RYA Day Skipper Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What weather conditions are typically associated with an approaching warm front?

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

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 2: A vessel engaged in trawling at night, when making way, shows which combination of lights?

Two all-round white lights, sidelights and sternlight
Green over white all-round lights, sidelights and sternlight (Correct answer)
Green over red all-round lights and sternlight
Red over white all-round lights, sidelights and sternlight

Correct answer: Green over white all-round lights, sidelights and sternlight

A trawler underway and making way shows two all-round lights (green over white), plus sidelights and a sternlight.

Question 3: What light(s) does a vessel of less than 50m show when at anchor?

A white masthead light and sidelights
One all-round red light
Two all-round white lights
One all-round white light (Correct answer)

Correct answer: One all-round white light

A vessel under 50m at anchor shows a single all-round white light in the fore part of the vessel where it can best be seen.

Question 4: What does a rapidly falling barometer indicate to a sailor?

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

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

Wind speeds at different times
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)
The height of tide

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 6: What is the 'range' of a tide?

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

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 7: What day shape must a vessel at anchor display?

Two black balls
A black diamond
A black ball (Correct answer)
A black cone

Correct answer: A black ball

A vessel at anchor must hoist a black ball shape in the forepart of the vessel where it can best be seen.

Question 8: When a tow exceeds 200m, what day shape is displayed by the vessels involved?

A cone on the towed vessel only
A ball on the towing vessel and a diamond on the towed vessel
A cylinder on the towing vessel only
A diamond shape, displayed by both the towing vessel and the vessel being towed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A diamond shape, displayed by both the towing vessel and the vessel being towed

When the length of the tow exceeds 200m, both the towing vessel and the vessel being towed display a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

Question 9: On an Admiralty chart, what does a magenta diamond symbol indicate?

A dangerous wreck
A reference to additional information in the chart notes or tidal diamond data (Correct answer)
A restricted area
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 10: What is the primary purpose of a 'liferaft' on a cruising yacht?

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

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 11: According to best practice, what are the four stages of passage planning?

Appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring (Correct answer)
Loading, departing, sailing, arriving
Start, sail, arrive, dock
Fuelling, crewing, navigating, berthing

Correct answer: Appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring

The four stages of passage planning are: Appraisal (gathering all relevant information), Planning (developing the plan), Execution (carrying out the plan), and Monitoring (checking progress against the plan).

Question 12: On an Admiralty chart, a depth sounding shown in bold italic figures indicates:

A drying height — the figure is the height above chart datum when dry (Correct answer)
A depth that is uncertain
A wreck
A depth in fathoms

Correct answer: A drying height — the figure is the height above chart datum when dry

Bold italic soundings on a chart are drying heights — areas that dry out at low water. The figure gives the height above chart datum (CD) at which the feature dries.

Question 13: What is the correct procedure for sending a 'Mayday' distress call on VHF radio?

Say 'MAYDAY' three times, followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name three times, then give position, nature of distress, and number of persons on board (Correct answer)
Say 'Mayday' once and give your name
Call the coastguard on channel 16 and ask for help
Send a text message to the RNLI

Correct answer: Say 'MAYDAY' three times, followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name three times, then give position, nature of distress, and number of persons on board

The correct Mayday procedure is: 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, THIS IS [vessel name x3], MAYDAY [vessel name], MY POSITION IS [position], [nature of distress], [assistance required], [number of POB], [any other useful information], OVER.'

Question 14: When planning a coastal passage, SOLAS V requires all mariners to:

Carry EPIRB on all vessels
Use all available weather information and plan the voyage before departure (Correct answer)
Have a licensed radio operator
File a float plan with the coastguard

Correct answer: Use all available weather information and plan the voyage before departure

SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of Navigation), applicable to all vessels, requires passage planning including consideration of weather, hazards, and escape routes before departure.

Question 15: What is the Beaufort Scale used to measure?

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

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

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

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.

