The RYA Dinghy Instructor course is the industry-standard qualification for teaching sailing in the UK and abroad. It is an intensive, five-day course designed to turn experienced sailors into confident and effective instructors.
This guide explains everything you need to know, from the entry requirements to the career opportunities that open up after you qualify. The focus of the course is not on improving your own sailing, but on learning how to teach others safely and clearly.
Unlock Your Potential on the Water
Becoming an RYA Dinghy Instructor teaches you how to share your love for sailing with others. The qualification gives you the tools to break down complex ideas, manage a group safely, and deliver the RYA’s National Sailing Scheme with confidence.
A great sailor knows how to handle a boat in any conditions. A great instructor, however, knows how to explain the why and the how to a complete beginner. This course bridges that gap, focusing on coaching methods, session planning, and clear communication.
A Globally Recognised Qualification
The RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification has been a key part of sail training since the 1970s. Today, it is the required qualification for teaching at over 2,400 RYA-recognised training centres across the globe.
The course is an intensive five-day, 50-hour week. It blends practical on-water exercises with shore-based theory. The week ends with a moderation day run by an independent RYA Coach-Assessor. This standard format ensures that an instructor who qualifies at a sheltered inland venue like Farmoor Reservoir has the same high-quality skill set as one from a busy coastal club.
To see how this fits into the bigger picture, explore our full range of instructor training for watersports.
The Ideal Learning Environment
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we believe the right environment is crucial. Learning to teach on the safe, controlled waters of Farmoor Reservoir is a significant advantage. It is the perfect training ground to build confidence without the complexities of tides or busy coastal traffic.
Training at a premier RYA-recognised centre like ours offers several benefits:
- Expert Guidance: Learn directly from highly experienced RYA Coach-Assessors who provide constant, constructive feedback.
- Controlled Conditions: Practise managing groups and delivering lessons in a safe, predictable setting.
- Excellent Facilities: Access a wide range of well-maintained training boats and modern teaching equipment.
Completing your RYA Dinghy Instructor course is the first step towards a rewarding career on the water. It gives you the skills and credibility to inspire the next generation of sailors.
Confirming You Meet the Course Requirements
You must meet several requirements before booking your RYA Dinghy Instructor course. You need to be at least 16 years old and demonstrate a high standard of personal sailing in a practical pre-assessment. You will also need a valid First Aid certificate, an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, and the RYA Safe and Fun certificate.
These prerequisites are not just administrative hurdles. Each one is a vital building block. They ensure you have the personal skills and safety mindset needed to lead others on the water.
Think of it like getting a driving licence. You must first prove you are a skilled and safe driver yourself before you can teach someone else. The sailing pre-assessment is your driving test, while your supporting certificates show you know the rules and how to handle an emergency.
RYA Dinghy Instructor Course Prerequisite Checklist
This simple checklist breaks down exactly what you need. Use it to track your progress and ensure you have covered all the requirements before committing to the instructor course.
| Requirement | What It Involves | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Be 16 years or older on the first day of the course. | This is the minimum age set by the RYA to take on the duty of care for students. |
| Sailing Pre-Assessment | A one-day practical assessment with an RYA Coach-Assessor. | Confirms your personal boat handling and seamanship are at the required high standard. |
| Powerboat Skills | Hold an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate. | You must be a competent driver as you will use a powerboat for teaching and safety cover. |
| First Aid | A valid First Aid certificate from an approved provider. | Gives you the skills to respond correctly to medical incidents on and off the water. |
| Safeguarding | Complete the RYA Safe and Fun online course. | Teaches you to create a positive and secure learning environment for all participants. |
Having these elements in place means you will arrive at your instructor course ready to focus on learning how to teach.
Proving Your Sailing Competence
The first step is to be honest about your own sailing ability. You cannot teach techniques you have not mastered yourself. The RYA sets a high bar, expecting you to sail confidently and efficiently in a range of conditions.
Your skills are officially checked during a mandatory one-day pre-assessment. An RYA Coach-Assessor will observe you on the water and ask you to perform a series of manoeuvres to a high standard. This is not about racing; it is about demonstrating precise boat handling, smooth control, and solid seamanship.
Essential Supporting Qualifications
Alongside sailing ability, several other certificates are non-negotiable. These qualifications prove you can manage groups safely.
- RYA Powerboat Level 2: As an instructor, the powerboat is your classroom and rescue vehicle. This certificate proves you can handle it competently.
- Valid First Aid Certificate: You need the skills to deal with medical incidents. A one-day course is the minimum requirement. You can find out more about our RYA First Aid course here.
- RYA Safe and Fun Certificate: This online safeguarding course is mandatory for anyone working with children and vulnerable adults.
