FAQ's - RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship

(ENAS) Course

How much will the Essential Navigation and Seamanship course cost including exam fees?

This typically costs as little as £100 (Approx. $150 or 125 EUROS) including tuition and examination.

What skills will you learn?

This takes the complete novice or rusty intermediate and teaches you what you need to navigate and pilot your boat safely. You will learn navigation, meteorology pilotage and a number of other core skills around being a safer, better yachtsman or motor boater.

What are your limits on passing the course?

This isn’t about navigating your IMOCA 60 around the world in under 80 days! It is about safe seamanship and navigation in relatively sheltered waters, whether crossing the Channel or marina hopping up the coast.

Is the RYA Navigation and Seamanship course theory based, practical or both?

It is an onshore theory course and is generally done online with help from a sailing instructor by email or telephone. You can also do the course in a shorebased classroom.

Where can you take the ENAS course?

You can do this anywhere with an internet connection and a computer, though you can do it as a classroom based course at a qualifed training centre.

Can you do it in another country?

Yes, anywhere and at your own speed.

What level of experience do you need before you begin this course?

You can be a complete novice or someone who is returning to sailing after a period of time away who needs to get back in the groove.

How long does the course take to complete?

It takes 16 hours and can be done intensively over a weekend or can be done online over a longer period.

What does the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship course involve?

You will cover the basics of inshore navigation, tides and pilotage, as well as the Collision Regulations. You will also learn about basic meteorology so you know when it is safe to go out and what to expect when you get out to sea.

These will enable you to make the right decisions as and when they come up, from following the correct protocols in leaving a harbour, to knowing what to expect from the weather and sea state when you get out to sea. Have a look at the course syllabus here.

Topics include:

You will also be given a RYA pack which includes a course handbook, and a chart plotter CD.

How do I progress after completing this?

You can do the RYA Day Skipper that gives you applied knowledge through its practical course. Alternatively, if you already have the Day Skipper qualification there is no need to take this course, you can get sailing again and consider progressing up the RYA course structure. 

Does the course give you international accreditation?

No.

Where can I learn more about the course?

Check out the official RYA webpage for this course, or take a look at the Essential Navigation & Seamanship course syllabus.