Question 17: 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
Apply the time and height differences listed in the tide tables to the standard port predictions (Correct answer)
Estimate based on the weather forecast

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 18: What is 'dead reckoning' (DR) in navigation?

Calculating position from the last known fix using course steered and distance logged, without tidal or wind corrections (Correct answer)
Using radar for navigation
Using GPS for positioning
Taking bearings of landmarks

Correct answer: Calculating position from the last known fix using course steered and distance logged, without tidal or wind corrections

Dead reckoning calculates position from the last known fix by applying the course steered and distance run (from the log), without any correction for tidal stream, leeway, or current.

Question 19: What is a 'waypoint' in passage planning?

A point where you stop for fuel
A VHF radio check-in point
A weather observation point
A specific geographical position along the planned route, often at turning points or hazard clearances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A specific geographical position along the planned route, often at turning points or hazard clearances

Waypoints are specific positions (latitude and longitude) plotted along the passage route, typically at course alteration points, clearing bearings, or navigational marks, and entered into the GPS.

Question 20: In the UK Shipping Forecast, what visibility range does 'poor' indicate?

Greater than 5 nautical miles
1,000 metres to 2 nautical miles (Correct answer)
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 21: In which direction does wind flow around a low-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere?

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

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 22: What is 'chart datum' in relation to tides?

The depth at which anchoring is safe
The highest tide level
The average sea level
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 23: What is a 'sea breeze' and when does it typically occur?

A wind caused by tidal streams
A daytime onshore wind caused by differential heating between land and sea (Correct answer)
A strong offshore wind at night
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 24: What does 'neap tides' refer to?

Tides that only occur in estuaries
The largest tidal range
Tides caused by storms
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)

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 25: Under COLREGs Rule 13, an overtaking vessel must:

Keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken until finally past and clear (Correct answer)
Alter course to starboard only
Proceed at no more than 5 knots
Give a sound signal only

Correct answer: Keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken until finally past and clear

Rule 13 states that any vessel overtaking another (bearing more than 22.5° abaft the beam of the vessel ahead) must keep clear until completely past and clear. This rule overrides Rules 11–18 for crossing and head-on situations.

Question 26: What is the primary cause of sea fog around UK coasts?

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

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 27: A vessel is dismasted and in urgent need of assistance but not immediately in danger of sinking. The correct call is:

Pan Pan — this is an urgency situation, not immediate danger to life (Correct answer)
Securité — it is a hazard to other vessels
No call — wait and see if the situation worsens
Mayday — any emergency requires a Mayday

Correct answer: Pan Pan — this is an urgency situation, not immediate danger to life

Mayday is for immediate grave danger; Pan Pan is for urgency requiring assistance where life is not immediately threatened. A dismasting in calm conditions requiring a tow is a Pan Pan situation.

Question 28: What is the 'Rule of Twelfths' used for?

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

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

The visibility forecast
The approximate direction to the centre of a low-pressure system from the wind direction (Correct answer)
The tidal range
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 30: What does the 'SOLAS' convention stand for?

Safety Of Life At Sea (Correct answer)
Society Of Licensed And Safe
System Of Lighthouse And Signals
Standards Of Lifesaving And Sailing

Correct answer: Safety Of Life At Sea

SOLAS stands for Safety Of Life At Sea. It is the most important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships, originally enacted after the Titanic disaster.

Question 31: What causes spring tides?

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

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 32: A pilot book states a waypoint should be kept to port. What does this mean for a vessel proceeding on passage?

Anchor to port of the waypoint
The waypoint should be entered from the port side
Steer to port of the charted compass rose
The waypoint (hazard or mark) should be on the vessel's port (left) side as she passes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The waypoint (hazard or mark) should be on the vessel's port (left) side as she passes

'Keep to port' means the mark or hazard should be on the left side of the vessel when passing. This is standard pilotage language.

