Do they RYA allow kids to do the Day Skipper Theory?

[Captain Haddock]

Hi everyone,

My daughter is 14 and has been asking constantly to do the day skipper theory and diesel engine course for the past year and a bit.

So, as I've had the latest dates for the winter courses through the post I'm thinking of allowing my daughter with the support of her mother attending as well (My wifes already done it but wants to do it again as a refresher) to do the course.

Do the RYA allow under 16's to do the Day Skipper Theory?

Has anyone else had their kids want to take the course? Has anyone else had their kids complete the course?

Cheers!

 

[VicS]

It might be down to the establishment running the courses and there may be some rules about kids attending evening classes.

I suggest you contact the establishments concerned and the RYA. Why not put the question on the RYA's new forum

 

[machurley22]

14 or over is the requirement for Day Skipper AFAIK.

 

[BrendanS]

No mention on rya site for age limitations for theory. Practical may be different

 

[tross]

My son did his at 14 - I think it is at the discretion of the instructor as well

 

[clyst]

I had a 13 YO get though in 2001 . One of the stipulations made by the local council running the course was that I also had to attend as they would not be resp onsible for a 13 yo girl at night school . The course instructor was very obliging and accepted those conditions. In fact he used my "expertise" to assist those on the course with their chart work etc . It all worked rather well in the end . And yes she did pass and was reputed to be the youngest to get through . Got a write up in the PBO infact .

 

[kcrane]

Trying to remember, but think our son was 14 or 15 when he did his Day Skipper practical, on Sealine T51, so brave instructor

 

[Captain Haddock]

Thanks for your input everyone, I think I'll contact the training centre and ask. If they can't help I'll phone around.

I'm glad others have done the course as my daughter can't wait to start. I thought I was alone with kids who are just as nuts about boats and sailing as I am

 

[graham]

why not ,her brain cells are in better nick than most of the grey haired old farts on the course /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Maybe not mature enough to skipper a boat with adults in the crew but give it a year or two and sky is the limit.

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
I think I'll contact the training centre and ask. If they can't help I'll phone around.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would have thought that one of the things an RYA centre should know is how old you need to be to do a particular course.

 

[Woodentop]

[ QUOTE ]

I would have thought that one of the things an RYA centre should know is how old you need to be to do a particular course.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is deliberately flexible so as not to block the bright, talented, enthusiastic and exceptional ; but young.