Skip to main content

Power and sail / Developing

Coastal Skipper (Power and Sail)

Take the skills you already have further. This course helps you take charge of a boat on coastal trips with more knowledge and confidence.

Skipper at the wheel of a yacht with the coastline behind

Course overview

Coastal Skipper suits people who already know the basics and have some time on the water, including those who have completed Small Boat Skipper. Your instructor starts from your current level and helps you build towards skippering a boat on more challenging trips along the coast. You practise boat handling, pilotage, planning a day passage and briefing your crew, with plenty of time at the helm. The emphasis is on sound decisions, good preparation and clear communication on board. By the end, you should feel ready to take on more challenging trips and further training.

Who it is for

People with some experience on the water who want to take charge of a boat on coastal day trips.

What you will learn

  • Planning a coastal day passage
  • Pilotage and position fixing
  • Boat handling in close quarters
  • Briefing and managing a crew
  • Weather awareness and decision-making

How training works

Practical training on the water with an instructor. Contact IMSO for current venues, dates and group sizes.

Before you enrol

Some previous experience on the water is helpful. Contact IMSO for current entry requirements.

Assessment and certificate

Ask IMSO how progress is assessed on this course and which certificate is currently issued.

Questions

Common questions about this course

Is Coastal Skipper right for me?

Tell us about your experience and what you want to achieve. We will explain the current entry requirements and suggest the right starting point.

When does the next course run?

Dates are confirmed on request. Send an enquiry and we will reply with current dates, venues and fees.

Enquire

Ask about Coastal Skipper

Send a short message and we will reply with current dates, entry requirements and the next step.

All fields are required unless marked optional.

For example, a region, a month or weekends only.

Related

  • Instructor and learner bringing a rigid inflatable boat alongside a pontoon

    PowerDeveloping

    Small Boat Skipper (Power)

    Developing

    Develop safe powerboat handling and the seamanship behind every manoeuvre.

  • Dividers resting on a navigation chart during chartwork

    TheoryAdvanced

    Master Theory

    Navigation and theory

    Take your navigation and weather knowledge to the level expected of an advanced skipper.

  • Yacht entering a harbour at dusk with navigation lights showing

    Power and sailAdvanced

    Master Coastal (Power and Sail)

    Advanced coastal

    Prepare for more demanding coastal passages by day and night, with an emphasis on command.