

Question 18: How many pyrotechnic flares are typically recommended for a yacht sailing in coastal waters?

A minimum pack including red hand flares, red parachute rockets, and orange smoke signals (Correct answer)
None — flares are obsolete
One white flare only
Flares are only for commercial vessels

Correct answer: A minimum pack including red hand flares, red parachute rockets, and orange smoke signals

For coastal sailing, the minimum recommended pack includes red parachute rockets (for long-range alerting), red hand-held flares (for close-range signalling), and orange smoke signals (for daytime use).

Question 19: At a secondary port, the time difference on HW is listed as −0h 15min. Standard port HW is 1200. What is the secondary port HW time?

1215
1315
1200
1145 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1145

Secondary port HW = 1200 − 15 minutes = 1145. The negative sign means the secondary port HW occurs before the standard port HW.

Question 20: A skipper enters a port for the first time in poor visibility. Which is the safest pilotage approach?

Navigate by echo alone
Wait outside until visibility improves to at least 5 nm
Use pre-planned waypoints, transits, and clearing bearings; proceed at reduced speed; sound fog signals (Correct answer)
Proceed at maximum speed to minimise time in poor visibility

Correct answer: Use pre-planned waypoints, transits, and clearing bearings; proceed at reduced speed; sound fog signals

Best practice in restricted visibility is to use all pre-planned pilotage features (transits, clearing bearings), reduce speed, post a good lookout, and make regular sound signals (fog signals) per COLREGs Rule 35.

Question 21: What is a 'sea breeze' and when does it typically occur?

A strong offshore wind at night
A wind caused by tidal streams
A daytime onshore wind caused by differential heating between land and sea (Correct answer)
A constant offshore wind

Correct answer: A daytime onshore wind caused by differential heating between land and sea

A sea breeze develops during the day when the land heats faster than the sea. Warm air rises over the land, and cooler air from the sea flows in to replace it, creating an onshore breeze.

Question 22: What does 'neap tides' refer to?

Tides with the smallest range, occurring when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other (first and last quarter moon) (Correct answer)
Tides caused by storms
Tides that only occur in estuaries
The largest tidal range

Correct answer: Tides with the smallest range, occurring when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other (first and last quarter moon)

Neap tides have the smallest tidal range and occur at first and last quarter moon when the sun and moon are at 90 degrees to each other, partially cancelling their gravitational effects.

Question 23: What information does a Navtex message provide?

Only wind speed and direction
Navigational warnings, weather forecasts, and urgent notices to mariners for coastal waters (Correct answer)
Position fixes for vessels
Details of harbour dues

Correct answer: Navigational warnings, weather forecasts, and urgent notices to mariners for coastal waters

Navtex (NBDP radio) automatically broadcasts navigational warnings, meteorological forecasts, and search-and-rescue information on 518 kHz in English for coastal waters.

Question 24: Under Rule 18, which of the following vessels has the highest priority (least obliged to give way)?

A power-driven vessel
A vessel engaged in fishing
A sailing vessel
A vessel not under command (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A vessel not under command

The hierarchy under Rule 18 gives priority to: vessel not under command (highest), vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre, vessel constrained by draught, fishing vessel, sailing vessel, power-driven vessel (lowest).

Question 25: The phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'M' in the NATO alphabet used on marine VHF is:

Mike (Correct answer)
Mother
Metro
March

Correct answer: Mike

The NATO phonetic alphabet is used on marine VHF to spell out vessel names, positions, and key information clearly. M = Mike.

Question 26: What is the correct sequence for deploying a liferaft?

Deploy the raft from downwind to ensure it drifts toward crew
Throw the raft in and jump in after it
Inflate the raft on deck, then slide it over the side
Secure the painter to the vessel, throw the raft overboard, allow painter to deploy, pull sharply to inflate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Secure the painter to the vessel, throw the raft overboard, allow painter to deploy, pull sharply to inflate

The painter must be secured to the vessel first, then the raft is thrown over. The painter pulls the CO2 inflation mechanism. Inflate on deck only if there is no other option as it is harder to deploy.

