Course preview · RYA G3
Competent Crew
The foundation practical course for aspiring crew members.
- Modules
- 12
- Lessons
- 36
- Materials
- 16
- Syllabus outcomes
- 19
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RYA syllabus
01 Knowledge of Sea Terms1 topic · 2 outcomes
Terminology and parts2
- 1.1Uses correct nautical terminology for boat, rig and equipment
- 1.2Identifies parts of the hull, spars, sails and running/standing rigging
02 Sail Handling1 topic · 2 outcomes
Setting, reefing and handing2
- 2.1Prepares and hoists sails; reefs, shakes out and lowers under supervision
- 2.2Handles sheets and halyards on winches safely
03 Ropework1 topic · 2 outcomes
Knots and rope handling2
- 3.1Ties eight essential knots without hesitation
- 3.2Coils, secures, throws and heaves a line accurately
04 Fire Precautions & Fire Fighting1 topic · 1 outcome
Onboard fire safety1
- 4.1Knows location and use of extinguishers, fire blanket and gas isolators
05 Personal Safety Equipment1 topic · 1 outcome
PFDs, harnesses & jackstays1
- 5.1Dons a lifejacket and harness correctly; clips on when appropriate
06 Man Overboard1 topic · 1 outcome
MOB response1
- 6.1Raises the alarm and performs the actions expected of crew during MOB drill
07 Emergency Equipment1 topic · 1 outcome
Distress signals & liferaft1
- 7.1Knows location and purpose of flares, EPIRB and liferaft
08 Manners and Customs1 topic · 1 outcome
Life aboard1
- 8.1Understands accepted behaviour with regard to rubbish, discharges, noise and privacy
09 Rules of the Road1 topic · 1 outcome
IRPCS basics1
- 9.1Has a basic knowledge of the steering and sailing rules
10 Dinghies1 topic · 1 outcome
Tender handling1
- 10.1Boards and disembarks a dinghy; rows or drives a tender safely
11 Meteorology1 topic · 1 outcome
Wind and weather1
- 11.1Recognises Beaufort force and the effect of wind on the sea state
12 Seasickness1 topic · 1 outcome
Prevention & care1
- 12.1Understands prevention, remedies and how to look after affected crew
13 Helmsmanship and Sailing1 topic · 2 outcomes
Steering under sail and power2
- 13.1Steers a compass course and by the wind, under sail and power
- 13.2Understands the effect of the rudder and propeller
14 General Duties1 topic · 2 outcomes
Anchoring, mooring & watchkeeping2
- 14.1Assists with anchoring, mooring and berthing
- 14.2Stands watch and keeps a lookout
Course outline & materials
Titles only — materials open once you're enrolled on the course.
01 Personal safety equipment and safety brief3 lessons · 2 items
Lifejackets, harnesses, clipping on, and the boat's safety brief.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: lifejackets, harnesses and the boat's safety gear45 min
No materials listed
On deck: fitting kit, clipping on and moving safely60 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
02 Parts of the boat and nautical terminology3 lessons · 2 items
Naming the boat, her rig and gear, and using sea terms correctly.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: hull, deck, rig, sails and sea terms45 min
No materials listed
On the boat: naming gear and taking orders60 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
03 Ropework, knots and warps3 lessons · 2 items
The crew's knots, cleating, coiling, winches and handling mooring lines.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: knots, cleating and warps45 min
No materials listed
On the boat: ropework, winches and mooring lines90 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
04 Crew duties underway3 lessons · 2 items
Working the deck: preparing to sea, tacking, gybing, lookout and the log.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: preparing for sea, tacking and gybing45 min
No materials listed
On the water: sheet work, gybes and lookout120 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
05 Sail setting, trimming and reefing3 lessons · 2 items
Hoisting, trimming to the telltales, reefing and stowing sails.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: sail shape, trim and reefing systems45 min
No materials listed
On the water: hoisting, trimming and reefing drills120 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
06 Helming under sail and power3 lessons · 2 items
Steering to a compass course, to the wind and under engine.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: steering by compass, wind and transit45 min
No materials listed
On the water: helming under sail and power120 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
07 Man overboard and emergency procedures3 lessons · 2 items
The crew's part in an MOB recovery, distress calls and emergency gear.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: MOB drill, distress calls and emergency gear45 min
No materials listed
On the water: MOB drills under power and sail120 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
08 Living aboard, watchkeeping and weather awareness3 lessons · 2 items
Watch systems, galley and heads, hygiene, and reading the weather as crew.
- URLRYA Competent Crew course page🔒
- URLVideo: sailing knots and ropework🔒
Briefing: living aboard, watch systems and weather45 min
No materials listed
Aboard: galley, heads, watchkeeping and forecast practice90 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
09 Fire precautions and firefighting3 lessons · 0 items
Preventing fire aboard, and the crew's response when one starts.
Briefing: fire risks, prevention and extinguisher types40 min
No materials listed
Aboard: locating gear and fire drills60 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
10 Rules of the road and lookout3 lessons · 0 items
The collision regulations a crew needs, lights, shapes and sound signals.
Briefing: collision regulations, lights and sound signals45 min
No materials listed
On the water: traffic calling and night light recognition90 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
11 Manners, customs and dinghy handling3 lessons · 0 items
Courtesy afloat, flag etiquette, and getting ashore safely by tender.
Briefing: harbour manners, flag etiquette and tenders40 min
No materials listed
Aboard: rafting, crossing boats and dinghy work90 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed
12 Seasickness, comfort and wellbeing at sea3 lessons · 0 items
Preventing and managing seasickness, cold, heat and fatigue.
Briefing: seasickness, cold, heat and fatigue40 min
No materials listed
Aboard: kit, hydration and looking after each other60 min
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check30 min
No materials listed