Training

Dear Principals and Instructors

We are continuing to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak carefully. In light of the developing situation and recent government advice, the RYA has made the decision to postpone its directly organised events and training until at least 30 April 2020.

As the situation develops, please be reassured that our primary concern is the health and wellbeing of our members, affiliated clubs, recognised training centres, instructors and volunteers. Our thoughts are with our entire network during these challenging times.

We have put together guidance to assist RYA RTCs and instructors. These pages on the RYA website will be updated as the situation progresses, so please do come back regularly for the latest information and advice:

Key updates include:

• All instructor courses and revalidations organised by and booked through the RYA and scheduled between 19 March and 31 April 2020 have been postponed and will be rescheduled to run at a later date once we have a clearer picture of the timeframe involved with the current coronavirus situation. We will review May courses during the coming weeks.
• Instructors who were due to attend revalidation courses in order to maintain their instructor qualifications will have the ability to extend their qualification as necessary to enable them to continue to instruct.
• The requirement to live aboard for certain levels of the Sail and Motor Cruising schemes has been temporarily relaxed and updated guidance has been issued regarding combining courses.
• RTCs or instructors with recently expired First Aid certificates will not be penalised, however there should always be a First Aider on site holding an in-date certificate whilst activity is taking place.
• Measures have been put in place to assist with the maintenance of coding certification. For further information, please go to the RYA website.
• Updated guidance on factors to consider regarding course and event cancellations. We emphasise that given the diverse nature and varying circumstances across the 58 countries we operate in, the decision on whether to carry on, to postpone or to cancel courses is with the centre. We recommend you take into account the current guidance from your local government as well as all relevant risk factors for staff, students and the circumstances of the centre.

Following guidance from the UK government, many of our team are now working from home. However the office is still manned and all basic operations continue at this time. Should you require any advice or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing training@rya.org.uk or calling +44 (0)2380 604181.

We wish you all the best in the days and weeks ahead.

Richard Falk

Director of RYA Training and Qualifications