Question 27: When using tidal diamonds on a chart, what do the columns for spring and neap rates tell you?

The height of tide
The wave period
The speed of the tidal stream in knots at mean springs and mean neaps for each hour relative to HW at the reference port (Correct answer)
Wind speeds at different times

Correct answer: The speed of the tidal stream in knots at mean springs and mean neaps for each hour relative to HW at the reference port

Tidal diamond tables give the direction and rate of the tidal stream for each hour relative to HW at the standard port, with separate rate columns for mean spring and mean neap conditions.

Question 28: What is the purpose of the 'estimated position' (EP) on a chart?

To indicate a dangerous shoal
To mark a waypoint
To show the last confirmed GPS fix
To show the vessel's best-estimated position using course, speed, and tidal data when no fix is available (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To show the vessel's best-estimated position using course, speed, and tidal data when no fix is available

An EP is derived by applying water track (course and log) and tidal stream to the last known position. It is less reliable than a fix but better than nothing.

Question 29: What weather feature is characterised by closely spaced isobars on a weather chart?

Calm conditions
Strong winds due to a steep pressure gradient (Correct answer)
High pressure
Fog

Correct answer: Strong winds due to a steep pressure gradient

Closely spaced isobars indicate a steep pressure gradient, which produces strong winds. The closer the isobars, the greater the pressure difference over a short distance, and the stronger the wind.

Question 30: What causes spring tides?

Strong winds from the west
The Earth's rotation speeding up
The spring season
The gravitational pull of the sun and moon acting in alignment (at new and full moon) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The gravitational pull of the sun and moon acting in alignment (at new and full moon)

Spring tides occur when the sun and moon are in alignment (syzygy), at new moon and full moon. Their combined gravitational pull produces the highest high tides and lowest low tides.

Question 31: A vessel takes on water faster than her bilge pump can remove it. The crew should:

Increase engine speed to raise the bow
Abandon ship immediately
Transfer all crew to one side to tilt the hull
Identify and plug the source of ingress first, use all available pumps, issue a Mayday if flooding cannot be controlled (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Identify and plug the source of ingress first, use all available pumps, issue a Mayday if flooding cannot be controlled

Source-finding and plugging is the first priority. Additional pumps (manual, electric, engine-driven) should be used simultaneously. Mayday should be issued early if there is doubt about controlling the flooding.

Question 32: What is the Beaufort Scale used to measure?

Visibility
Wind force, ranging from Force 0 (calm) to Force 12 (hurricane) (Correct answer)
Sea temperature
Atmospheric pressure

Correct answer: Wind force, ranging from Force 0 (calm) to Force 12 (hurricane)

The Beaufort Scale classifies wind speed into forces from 0 (calm, less than 1 knot) to 12 (hurricane force, 64+ knots), with descriptions of sea state at each level.

Question 33: What is the 'range' of a tide?

The vertical difference between high water and low water (Correct answer)
The distance the tide travels horizontally
The time between high and low water
The speed of the tidal stream

Correct answer: The vertical difference between high water and low water

Tidal range is the vertical difference in height between consecutive high water and low water. Spring tides have a larger range than neap tides.

Question 34: What is the purpose of a 'clearing bearing' in pilotage?

A bearing to a waypoint for course setting
A transit marking the harbour entrance
A bearing used to check deviation
A compass bearing that, when maintained, keeps the vessel clear of a specified hazard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A compass bearing that, when maintained, keeps the vessel clear of a specified hazard

A clearing bearing (also called a danger bearing) is a pre-planned compass bearing that defines the outer boundary of a danger. Keeping the bearing greater or lesser than this value keeps the vessel safe.

Question 35: How would you find the height of tide at a secondary port?