Question 33: A MOB (man overboard) situation occurs. The first crew member to spot the casualty should:

Call the coastguard first
Go below to get the lifering
Maintain constant visual watch on the casualty, point continuously, and shout 'man overboard' (Correct answer)
Jump in to assist immediately

Correct answer: Maintain constant visual watch on the casualty, point continuously, and shout 'man overboard'

Maintaining sight of the casualty is the first priority — once lost in the water, finding them again is extremely difficult. Other crew deal with the manoeuvre and equipment deployment.

Question 34: In the UK Shipping Forecast, what does 'veering' mean when describing wind direction?

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

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 35: A tidal atlas shows an arrow with '15,28' for an hourly position. What do these numbers mean?

1.5 NM drift; 28 minutes duration
Neap rate = 1.5 knots; spring rate = 2.8 knots (Correct answer)
Neap set = 15°; spring set = 28°
15 degrees set; 2.8 knots rate

Correct answer: Neap rate = 1.5 knots; spring rate = 2.8 knots

In UK tidal atlases, the two numbers alongside stream arrows represent the mean neap rate (in tenths of a knot) and mean spring rate. '15,28' = 1.5 knots neaps, 2.8 knots springs.

Question 36: What does 'drying height' on a chart indicate?

The height of the seabed above chart datum — these areas are exposed (dry) at low water (Correct answer)
The height of a lighthouse above sea level
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 37: What is the purpose of a 'grab bag' on a yacht?

A harness storage bag
A waterproof bag for storing charts
A portable bag kept ready at the companionway containing essential emergency items to take into the liferaft (Correct answer)
A bag for collecting sail cloth

Correct answer: A portable bag kept ready at the companionway containing essential emergency items to take into the liferaft

A grab bag contains items not stored in the liferaft that are critical for survival: flares, water, rations, EPIRB/PLB, knife, torch, first aid kit, ship's papers, and communication devices.

Question 38: What is the approximate interval between successive high waters at a given location?

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

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 39: What does the abbreviation 'Fl(3) 15s' on a chart mean for a light?

A light visible for 3 nautical miles
Fixed light at 15 metres
A light showing a group of 3 flashes with a total period of 15 seconds (Correct answer)
A foghorn sounding every 15 seconds

Correct answer: A light showing a group of 3 flashes with a total period of 15 seconds

Fl(3) 15s describes a group flashing light that shows 3 flashes in succession, with the complete cycle (including dark intervals) repeating every 15 seconds.

Question 40: 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 41: What is a 'crossing situation' under Rule 15, and which vessel must give way?

The faster vessel always gives way
Only applies to sailing vessels
Two vessels approaching from directly behind — the overtaking vessel gives way
When two power-driven vessels cross so as to involve risk of collision — the vessel with the other on her starboard side must give way (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When two power-driven vessels cross so as to involve risk of collision — the vessel with the other on her starboard side must give way

In a crossing situation between power-driven vessels, the vessel that has the other on her starboard (right) side must give way. She should avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Question 42: What day shape does a vessel constrained by her draught display?

A black cone, point downwards
A black cylinder (Correct answer)
A black ball
Two black cones, apex together

Correct answer: A black cylinder

A vessel constrained by her draught displays a black cylinder as a day shape, warning other mariners of her very limited ability to deviate from her course.

Question 43: A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) differs from an EPIRB in that:

It is larger and more powerful
It only works in harbour
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)

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 44: 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)
Remove the tether for freedom of movement
Attach the tether to the guardrails
Wear the tether only in harbour

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

Height of tide is always greater
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)
Depth of water is measured from the surface down
They are the same

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

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

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

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

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 48: What lights must a power-driven vessel of 50m or more show when underway at night?

Two masthead lights and anchor lights
One masthead light, sidelights and sternlight
Two masthead lights, sidelights and sternlight (Correct answer)
Three masthead lights, sidelights and sternlight

Correct answer: Two masthead lights, sidelights and sternlight

A power-driven vessel of 50m or more must display two masthead lights (the forward one placed higher), together with sidelights and a sternlight.

