RYA Small Craft First Aid
Guide Price
Prices starting from £130
Who is this course for
This course is ideal for anyone who goes afloat or spends time near water. Sailors, powerboaters, watersports enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to be confident in handling first aid in remote or marine environments.
About Course
The RYA First Aid Course gives you the essential skills and understanding to respond effectively to medical situations, particularly when help may not be immediately available. The training is a one day classroom based course that includes realistic scenario practice; such as using first aid in a compact space like a boat cockpit or near a vessel, making it highly relevant to marine and coastal activity.
On completion, you’ll receive the RYA First Aid, Safety at Sea certificate, a widely accepted qualification for recreational and commercial water users.
Course Content
During the course you will learn and practise:
- Safe assessment of emergency situations
- How and when to place someone in the recovery position, including in confined spaces
- CPR and protocols for drowning-related emergencies
- Managing cold shock and hypothermia after immersion
- Recognising and treating seasickness, dehydration and other common conditions
- When and how to call for medical assistance by VHF radio
- Understanding helicopter rescue procedures
- Scenario-based practical drills to build confidence and competence
This content focuses on real-world first aid skills that are particularly useful in boating and watersports contexts.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
- Confidently apply first aid techniques in emergency situations
- Perform CPR and manage airway issues according to current standards
- Recognise and respond appropriately to cold water shock, hypothermia, dehydration and seasickness
- Use the recovery position safely in varied environments
- Communicate effectively with rescue services or crew in an emergency
- Feel confident and prepared to handle first aid scenarios both afloat and ashore
Pre requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course. You do not need previous first aid training or formal boating experience to attend. All skill levels are welcome.
Duration
One full day of training, typically delivered as a single, focused session covering theory and practical application.
Location
We have 2 locations this course may run so pay attention to the booking confirmation for the location.
Hove Lagoon, BN3 4LX or Brighton Marina, BN2 5UP
Booking
Book online from the dates on this page or call 01273 42 48 42 option 1 or email us.
If you cannot find a suitable dates please contact us.
Location
What to bring
- Notepad and pen to take notes
- Lunch or money for lunch
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FAQ's
How to Book
Courses can be booked directly through our website. If you’re unsure which course is right for you, our team is happy to advise.
Yes, availability is displayed on each experience page. If your preferred date isn’t shown, please contact us as we may still be able to accommodate you.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, particularly for popular courses like RYA Day Skipper during the spring and summer season.
Course Information
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
For most people, reaching RYA Day Skipper takes several months to a year, depending on availability and experience. A typical pathway includes:
- RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
- RYA Day Skipper Theory (online or classroom)
- RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
Our Zero to Day Skipper Package is the fastest and most cost effective way to achieve the Day Skipper certificate.
There is no formal written exam during the practical course. Assessment is continuous and based on competence and confidence on board.
In the UK, the ICC is usually issued through the RYA. You can obtain one by:
Holding an accepted RYA qualification (such as Day Skipper) and applying to the RYA directly to convert it to an ICC, or
Passing an ICC assessment with an RYA-approved training centre
Yes. Once you hold RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can apply for an ICC without further testing.
During the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper courses you will be expected to stay onboard for:
Part 2 (3 days) & 5 Consecutive days
The boat will visit marinas during this course, if the boat is in Brighton Marina then you are welcome to stay at home.
Our Part 1 Yacht courses and Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run as non-residential and you are not expected to stay onboard.
Any other questions
No, beginners can start with RYA Competent Crew or our Learn to Sail package, which is designed for those with no previous sailing experience.
We generally recommend not taking part in our activities if you’re pregnant, as being on the water can involve movement and conditions that aren’t always predictable.
If you do feel comfortable taking part, we usually suggest no later than around 21 weeks, but this is very much a personal decision. Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so please go with what feels right for you and consider speaking to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
If you let our team know in advance, we’re always happy to have a chat and help you decide what’s best for you.