The combination of these prerequisites makes the RYA Dinghy Instructor a globally respected qualification. It guarantees every instructor has the technical skill and the critical safety knowledge to lead with authority.
Many training centres, including Oxford Sail Training Trust, run these prerequisite courses. This allows you to build a clear pathway towards your instructor qualification. Completing them all ensures you arrive fully prepared and ready to learn how to teach.
What to Expect During Your 5-Day Course
The five-day RYA Dinghy Instructor course is an intense, practical week. You will be actively learning from day one. Shore-based theory is quickly followed by on-water practice. The course focuses on how to teach, plan sessions, and manage groups, all leading up to you delivering lessons under the eye of an RYA Coach-Assessor.
This course is not designed to improve your personal sailing—the pre-assessment has already confirmed your skills. The entire focus shifts from being a skilled sailor to becoming a skilled teacher of sailing.
The Blend of Theory and Practice
Your time is split between the classroom and the water. The shore-based sessions are interactive workshops, not lectures. You will unpack the RYA method and learn how to apply it in real-world scenarios. Topics range from session planning and risk assessment to understanding different learning styles.
These theoretical building blocks are put into action almost immediately. You might discuss the best way to explain a tack, then go straight out on the water to practise delivering that exact session. This constant cycle of theory and application makes the training highly effective.
The core principle of the RYA Dinghy Instructor course is ‘learning by doing’. You will not just be told how to teach; you will actively teach, receive feedback, refine your approach, and teach again.
Key Modules and Learning Objectives
The syllabus is structured to build your skills progressively. You will cover several critical areas:
- Teaching Techniques: Learn to break down complex manoeuvres into simple, understandable steps.
- Session Planning: Master how to design a safe, effective, and fun sailing lesson from start to finish.
- Group Management: Develop the skills to control a fleet of dinghies, keeping everyone safe and engaged.
- Safety and Rescue: Sharpen your powerboat handling for teaching and learn to respond calmly to incidents.
- Delivering Feedback: Practise giving constructive and encouraging feedback that helps students improve.
A Typical Day on the Course
A day on the course is full and varied. Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
- Morning Briefing: The day starts ashore with your Coach-Assessor outlining the objectives.
- On-Water Sessions: You will head out to practise your personal sailing before moving on to instructor-focused exercises. You might be asked to teach a skill to a fellow candidate.
- Lunch and Debrief: A short break usually includes a review of the morning’s activities.
- Practice Teaching: Afternoons are often dedicated to you delivering short, prepared lessons to your peers.
- End-of-Day Review: The day ends with a group debrief to discuss what went well and set goals for the next day.
This hands-on structure, especially at a centre like Oxford Sail Training Trust, means you will turn theory into practical skill in a supportive environment, preparing you for the final assessment.
Navigating the Final Assessment Day
The final day of the RYA Dinghy Instructor course is a moderation day, which can feel nerve-racking. However, it is not a high-pressure test of your personal sailing. An external RYA Coach-Assessor is there simply to confirm you can be a safe, effective, and encouraging teacher.
They want to see you manage a group, communicate clearly, and adapt your teaching to help students learn. After five days of intensive training, you will be well prepared. The day is structured to let you demonstrate your new teaching skills, not to catch you out.
What the Assessor Is Really Looking For
The moderation day is all about your teaching potential. The pre-assessment has already confirmed you are a competent sailor. The assessor has a clear checklist focused entirely on your instructional skills.
They will be looking to see if you can:
- Manage a Group Safely: Can you keep track of all your students and position your powerboat effectively for communication and safety?
- Communicate Clearly: Are your explanations simple, concise, and easy for a beginner to grasp?
- Deliver Effective Sessions: Can you structure a short lesson, demonstrate a technique correctly, and give constructive feedback?
This diagram shows how the course content leads up to this final teaching assessment.
As the timeline shows, the final assessment is the culmination of everything you have learned. The focus shifts from just doing to teaching.
The Structure of the Day
The day usually begins with the external Coach-Assessor briefing the group and explaining how things will run. They will then assign short teaching topics for you to deliver on the water.
You will take turns running these mini-sessions, with your fellow candidates acting as your ‘students’. It is a great opportunity to put everything into practice in a supportive environment.
The moderation day is your chance to shine as a coach. The assessor is not looking for perfection, but for potential. They want to see that you are safe, organised, and can create a positive learning environment.
After the on-water sessions, the day ends with a debrief. The assessor will discuss your performance with your course tutor before meeting with you individually. You will receive direct feedback and a personal action plan for your future development. For more details on this final step, read our guide to the sailing instructor assessment.
Our entire process at Oxford Sail Training Trust is designed to make you feel confident for this final day.