Question 49: What does a 'leading line' or 'transit' provide for a navigator?

A VHF frequency
An indication of wind direction
A line of position confirmed by aligning two charted objects, providing a reliable bearing (Correct answer)
A weather forecast

Correct answer: A line of position confirmed by aligning two charted objects, providing a reliable bearing

A transit (or leading line) is formed when two charted objects are in line. This provides a very accurate line of position and is often used for entering harbours safely.

Question 50: Pyrotechnic flares used on UK vessels expire after:

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

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 51: When planning a passage, what is the recommended safety margin when passing a headland or lee shore?

Exactly 100 metres
A generous clearance that accounts for tidal set, leeway, wind effects, and sea conditions — typically at least 1-2 nautical miles (Correct answer)
There is no recommended distance
As close as possible to save time

Correct answer: A generous clearance that accounts for tidal set, leeway, wind effects, and sea conditions — typically at least 1-2 nautical miles

A generous safety margin should be maintained when passing headlands and lee shores, accounting for tidal streams, wind-driven current, leeway, and the possibility of conditions worsening.

Question 52: A vessel's GPS shows Course Over Ground (COG) as 080°T and speed 5 knots. The compass heading is 090°T. What is the tidal set?

The GPS is malfunctioning
The tide is setting eastward
There is no tidal set
The tide is setting toward approximately 350°–010°T (pushing northward), shifting the track left (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The tide is setting toward approximately 350°–010°T (pushing northward), shifting the track left

The COG (080°) is to the left (north) of the heading (090°). This means the tide is pushing the vessel northward (set approximately north). The helmsman must steer right (090°) to track toward 080°.

Question 53: Under the COLREGs, what must the 'stand-on' vessel do?

Turn to port
Stop engines
Maintain course and speed, but be prepared to take avoiding action if the give-way vessel fails to act (Correct answer)
Alter course immediately

Correct answer: Maintain course and speed, but be prepared to take avoiding action if the give-way vessel fails to act

Rule 17 requires the stand-on vessel to maintain her course and speed. However, she may take action to avoid collision if it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action.

Question 54: What is the difference between 'variation' and 'deviation' in compass navigation?

They are the same thing
Variation only applies to GPS
Variation is the difference between true and magnetic north; deviation is the error caused by the vessel's own magnetic field (Correct answer)
Deviation is the difference between true and magnetic north

Correct answer: Variation is the difference between true and magnetic north; deviation is the error caused by the vessel's own magnetic field

Variation is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given location (caused by the Earth's magnetic field). Deviation is an additional error caused by magnetic influences aboard the vessel.

Question 55: What is a 'tidal stream atlas' used for?

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

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 56: 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 57: What is 'height of tide'?

The height of a wave
The tidal range over a full cycle
The vertical distance from chart datum to the sea surface at a given time (Correct answer)
The height above sea level of a charted landmark

Correct answer: The vertical distance from chart datum to the sea surface at a given time

Height of tide (HoT) is the vertical distance from chart datum (CD) to the actual water surface at the time in question. It varies throughout the tidal cycle.

Question 58: On the Beaufort Scale, what wind speed range does Force 6 ('strong breeze') correspond to?

22-27 knots (Correct answer)
17-21 knots
34-40 knots
28-33 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 59: What does 'EPIRB' stand for and what does it do?

Emergency Primary Inshore Radio Beacon — for coastal use only
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, providing vessel identity and position to rescue services (Correct answer)
Extended Personal Identification Radio Beacon — for individual crew members
Electronic Position Indicating Radio Buoy — marks a man overboard position

Correct answer: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, providing vessel identity and position to rescue services

An EPIRB transmits on 406 MHz to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, alerting rescue services with the vessel's MMSI and GPS position (if GPS-enabled). A registered EPIRB is far more effective than an unregistered one.

Question 60: According to UK regulations, when must navigation lights be displayed on a vessel?

Only in fog
Only in harbours
From sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility (Correct answer)
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.

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