Use a depth sounder only
Use the same data as the standard port
Estimate based on the weather forecast
Apply the time and height differences listed in the tide tables to the standard port predictions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Apply the time and height differences listed in the tide tables to the standard port predictions

Secondary port predictions are calculated by applying published time differences and height differences (or ratios) to the predictions for the associated standard port, as listed in nautical almanacs.

Question 36: What is the approximate interval between successive high waters at a given location?

8 hours
24 hours
6 hours
12 hours 25 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12 hours 25 minutes

In a semidiurnal tidal pattern (as in most UK waters), high water occurs approximately every 12 hours and 25 minutes, reflecting the lunar day of about 24 hours 50 minutes.

Question 37: On a chart, a blue circle with 'PA' next to a depth sounding means:

Pilot Area
Prohibited Anchorage
Position Approximate — the sounding position is not precise (Correct answer)
Position Accurate

Correct answer: Position Approximate — the sounding position is not precise

PA stands for Position Approximate, indicating that the sounding or feature has been placed on the chart with limited positional accuracy.

Question 38: The RYA Day Skipper course requires competence in VHF radio use. Which licence is required to operate a marine VHF radio legally?

Short Range Certificate (SRC) — a OFCOM/MCA authorised qualification (Correct answer)
No licence is required for marine VHF
A full amateur radio licence
An RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate

Correct answer: Short Range Certificate (SRC) — a OFCOM/MCA authorised qualification

The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum licence required to operate a DSC VHF marine radio. It is obtained by examination through RYA or other authorised providers.

Question 39: A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) differs from an EPIRB in that:

It is larger and more powerful
It requires a separate satellite subscription
It is worn by an individual crew member and activates to locate that person, rather than the vessel (Correct answer)
It only works in harbour

Correct answer: It is worn by an individual crew member and activates to locate that person, rather than the vessel

A PLB is a personal device worn by individuals — useful especially if separated from the vessel (e.g., knocked overboard). An EPIRB is a vessel-mounted device registered to the boat.

Question 40: A skipper is planning a Channel crossing. The forecast shows a 'ridge of high pressure' between two lows. This provides:

Prolonged stable conditions for days
Gale force winds
Severe thunderstorms
A brief but often favourable weather window of light winds and possible fog (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A brief but often favourable weather window of light winds and possible fog

A ridge provides a temporary improvement — often lighter winds and good visibility — but may be accompanied by sea fog as warm air cools. The window is typically short-lived.

Question 41: What day signal does a vessel engaged in diving operations display?

A rigid replica of the International Code flag Alpha (Correct answer)
A black ball
A black cylinder
Two black cones, apex together

Correct answer: A rigid replica of the International Code flag Alpha

A vessel with a diver down displays a rigid replica of Code flag Alpha (blue and white swallowtail), the international signal meaning 'I have a diver down — keep clear at slow speed'.

Question 42: According to UK regulations, when must navigation lights be displayed on a vessel?

From sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility (Correct answer)
Only in harbours
Only in fog
Only when other vessels are visible

Correct answer: From sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility

Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility (fog, heavy rain, etc.). They may also be displayed during daylight if considered necessary.

Question 43: Pyrotechnic flares used on UK vessels expire after:

1 year
10 years
3 years from date of manufacture (Correct answer)
5 years

Correct answer: 3 years from date of manufacture

UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance states pyrotechnic flares must be replaced 3 years after date of manufacture (or at the expiry date printed on the flare).

Question 44: In the UK Shipping Forecast, what does 'veering' mean when describing wind direction?

Wind decreasing in strength
Wind direction changing anticlockwise
Wind gusting
Wind direction changing clockwise (e.g., from south to west) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Wind direction changing clockwise (e.g., from south to west)

Veering describes a clockwise change in wind direction (e.g., from south to southwest to west). The opposite, a change anticlockwise, is called 'backing'.

Question 45: What lights must a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre show (in addition to steaming lights)?

