Passage Planning & Pilotage Course

Turn chartwork into confidence: Plan safer routes, master tides and pilotage, and execute stress-free passages.

Why You Should Do This Course

A great day on the water starts long before you cast off the lines. Whether you’re preparing for your first coastal voyage as a skipper, planning a cross-Channel passage, or looking to brush up on pilotage into unfamiliar harbours, effective passage planning is the single best tool for keeping your yacht and crew safe.

While modern chartplotters make navigation look easy, true seamanship requires knowing how to evaluate weather forecasts, calculate tide gates, identify safe bolt-holes, and execute precise pilotage when visibility drops.

Hosted on our classroom barge at Chatham Marina, this hands-on, practical one-day workshop bridges the gap between textbook navigation theory and real-world execution. Guided by our expert RYA accredited instructors, you’ll work through live planning scenarios, learn how to build clear pilotage plan, and gain the confidence to skipper any passage with composure.

• Navigate with Absolute Confidence: Learn how to read complex tidal streams, avoid hazards, and make smart tactical decisions before leaving the berth.
• Master Real-World Pilotage: Create easy-to-use harbour entrance sketches, transit lines, and clearing bearings for both day and night arrivals.
• Integrate Digital & Traditional Tools: Combine paper charts, almanacs, and pilot books with modern apps like Navionics and digital plotters safely.
• Plan for Contingencies: Identify clear "points of no return" and establish safe abort options for unexpected weather changes or equipment issues.

Note: You will have the opportunity to craft a passage plan of your choice for a real-world passage throughout the day.

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