Do I need qualifications to sail the open sea in the UK?

Question

Do I need qualifications to sail the open sea in the UK?

Answer 1

No.  But if you don't have your own boat you might find it difficult to charter one.  If you have any sense of responsibility you will get a qualification before going to sea, ideally that should be RYA Day skipper if you are going to be in charge of the vessel in familiar waters in daytime.  Assuming that by sailing you mean on a sailing boat.  If it's a power boat then you should look at a RYA level 2 power boat ticket. As a minimum qual, you can advance, as you gain more experience, to yachtmaster power or sail

Answer 2

They are not mandatory yet, but they could become so if the rate of loss of life at sea rises due to inexperienced people not knowing what is expected of them.  "If to starboard red appear, 'tis your duty to keep clear" - if that means nothing to you, let us know when you set sail and we will all stay in port. Visit this link and we will welcome you alongside: http://www.ryatraining.org/

Answer 3

No. But it would be advisable to have some training. Most of the people who are killed at sea each year in small craft are untrained and get themselves and other into difficulties.

Answer 4

No, just a lack of brain cells or very large jewels.

Answer 5

Ummmm....open waters aren't usually the best idea.  Once you get outta national waters there are still such things as pirates.

Answer 6

"Mighty Atom" covered some really good points but left out one very important one...a float plan. You can find these online in numerous places but I've provided a link to the plan provided by the US Coast Guard.

The plan should be given to an emergency contact and essentially gives them vital information to air/sea rescue if you miss your return time by a given amount of time.

As the old saying goes..."Don't leave port without filing one!"

Good luck and may you have calm seas if you decide to venture out.

Answer 7

No.  Anybody can get a boat and go sailing on the sea in the UK.  It's not a particularly bright thing to do though!  I would recommend maybe RYA Coastal Skipper and a boat handling course as a minimum to give you the basics to be able to look after yourself and your passengers in normal conditions.  Oh, and make sure you have a VHF radio fitted and working, as well as the other safety gear (flares, life jackets, life raft etc!)