How hard is the day skipper theory exam

[st599]

I found Day Skipper Theory mind-numbing, why the RYA insist on forcing you to repeatedly use the same equation with slightly difficult initial conditions, I don't know. Equation, caveats, 1 worked example, move on. Not repeat examples ad nauseum.

 

[Tom Price]

[QUOTE=nathanlee:
"the rest is just like doing a driving theory test. If you can remember your highway code, you can remember the colregs and various markers."

So that's why those MoBos keep coming at me driving on the left . . . !

 

[Searush]

I found Day Skipper Theory mind-numbing, why the RYA insist on forcing you to repeatedly use the same equation with slightly difficult initial conditions, I don't know. Equation, caveats, 1 worked example, move on. Not repeat examples ad nauseum.

Basic learning theory, old boy. Repetition drives the info into long term memory. Boring for you perhaps, but nonetheless usefull for everyone (including you!)

 

[photodog]

I would say skip the DS..... and do the CS theory instead. Get some books before hand and do a bit of self study, but the CS was in my experience just s lightly more challenging DS.....

 

[snowleopard]

you don't need to remember everything, but you do need to know where to look for the information you need, tide tables/lights etc, just as you would when afloat.

I haven't done DS. Would they really pass you if you had to look up the answers to colregs questions?

 

[alant]

B.o.l.l.o.c.k.s!

I would say skip the DS..... and do the CS theory instead. Get some books before hand and do a bit of self study, but the CS was in my experience just s lightly more challenging DS.....

Total b.o.l.l.o.c.k.s!

This OP is concerned/frightened about doing just the DS theory.

On the CS theory, the 1st exercise done by candidates, is a fairly 'difficult' revision chartwork exercise.

If you haven't done the DS, how can you have any sensible input into this CS stuff?

The RYA may have faults, but their courses are well structured.
There is a reason why DS comes before CS/YM.

Would you suggest someone with no boating/sailing experience go from nothing, onto a 5 day YM Prep course & expect them to satisfy an examiner on their skippering skills?

So, why is it acceptable for someone to do the same on a theory course?

Please don't assume that you know better than instructors who are doing this training regularly.

Learn to walk before you try to run!

 

[alant]

I haven't done DS. Would they really pass you if you had to look up the answers to colregs questions?

No!

 

[PeterGibbs]

Key thing is, because it's something you want to do - it all becomes very easy and unpressured. The "exam" is very simple indeed.

Just to build on this note: I find many of these courses launch into the detail of deviation, observations and all the rest of it from the outset, and fog half their classes. Like music - they want you to perfect the scales before you see the shape of things. Because that's what exams are made of.

Mature student or not, it is essential you spend lots of time grasping the underlying principles, before being made to work the details. (this is true of many skills acquired in this life) Launch into the detail and confuse yourself, and you'll set back your enjoyment and attainment by miles. So get the instructor to explain in each exercise what really is the objective, and be relentless - it's your money. My advice - hang back and when you think you've got the idea, then settle to the hands- on stuff.

In retrospect you'll wonder what all the fuss was about - sailing / navigation is a totally practical activity accessible to all, if approached right way up.

PWG

 

[alant]

Just to build on this note: I find many of these courses launch into the detail of deviation, observations and all the rest of it from the outset, and fog half their classes. Like music - they want you to perfect the scales before you see the shape of things. Because that's what exams are made of.

Mature student or not, it is essential you spend lots of time grasping the underlying principles, before being made to work the details. (this is true of many skills acquired in this life) Launch into the detail and confuse yourself, and you'll set back your enjoyment and attainment by miles. So get the instructor to explain in each exercise what really is the objective, and be relentless - it's your money. My advice - hang back and when you think you've got the idea, then settle to the hands- on stuff.

In retrospect you'll wonder what all the fuss was about - sailing / navigation is a totally practical activity accessible to all, if approached right way up.

PWG

Agreed!
Learn the basics - well.

I tell candidates that this stuff is NOT rocket science.
Sailing is just the practical application of common sense.

Amazing however these days, how many people on courses, have 'never' done anything of a practical nature, just been 'academics'/book learnt!
They seem to find it more difficult, because their logic/common sense wiring is not functioning.

 

[RichardS]

Sailing is just the practical application of common sense.

Largely true but oddly I, and some of the others on the YM course, did not find the "crocodiles teeth" method (I think that's what it's called?) for extrapolating data (e.g. for secondary ports) logical or common-sense.

I much preferred the mathematical method which seemed much more like common-sense to me. I also found the maths quicker and less prone to error.

I'm not sure whether my instructor focussed on the "crocodiles teeth" because he was clearly happier with that method or whether the RYA believe that mathematics is the less-preferable approach?

Richard

 

[Elessar]

Total b.o.l.l.o.c.k.s!

This OP is concerned/frightened about doing just the DS theory.

On the CS theory, the 1st exercise done by candidates, is a fairly 'difficult' revision chartwork exercise.

If you haven't done the DS, how can you have any sensible input into this CS stuff?

The RYA may have faults, but their courses are well structured.
There is a reason why DS comes before CS/YM.

Would you suggest someone with no boating/sailing experience go from nothing, onto a 5 day YM Prep course & expect them to satisfy an examiner on their skippering skills?

So, why is it acceptable for someone to do the same on a theory course?

Please don't assume that you know better than instructors who are doing this training regularly.

Learn to walk before you try to run!

Hmm.

You are right that the OP should definitely not go straight to CS/YM.

However it may be right for some people. The first RYA course I did was my yachtmaster practical. I've since done CS/YM theory and am now an instructor. One of the guys on my DS course at the moment should have gone straight to CS/YM as he's bored - and with 18 in class it's hard for me to give him personal attention.

Still, better a CS/YM candidate on DS than the other way around.

