Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about SailQuiz, our courses, and how quiz-first learning can help you master sailing theory.

General

Is SailQuiz free?

Yes! SailQuiz offers a generous free plan that gives you access to a selection of quizzes across every course. You can start learning immediately without creating an account. Premium unlocks the full question bank, detailed explanations, and progress tracking.

How does quiz-first learning work?

Instead of reading pages of theory before testing yourself, SailQuiz flips the script. You jump straight into quiz questions, get instant feedback on each answer, and learn from clear explanations. Research shows that active recall — retrieving information from memory — is one of the most effective ways to learn and retain knowledge.

Does it work on mobile?

Absolutely. SailQuiz is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets, and desktops. You can study on the go — perfect for squeezing in a few questions between sailing sessions.

Is this an official sailing certification course?

No. SailQuiz is an independent study tool, not an accredited training provider. We do not issue certificates or replace practical training. However, our content closely aligns with the theory covered in RYA, ASA, and other certification syllabuses, making SailQuiz an excellent supplement to your formal training.

What courses are available?

SailQuiz currently offers courses covering Day Skipper Theory, COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea), Marine Radio (VHF/SRC), Sailing Foundations for beginners, and Kite Surfing. More courses are being developed and added regularly.

US & International Sailors

Does SailQuiz work for US sailors?

Yes. While some of our courses originated around the RYA syllabus (the UK's Royal Yachting Association), the core theory — navigation, COLREGS, weather, tides, and safety — is universal. US sailors preparing for ASA (American Sailing Association) certifications, USCG license exams, or state boating tests will find the content directly relevant.

What is Day Skipper Theory?

Day Skipper Theory is a well-known RYA (Royal Yachting Association) course that covers the essential knowledge for skippering a yacht safely in familiar waters during daylight. Topics include navigation, chart work, tides, weather, COLREGS, and safety. Even if you're not pursuing an RYA qualification, the Day Skipper syllabus is an excellent foundation for any sailor.

How does this compare to ASA courses?

ASA (American Sailing Association) courses like ASA 101-105 blend practical sailing with theory. SailQuiz focuses purely on the theory side. Many of the topics overlap — navigation, rules of the road, weather, and safety are universal. SailQuiz is a great companion for ASA students who want extra practice on the knowledge portions of their courses.

Do I need a boating license in the US?

It depends on your state. Most US states require a boating safety education card (often called a boating license) issued through NASBLA-approved courses. Requirements vary by state and vessel type. SailQuiz is not a substitute for state-mandated courses, but it's an excellent way to deepen your knowledge beyond the basics covered in those programs.

Is COLREGS content applicable worldwide?

Yes. COLREGS — the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea — is an international treaty adopted by the IMO. The rules apply to all vessels on the high seas and connected navigable waters worldwide. Whether you sail in the US, UK, Mediterranean, or anywhere else, COLREGS knowledge is essential and universally applicable.

Courses & Content

What topics are covered?

SailQuiz covers a wide range of sailing theory topics including COLREGS (rules of the road), chart work and navigation, buoyage and marks, tides and tidal streams, weather and meteorology, marine radio and VHF procedures, safety at sea, passage planning, and sailing fundamentals. Each topic has dedicated quiz modules with questions ranging from beginner to advanced.

How many questions are there?

SailQuiz has over 1,900 questions across all courses and topics. The question bank is continuously expanding as we add new courses and refine existing content based on user feedback.

Are new courses being added?

Yes! We're actively developing new courses and expanding existing ones. Upcoming additions include more advanced navigation topics, coastal skipper theory, and expanded content for US-specific certifications. If there's a topic you'd like to see, let us know.

Can I use it for exam prep?

Absolutely. SailQuiz is designed with exam preparation in mind. The quiz-first approach mirrors the format of theory exams, and the mastery tracking helps you identify weak areas before test day. Many users study with SailQuiz alongside their formal RYA, ASA, or other certification courses.

What is the Marine Radio course?

The Marine Radio course covers VHF radio procedures and the knowledge required for the SRC (Short Range Certificate) — the internationally recognised qualification for operating marine VHF radio. In the UK this is administered by the RYA; in the US, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) handles marine radio licensing. The theory — distress procedures, DSC, phonetic alphabet, radio etiquette — is the same worldwide.

Account & Pricing

What's included in the free plan?

The free plan gives you access to a selection of quiz questions from every course, so you can explore all topics before committing. You get instant feedback on every answer and can study without creating an account.

What does Premium include?

Premium unlocks the full question bank (1,900+ questions), detailed explanations for every answer, progress tracking and mastery analytics, and access to all current and future courses. It's designed for serious learners who want to track their readiness and cover every topic in depth.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. You can cancel your Premium subscription at any time from your account settings, and you'll retain access until the end of your current billing period.

How do I upgrade to Premium?

You can upgrade to Premium from your dashboard after creating a free account. We offer flexible billing options, and the upgrade takes effect immediately — giving you instant access to the full question bank and all Premium features.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.