RYA Day Skipper Theory Prep: Free Mock Test & Practice Questions

RYA Day Skipper Theory Prep

Navigation, tides, colregs and safety for the Day Skipper theory papers.

Pass mark 16/25 60 minutes RYA syllabus-aligned How many can I get wrong?

Don't cram it, drill it. Ten questions a topic beats an hour re-reading.

Free practice questions

Try 3 real RYA Day Skipper Theory Prep questions

Have a go, then reveal the worked explanation. A taster from a bank of 222 original questions — unlock for unlimited drills and full timed mocks.

Q1. A position is plotted as 50°25.6'N 003°32.1'W. Which figure represents minutes of latitude?

A. 50
B. 25.6
C. 003
D. 32.1

Show answer & explanation

✓ Answer: B. 25.6

Latitude is given first as degrees and minutes north or south of the equator, so 50 is degrees and 25.6 is minutes of latitude. Longitude follows as degrees and minutes east or west of the Greenwich meridian, here 003 degrees and 32.1 minutes west.

Q2. A drying height of 2.0m is marked on the chart. If the height of tide is 1.2m, how much water is over that spot?

A. 0.8m
B. 3.2m
C. 2.0m
D. 1.2m

Show answer & explanation

✓ Answer: A. 0.8m

A drying height is shown above Chart Datum, so it must be subtracted from the height of tide: 1.2m − 2.0m gives a negative result of −0.8m, meaning the spot is still uncovered by 0.8m of drying rock. This is a classic trap where sailors forget drying heights are above datum, not below it.

Q3. What is the light characteristic and colour scheme of a South cardinal mark?

A. Continuous quick flashing white light, black over yellow
B. Group of 6 flashes plus a long flash, white light, yellow over black
C. Group of 6 flashes plus a long flash, white light, black over yellow
D. Isolated danger character, white light, black with red bands

Show answer & explanation

✓ Answer: C. Group of 6 flashes plus a long flash, white light, black over yellow

South cardinal marks are painted yellow over black, with cone topmarks pointing down, and show a white group of six flashes followed by one long flash (Q(6)+LFl or VQ(6)+LFl), the long flash acting as a memory aid like the '6 o'clock' position on a clock face. This distinguishes it from West, which has no long flash after nine flashes... actually West shows 9 flashes plus a long flash.

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Ten quick questions on one topic, marked instantly with explanations.

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RYA Day Skipper Theory Prep — common questions

Frequently asked

How many questions are in the RYA Day Skipper Theory Prep?

The exam has 25 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 25-question format so your practice matches the real thing.

What is the pass mark for the RYA Day Skipper Theory Prep?

You need 16 out of 25 correct to pass, which is about 64%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.

How long do you get?

The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.

Are these the real exam questions?

No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with RYA syllabus-aligned.