 

[Elessar]

Largely true but oddly I, and some of the others on the YM course, did not find the "crocodiles teeth" method (I think that's what it's called?) for extrapolating data (e.g. for secondary ports) logical or common-sense.

I much preferred the mathematical method which seemed much more like common-sense to me. I also found the maths quicker and less prone to error.

I'm not sure whether my instructor focussed on the "crocodiles teeth" because he was clearly happier with that method or whether the RYA believe that mathematics is the less-preferable approach?

Richard

the RYA doesn't dictate how you put it across. I explain both but most people prefer the crocodile which may explain the instructors approach. Those who "get" the mathematical approach just use it.

 

[photodog]

Total b.o.l.l.o.c.k.s!

This OP is concerned/frightened about doing just the DS theory.

On the CS theory, the 1st exercise done by candidates, is a fairly 'difficult' revision chartwork exercise.

If you haven't done the DS, how can you have any sensible input into this CS stuff?

The RYA may have faults, but their courses are well structured.
There is a reason why DS comes before CS/YM.

Would you suggest someone with no boating/sailing experience go from nothing, onto a 5 day YM Prep course & expect them to satisfy an examiner on their skippering skills?

So, why is it acceptable for someone to do the same on a theory course?

Please don't assume that you know better than instructors who are doing this training regularly.

Learn to walk before you try to run!

Look, I know that you RYA course types like to bang on about how difficult all this stuff is.... improves the margins I guess, a bit of fear...

But frankly, anyone with a bit of nounse is going to find the DS course a drag... all of that stuff is very easy to pick up in self study... Frankly if someone wants to take a course which is a bit engaging... then, as I suggested... they should do some self study and go straight into the CS.... If at the end of the day they pass the course.. then its perfectly acceptable.

Its what I did, and I aced the thing. I mean if you do the weekly thing its not like your short of time for study... Even my wife who has done both thinks that the DS could be skipped.

So please, dont get all condescending and tell me how full of **** I am, I have been there and done that.... and to equate the practical courses with the theory is total nonsense, and not what I said.

All in the nicest possible way of course!

 

[Csail]

Only tricky bit is tidal calcs etc........on the other hand i'm rubbish with maths but still managed yachtmaster and pilots licence.

 

[Fittster]

When I did it there were 6 of us on the course and we all passed.

Before you start the course you can learn the col regs, buoyage and chart symbols in a rote fashion so you can concentrate on other areas.

I found Mnemonics helpful:
http://lasr.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/mnemonics.html

 

[alant]

Look, I know that you RYA course types like to bang on about how difficult all this stuff is.... improves the margins I guess, a bit of fear...

But frankly, anyone with a bit of nounse is going to find the DS course a drag... all of that stuff is very easy to pick up in self study... Frankly if someone wants to take a course which is a bit engaging... then, as I suggested... they should do some self study and go straight into the CS.... If at the end of the day they pass the course.. then its perfectly acceptable.

Its what I did, and I aced the thing. I mean if you do the weekly thing its not like your short of time for study... Even my wife who has done both thinks that the DS could be skipped.

So please, dont get all condescending and tell me how full of **** I am, I have been there and done that.... and to equate the practical courses with the theory is total nonsense, and not what I said.

All in the nicest possible way of course!

Obviously you & your wife know better than I do of course.

I have only been teaching RYA Courses for the last 15 years, covering courses from DS to Ocean Theory, so probably know little about the few 1000 candidates from all backgrounds & intellectual capability.

 

[Fantasie 19]

When I did it there were 6 of us on the course and we all passed.

Before you start the course you can learn the col regs, buoyage and chart symbols in a rote fashion so you can concentrate on other areas.

I found Mnemonics helpful:
http://lasr.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/mnemonics.html

Oh that is good! Got the final paper on my DS next week and I shall be printing off those! Thanks..

 

[photodog]

Obviously you & your wife know better than I do of course.

I have only been teaching RYA Courses for the last 15 years, covering courses from DS to Ocean Theory, so probably know little about the few 1000 candidates from all backgrounds & intellectual capability.

Fer gawds sake, dont listen to yer customers!

I dont understand what the point is that your are trying to make...

is it ......

A) Its impossible to do the CS without doing the DS first.
B) My CS is not worth anything because I didnt do my DS.
C) My experience as a customer is not worth anything.
D) My opinion that "I Would skip the Ds and go straight to the CS..." is wrong as this is too difficult for the OP becuase he is a idiot.
E) The DS is really really hard and I shouldnt encourage him to think he will be fine.
F) Your trying to protect the earnings model of the RYA by encouraging everyone to take all the courses.


I note that at least one YM here has said he didnt do the DS, and others have also said the the DS was "Mind Numbing".....

So, can you please explain to me why someone who hasnt done the DS is somehow handicapped in his further learning curve... or has not been properly equipped to take a CS or YM..... even if he goes on to excel at both...

Here are a few simple facts, all IMHO, 1) the DS is very simple. 2) The CS covers the same content as the DS, but more in depth and extensivley. 3) It is possible if you do a bit of home study, to go straight to the CS (Theory) without doing the DS and excel.

I know that the above is true as I have done this... and a decade later I am still a jolly sailor and have not killed anyone.

So, please do tell us why this would be such a bad idea. Please.

 

[jimi]

I found the DS really hard, failed it completely 6 times before giving up.#

just joking ;-)

I did the CS because I was told that if I was going to do the theory I might as well do it properly


Found the weather the hardest.

 

[sandeel]

you tube

Have a look on You Tube for "Westview Sailing RYA Day Skipper online."
It is a series of I think 17 short videos, which will give you a good idea of what's involved.
I have no connection to the site but
I found it well explained and useful for a bit of revision.
cheers