Understanding the Costs and Booking Your Place
The RYA Dinghy Instructor course is a significant investment in your sailing career. The main five-day course will be your biggest outlay. You should also budget for the one-day pre-assessment and any prerequisites you still need, such as First Aid or Powerboat Level 2.
The total cost can vary between training centres, depending on their location and facilities. When considering advanced training, it is always wise to review some general tips for choosing the right course to ensure it meets your goals.
Breaking Down the Investment
In the UK, you can expect the RYA Dinghy Instructor course to cost around £350–£450 for the combined five-day course and pre-assessment. Course numbers are usually limited to six candidates.
Due to high demand, many clubs now develop their own instructors, nurturing sailors from Assistant Instructor through to full Dinghy Instructor status. They often focus on active youth sailors aged 16–20. You can find useful insights on RYA instructor training online from other centres.
At Oxford Sail Training Trust, our course fees are transparent and offer excellent value. The price includes:
- Boat and Equipment Hire: Full access to our fleet of training dinghies and safety boats.
- Expert Tuition: Five full days of coaching from a highly experienced RYA Coach-Assessor.
- Essential Course Materials: All necessary publications and learning resources for the week.
This all-inclusive approach means there are no hidden extras for the core training week.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Once you have booked, your main job is to arrive prepared and ready to get involved. You will need your own personal sailing kit suitable for five days on the water, such as a wetsuit or drysuit, a buoyancy aid, and proper footwear.
Do not forget to bring your sailing logbook as evidence of your experience. Most importantly, bring an open mind and a positive attitude.
The course is intensive and challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. You are not just investing in a certificate; you are investing in skills that will let you share your passion for sailing for years to come.
Booking Your Course with Confidence
Booking your RYA Dinghy Instructor course with us at Oxford Sail Training Trust is simple. Our website clearly lists all available course dates, making it easy to find a week that suits you.
Just pick your preferred dates, double-check that you meet all the prerequisites, and complete the online booking form. Our team is always on hand to answer any questions you have. We want to ensure you feel confident and fully prepared right from the moment you book.
Building Your Career After Qualification
Qualifying as an RYA Dinghy Instructor is the start of your journey, not the end. It is the cornerstone of a lifestyle built on your passion for sailing. This globally recognised qualification unlocks a wide range of career opportunities at sailing clubs and watersports centres in the UK and worldwide.
Your new skills make you highly employable. You could work part-time at a local club, inspiring the next generation of sailors. Larger commercial watersports centres often seek multi-skilled instructors for full-time roles.
Your RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification is more than a certificate; it is a passport. It allows you to work for holiday companies in destinations like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, turning a seasonal job into a life experience.
Advancing to Senior Instructor
After gaining some teaching experience, the RYA pathway offers clear progression routes. The next logical step for many is the RYA Senior Instructor (SI) course. This qualification is for experienced instructors ready to take on more responsibility. The focus shifts from teaching students to managing and mentoring a team of instructors.
A Senior Instructor is a key figure at any RYA training centre. Their role is varied and typically involves:
- Managing day-to-day operations on the waterfront.
- Mentoring newly qualified instructors.
- Ensuring the highest standards of safety and tuition are maintained.
Building a Broader Watersports Career
The skills you develop as an instructor are highly versatile. You learn about risk management, public speaking, and leadership—all valuable assets in any career. To enhance your impact, you could explore producing effective training videos to complement your hands-on teaching.
Your RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification is the perfect launchpad for a fulfilling career in the watersports industry. It provides a foundation to pursue other qualifications and build a life that revolves around being on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the RYA Dinghy Instructor certificate valid for?
Your RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification is valid for five years. To keep it active, you need to hold a valid First Aid certificate and maintain your RYA membership. The RYA will send you a reminder when your renewal date is approaching.
When it is time to revalidate, the process is straightforward. You will complete an online form to show you have been an active instructor and have kept your knowledge up to date.
What happens if I fail the course?
It is very unusual for someone to fail outright. The course is designed to build you up, not catch you out. The final moderation day is about seeing your potential to become a safe, effective, and encouraging teacher.
If the moderator feels you need more practice in a specific area, they will not pass you on the day. Instead, they will create a personal action plan with you and your course tutor. This plan lists what you need to work on. Once you have completed it, you can be signed off later without redoing the whole course.
The goal of the assessment is to confirm you are ready, not to trip you up. An action plan is a constructive tool to get you over the finish line.
Can I teach abroad with this qualification?
Absolutely. The RYA Dinghy Instructor certificate is recognised and respected all over the world. It is your passport to working at watersports centres and holiday companies across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. In the industry, it is one of the most sought-after qualifications you can have.
Ready to turn your passion for sailing into a rewarding career? At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we provide expert coaching in a safe and supportive environment to help you succeed. Book your RYA Dinghy Instructor course today and start your journey.