Two all-round lights: red over white
Three all-round lights: white, red, white
Three all-round lights: red, white, red (Correct answer)
Three all-round lights: red, green, red

Correct answer: Three all-round lights: red, white, red

A vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre shows three all-round lights vertically (red, white, red top to bottom), in addition to normal steaming and sidelights when making way.

Question 46: VHF Channel 16 should be monitored at all times because:

It is the channel for port authority clearance
It is the international distress, safety, and calling channel — all vessels must keep watch on it while at sea (Correct answer)
It broadcasts navigational warnings
It gives weather forecasts

Correct answer: It is the international distress, safety, and calling channel — all vessels must keep watch on it while at sea

Ch 16 is the international distress, urgency, and safety calling frequency. SOLAS requires all vessels to maintain a continuous watch. Working communications are then moved to an agreed working channel.

Question 47: A vessel receives a Securité message on Channel 16. This is:

A distress call
A routine port authority broadcast
A safety announcement regarding a navigational or meteorological hazard (Correct answer)
A vessel requesting a weather update

Correct answer: A safety announcement regarding a navigational or meteorological hazard

Securité (pronounced 'say-cure-ee-tay') is the safety call prefix used to announce navigational or meteorological hazards — e.g., a drifting container, reduced visibility, or a traffic separation scheme update.

Question 48: What is the 'Rule of Twelfths' used for?

Calculating boat speed
Measuring wind speed
Calculating fuel consumption
Estimating the rise or fall of tide during each hour of a roughly six-hour tidal cycle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Estimating the rise or fall of tide during each hour of a roughly six-hour tidal cycle

The Rule of Twelfths estimates tidal rise/fall each hour: 1/12, 2/12, 3/12, 3/12, 2/12, 1/12. It assumes a sinusoidal curve over approximately six hours between high and low water.

Question 49: A mariner takes a single compass bearing of 040°C on a lighthouse. Variation is 4°W and deviation is 0°. The true bearing of the lighthouse FROM the vessel is:

040°T
036°T (Correct answer)
034°T
044°T

Correct answer: 036°T

Compass to True: apply deviation (0) → 040°M; apply variation (W means subtract to go to True) → 040 − 4 = 036°T. The vessel lies on the reciprocal (216°T) from the lighthouse.

Question 50: What is a 'tidal stream atlas' used for?

Identifying fishing grounds
Predicting tidal heights
Showing the direction and rate of tidal streams at hourly intervals relative to high water at a standard port (Correct answer)
Plotting weather systems

Correct answer: Showing the direction and rate of tidal streams at hourly intervals relative to high water at a standard port

A tidal stream atlas shows arrows indicating the direction and rate (in knots, for springs and neaps) of tidal streams at hourly intervals, referenced to HW at a standard port.

Question 51: What is 'chart datum' in relation to tides?

The average sea level
The highest tide level
The depth at which anchoring is safe
The reference level on a chart below which depths are shown and above which tidal heights are measured (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The reference level on a chart below which depths are shown and above which tidal heights are measured

Chart datum is the reference level used on charts, typically LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide) in UK waters. Depths shown on the chart are measured below this level, and tidal heights are measured above it.

Question 52: A depth contour line labelled '10' on an Admiralty chart means:

The seabed is 10 feet deep
The area inside the contour is less than 10m deep at MHWS
All points on this line have a depth of 10 metres at chart datum (Correct answer)
You are 10 cables from shore

Correct answer: All points on this line have a depth of 10 metres at chart datum

Depth contours connect points of equal depth referenced to chart datum (CD), which is typically the lowest astronomical tide (LAT).

Question 53: When wearing a harness and tether on deck at night, a crew member should:

Keep the tether attached to jackstays or strong points at all times and use a short tether to prevent going over the side (Correct answer)
Attach the tether to the guardrails
Wear the tether only in harbour
Remove the tether for freedom of movement

Correct answer: Keep the tether attached to jackstays or strong points at all times and use a short tether to prevent going over the side

Jackstays run fore-and-aft along the deck specifically for tether attachment. A short tether limits how far a crew member can be dragged before reaching the water — tether discipline saves lives.

