Dart Harbour Sea School Motor Cruising Courses:
Helmsman | ICC | Day Skipper | Coastal Skipper | Yachtmaster Offshore | Day Taster Sessions | Skippered Charter | Corporate Entertaining | Own Boat Tuition
Dart Harbour Sea School offers RYA Motor Cruising Scheme Courses, from a practical introduction for the novice, through to advanced level qualifications.
Based in Dartmouth and Torbay, arguably one of the most beautiful locations on the South Coast we offer all year round training on the River Dart and surrounding areas with the challenge of close quarter manoeuvres in a busy commercial port as well as the thrill of the open sea and its stunning coast line.
We offer all RYA courses on a range of vessels including our Fairline Phantom 40', Sealine F33, Evolution 38 and Nelson 40 Motor Cruisers which are all fully equipped with all safety and navigation equipment and powered by diesel engines. Our friendly and professional staff aim to make your course instructive and fun.
Why choose Dart Harbour Sea School?
We offer all our customers 5 star service and low student-instructor ratios, maximum of 4 to 1. Our 5 star service extends to great food whilst on board, very well cleaned/maintained boats and no hidden extra costs.
Helmsman
A two-day practical course. This is essentially an introduction to Motor Cruising, a two-day course that covers basic boat handling, safety and rules of the road. The overall aim is to inspire the novice and build confidence while also allowing you to discover the joys of a new activity.
This can be taught on your own boat or on our school boat.
Cost: £390 on our school boat, for the 2 days to include staying on the boat, breakfast and lunch, wet weather gear. (no hidden extra costs-only getting to us!)
International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
A 3 day course, depending on experience, which covers some in depth boat handling. Successful completion of this course would give you the equivalent to a European driving licence for a motor vessel over 10m. This is required if taking a boat into most European coastal waters and certainly for chartering one whilst there. (It is needed for both France and Spain for example).
Cost: £525 on one of our school boats, for the 3 days to include staying on the boat, breakfast and lunch, course books and wet weather gear.(no hidden extra costs-only getting to us!) Option to arrive at the boat the night before the course and settle in, at no extra cost.
Day Skipper
A comprehensive four-day course, predominantly practical the course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to be a competent motor cruiser and is the basis of the International Certificate of Confidence.
Including
•Effects of current or tide
•Close quarter manoeuvring
•Securing to a buoy
•Man overboard
•Safety equipment
•Navigation
•Night passage
•Basic engine maintenance
•Pilotage
•International Rules for Prevention of Collisions at Sea
This can be taught on your own boat or on our school boat.
Cost: £725 on our school boat, for the 4 days to include staying on the boat, breakfast and lunch, course books and wet weather gear.(no hidden extra costs-only getting to us!)
RYA Coastal Skipper
A five-day course incorporating the practical use of pilotage and passage planning operating by day or night in known or unfamiliar waters, the skipper's role and boat handling in more demanding conditions.
Including:
•In-depth Pilotage and Navigation/Chart Work
•Effects of waves and rougher conditions
•Broadening knowledge learnt at Day Skipper Level
•Night passage
•Longer passages
•Blind passages
(It is strongly recommended that candidates hold a VHF operator's certificate and a First Aid certificate.)
This can be taught on our own boat or on our school boat.
Cost: £895 on our school boat, for the 5 days to include staying on the boat, breakfast and lunch, course books and wet weather gear (no hidden extra costs-only getting to us!)
Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Pre-Exam Preparation.
A five-day course incorporating a night passage, aimed at improving all your boat handling skills and navigation, culminating in an exam.
Including:
•In-depth Passage Planning/Navigation
•Advanced manoeuvres
•Chart plotters and radar
•Emergency situations
Candidates must hold a First Aid certificate and a VHF certificate. Dart Harbour Sea School is able to arrange these courses for you.
This can be taught on our own boat or on our school boat.
Cost: £895 on our school boat, for the 5 days to include staying on the boat, breakfast and lunch, course books and wet weather gear.(no hidden extra costs-only getting to us!) Option to arrive at the boat the night before the course and settle in, at no extra cost.
Dart Harbour Sea School is also able to offer a range of RYA shorebased theory courses. Please contact the office for further details.
Day Taster Sessions
These are ideal trips for those who would like an introduction to Motor Cruising; enjoy the stunning scenery of the River Dart and the thrill of the open sea. Our fully qualified staff will show you the joys of motor cruising. (Minimum Numbers apply)
Skippered Charter
A brilliant way for you and your family or friends to explore the River Dart or the spectacular coastline, discover hidden beaches catch a glimpse of the local wildlife including dolphins and seals. Sit back and relax or take the wheel - the choice is yours and under the guidance of our fully qualified staff you will have a day to remember.
See our Charter & Corporate page
Corporate Entertaining.
A great day and an excellent team building exercise. Our RYA Instructors will design a bespoke package for your company.
Own Boat Tuition
Available all year round, why not maximise your potential, and learn how to get the most out of your own boat. £200 per day for our instructor to come onto your boat. We can teach up to 4 people at no extra charge, so this makes it cost effective for you
1 day - weekend or weekday
Price includes breakfast, lunch, fuel & mooring fees. Waterproof clothing loan available on request. (minimum numbers apply)
2 days - weekend or weekday
Price includes breakfast, lunch, fuel & mooring fees. Waterproof clothing loan available on request.
3 days - minimum 3 persons
Food is not included in this course. The boat will return to our home port each evening.
4 consecutive weekdays
Price includes breakfast, lunch, fuel & mooring fees. Waterproof clothing loan available on request.
ICC, Day Skipper, Yachtmaster training etc.
All boat expenses and travel paid by client. Extra students at £50 per day
(maximum 5).
5 consecutive weekdays
Price includes breakfast, lunch, fuel & mooring fees. Waterproof clothing loan available on request.
8 Day Combined Day Skipper Course (includes ICC test)
8 consecutive days, Thursday - Thursday
4 day shore based course in our classroom, 4 days at sea. Accommodation provided throughout.
All Motor Boat courses are priced per person and based on a minimum of 3 persons on the course except Own Boat Tuition.
Discounts for groups can be arranged.
Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Examinations require an exam fee payable to the RYA £165 for Coastal and £185 for Yachtmaster
