Tides
1. A tidal curve gives height above chart datum. What must you add before checking clearance under a keel?
Depth available is charted depth plus height of tide. Compare that with draft and a sensible safety margin.
Practice questions
Day Skipper revision quiz and practice questions
Turn revision into active recall with a free 10-question diagnostic, sample questions, and module quizzes across the Day Skipper theory syllabus. Each question gives instant feedback so you learn why an answer is right, not just whether you guessed correctly.
Start with free modules, then unlock full quiz coverage and mock exams for GBP 4.99.
Free sample
Free 10-question Day Skipper diagnostic
Try sample questions across the Day Skipper theory knowledge areas. These are independent revision questions, not official RYA exam questions.
Open mixed practiceCOLREGs
2. Two power-driven vessels meet head-on. What should both do?
In a head-on situation between power-driven vessels, both alter to starboard so they pass port-to-port.
Chartwork
3. Which chart scale should you use to measure nautical miles with dividers?
One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, so distance is transferred to the side latitude scale.
Weather
4. In a shipping forecast, what does veering mean?
Veering means the wind direction shifts clockwise, such as south-west to west.
Buoyage
5. In IALA Region A, which colour marks the starboard side of a channel when entering from seaward?
In IALA Region A, green marks are kept to starboard when entering harbour from seaward.
Terminology
6. What does aft mean on a boat?
Aft means towards the stern. Fore or forward means towards the bow.
Visual aids
7. What does an isophase light display?
An isophase light has equal periods of light and dark in each repeated cycle.
Pilotage
8. What does it usually mean if an approach sector light changes from white to red?
A colour change means your bearing from the light has crossed into another sector. Check the chart before correcting.
Safety
9. Why is a kill cord worn when helming a powered craft?
A kill cord is attached to the helm and engine stop switch so the engine stops if the helm is thrown away from the controls.
Restricted visibility
10. What is one of the first actions when fog descends?
Fix your position while visual references are still available, then reduce speed, show lights and use the correct sound signals.
Practise the syllabus in small chunks
Each module has quiz questions tied to its learning content, so you can study a topic and test it immediately. This is ideal for spare moments during a theory course or while preparing for practical.
Use questions to find weak areas
Your score history and missed questions help show where to revise next. That is especially useful before a mock exam, when you need to know whether the weak spot is tides, rules of the road, weather, or chartwork.
Build confidence before the real assessment
The questions are written for revision and understanding. They are not official RYA exam questions, but they help you practise the concepts you are expected to know.
Move from topic practice to mixed recall
Start with one weak topic, then switch to mixed practice so chartwork, lights, COLREGs, weather, tides, and terminology are tested together.
Free downloads
Useful resources to share or print
Day Skipper theory revision checklist
A one-page checklist for planning revision, checking exam readiness, and preparing for a practical course.
Download PDFCOLREGs lights and shapes quick reference
A compact reminder sheet for vessel hierarchy, navigation lights, day shapes, and sound signals.
Download PDFCommon questions
Are these official RYA exam questions?
No. They are independent revision questions written to help you practise the knowledge areas in the Day Skipper theory syllabus.
Can I practise only one topic?
Yes. Open any module and use its quiz to focus on that topic before moving into mixed practice or the mock exam.
Do questions include explanations?
Yes. Quiz feedback explains the reasoning so the question becomes a learning moment rather than a simple score.
Do you provide RYA Day Skipper theory exam answers?
No. This site does not provide official exam answers or leaked papers. It provides independent revision questions and explanations to help you understand the syllabus.
Keep exploring
Related Day Skipper revision pages
Mock exam practice
Try a free Day Skipper theory mini mock with explanations, then open the full independent mock exam for mixed chartwork, COLREGs, weather, tides, and navigation practice.
Flashcards
Use Day Skipper flashcards for nautical terms, COLREGs, lights, shapes, tides, weather, chartwork definitions, and sailing theory revision.
14-day revision plan
Plan RYA Day Skipper revision with a 14-day study plan, free quiz links, checklist, and a topic route across chartwork, COLREGs, tides, weather, lights, and passage planning.