Question 54: What is the first action to take if you discover a fire below decks on a yacht?

Open hatches to ventilate
Abandon ship immediately
Alert the crew, close hatches and ventilation to starve the fire of oxygen, and use the appropriate extinguisher (Correct answer)
Pour water on the fire

Correct answer: Alert the crew, close hatches and ventilation to starve the fire of oxygen, and use the appropriate extinguisher

The first actions are to alert the crew, close hatches and ventilation to reduce oxygen supply, and then fight the fire with the appropriate extinguisher. Opening hatches would feed the fire with air.

Question 55: The ISAF/World Sailing category for a Day Skipper-level coastal passage (up to 60 nm offshore) requires which safety equipment standard?

Only a lifejacket per crew member
No special safety equipment is required
The appropriate offshore category — typically Category 4 or 3 depending on distance — with flares, liferaft, and jackstays (Correct answer)
AIS and EPIRB only

Correct answer: The appropriate offshore category — typically Category 4 or 3 depending on distance — with flares, liferaft, and jackstays

Offshore coastal passages require appropriate safety gear including flares (valid), liferaft (if required by conditions/distance), jackstays, tethers, and emergency equipment proportional to the passage category.

Question 56: In a man overboard situation under sail, what is the recommended initial action?

Drop all sails immediately
Shout 'MAN OVERBOARD', throw a lifebuoy, assign a spotter, press MOB on GPS, and begin the recovery manoeuvre (Correct answer)
Call the coastguard before doing anything else
Continue sailing until you can turn around

Correct answer: Shout 'MAN OVERBOARD', throw a lifebuoy, assign a spotter, press MOB on GPS, and begin the recovery manoeuvre

Immediate actions are: shout the alarm, deploy a lifebuoy or danbuoy, assign someone to point at the casualty continuously, press MOB on GPS, and begin the appropriate recovery manoeuvre.

Question 57: What is the difference between 'height of tide' and 'depth of water'?

Height of tide is the vertical distance from chart datum to the water surface; depth of water is chart depth plus height of tide (Correct answer)
They are the same
Depth of water is measured from the surface down
Height of tide is always greater

Correct answer: Height of tide is the vertical distance from chart datum to the water surface; depth of water is chart depth plus height of tide

Height of tide is measured from chart datum upwards to the water surface. Actual depth of water at any point = charted depth + height of tide (both measured from chart datum).

Question 58: In which direction does wind flow around a low-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere?

Clockwise
Directly away from the centre
Anticlockwise (Correct answer)
Directly towards the centre

Correct answer: Anticlockwise

In the Northern Hemisphere, wind circulates anticlockwise around a low-pressure system (cyclonic). This is due to the Coriolis effect acting on the pressure gradient force.

Question 59: What is the minimum lighting requirement for a vessel under 7m making no more than 7 knots?

Full sidelights and sternlight only
No lights are required
An all-round white light, with sidelights if practicable (Correct answer)
A masthead light only

Correct answer: An all-round white light, with sidelights if practicable

Under COLREGS Rule 23, a vessel under 7m making no more than 7 knots need only show an all-round white light, though sidelights should also be shown if practicable.

Question 60: At what point in the tidal cycle does the tidal stream typically turn?

Exactly at high and low water
Tidal streams are constant
At mid-tide only
Approximately at high and low water, though the exact time varies by location (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Approximately at high and low water, though the exact time varies by location

Tidal streams typically change direction (turn or 'slack') approximately at high and low water, but the exact timing varies by location. In some areas, the stream may turn well before or after HW/LW.

RYA Day Skipper Test

The RYA Day Skipper written test assesses competency in coastal navigation, chartwork, tidal calculations, weather interpretation, and safety procedures for skippers operating in familiar waters by day.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

80%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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rya.org.uk — Eligibility, test delivery, time limit · verified Oct 2026