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RYA Day Skipper , Sailing essentials ,

Rules of the Road

Knowing the rules (the highway code for the water) will keep you safe and confident about what to do when approaching another vessel.

Learn the rules & how to interpret them.

Approximately 3 hours

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The rules governing our time on the water are published in the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS). Sometimes referred to as COLREGs (collision regulations), the IRPCS has been adopted by most major countries and legislated in their statute books. Some of the rules have remained the same since 1863.

Anyone going to sea should know at least the basics of the IRPCS, so this module is free for anyone registered on our site.

Skills covered

This module walks through the IRPCS from the ground up. Once completed, you’ll have a sound understanding of the rules, knowing, amongst other things, what to do when you come across another boat on the water, lights, shapes and sounds displayed and what to do in restricted visibility (fog). This module covers the IRPCS in enough depth for YachtMaster®-level theory.

On completing this module, you’ll earn the Collision Regulations insignia!

Collision Regulations

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

Module downloads:

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.

Day Skipper Theory Crib Sheets


Coastal Skipper/YachtMaster® Theory Crib Sheets


Module Content

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Module Includes

  • 6 Topics
  • 11 Sessions
  • 1 Exercise