VHF Short Range Certificate

This award-winning online course provides the VHF Short Range Certification required for all commercial endorsement applications and is a mandatory requirement for all Yachtmaster examinations. The course is undertaken online in your own time through our interactive site (Solaris Sailing will provide access code and remote access to an instructor who will be on hand to help if you have any queries during the online course). Completion of the course is followed by a classroom-based independent assessment using the latest ICOM and STANDARD HORIZON VHF/DSC marine radio sets prior to a written examination. Issue of the VHF SRC licence follows successful completion of the written examination. If no tuition is required you can enter directly for examination. We have two examiners at Solaris Sailing and can offer examinations 7 days a week usually at short notice.

First Aid Theory Course

The one-day RYA First Aid course is aimed at anyone who goes afloat to provide a working knowledge of first aid and covers all the usual aspects of first aid but from a boating perspective. The syllabus is based on recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and fulfils the requirements for professional skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of a safe haven. An in-date First Aid course completion certificate is required for the Yachtmaster examination and is valid for 3 years.

Professional Practices and Responsibilities

The Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) certificate is a compulsory online course for new and revalidating RYA Commercial Endorsement holders. This course teaches the rules and regulations that professional seafarers are expected to understand and comply with. It comprises four training modules and a final assessment. Solaris Sailing will provide remote access to an instructor who will be on hand to help if you have any queries during the online course. This course can be completed anytime prior to Commercial Endorsement application or renewal and will be valid either for the first Commercial Endorsement application or next renewal.

Diesel Engine Maintenance

The RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course provides basic engine knowledge to prevent and solve diesel engine issues. This classroom-based course covers hands-on experience with a diesel engine to learn how an engine works, the procedures for performing basic checks and maintenance and how to restart in the event of a breakdown. This one-day Diesel Engine certification is strongly recommended for both sail and motor Yachtmaster candidates.

Radar Theory

The RYA Radar Theory course provides an understanding of radar as an aid to navigation and collision avoidance. Cruising boats increasingly have radar on board and the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) state, in effect, that if you have radar you must know how to use it. Radar is probably the most versatile of all electronic navigation aids but the best results are only obtained when all the functions are used correctly.

RYA Sea Survival

A one-day course for anyone going to sea, providing an understanding of how to use the safety equipment on board your boat. A genuine lifesaver. Cruising is one of the safest leisure sporting activities, and 99.9% of those afloat will never use their life raft. However, if you are part of the unlucky 0.1% your chances of survival will be greatly increased if you understand how to use the equipment and how to help yourself.