Basic Sea Survival - Course FAQ's

How much will the Basic Sea Survival course cost including exam fees?

The course will cost typically £100 - £150 (Approx. $150-$230, or 125-190 EUROS) depending on where you take it.

What will you get out of this course?

This teaches you what to do in the event of having to abandon ship. Most people never have to do it, yet it is a very good idea to learn the skills in case you have to. 

You will learn how to launch a life raft, how to leave a sinking boat safely, how to swim in a lifejacket, and how to get into a life raft in emergency.  Non swimmers will learn how to swim as part of the course.

What are your limits?

You will be aware of exactly what to do when it is time to abandon ship. It will teach you what to do in such an event in coastal areas, though the same skills apply in an oceanic situation. Look up advanced sea survival courses for oceanic crossing sea survival.

Is it a theory course, practical or both?

This is shorebased though the course focuses on practical skills. For example, you will learn how to launch a life raft in a swimming pool.

Where can you take the course?

You can learn this course anywhere in the world with such a course. The RYA, ASA, Sail Canada and IYT among others offer these courses all over the world as well.

Can you do this in another country?

Yes.

What level of experience do you need before you begin the Basic Sea Survival Course?

You need no experience whatsoever. This teaches you what you need to learn. It is advisable that you learn how to sail first though!

How long does it take?

The RYA course takes around a day. Other countries’ versions take longer.

What does it involve?

Download the RYA syllabus for this course here.

The course teaches you how to operate a lifejacket as well as how to enter the water wearing one. If you dive in head first as an example, you could break your neck.

You will also learn the techniques involved in launching and operating a life raft. You will also get an idea when to launch it – people who have used them unnecessarily have ended up in more trouble than they would have by not abandoning ship.

These are skills that you probably never will use, though are very important skills to have in chase you are the 0.01% who have the misfortune to have to use them.

How do I progress as a sailor / motor yachtsman after completing it?

You can continue updating your sailing or motoring skills. This is an important adjunct to your knowledge as a seafarer.

Does this course give you international accreditation?

No, but it will give you a very good idea what to do in the event of an emergency wherever you are in the world.

Where can I learn more about the Basic Sea Survival course?

Look up the RYA summary of the course.