NavList:

Frank Reed You Wrote: "For current (2026) RYA certification, are common (non-programmable) scientific calculators allowed? I'm thinking, of course, of the Casio fx260 Solar calculators that I recommend in my own workshops, which are extremely durable and solar-powered, but if anyone has experience using other calculators on RYA exams, I would be interested in your experience.

Also, does RYA certification specifically require particular sight reduction tables? I understand that there are a couple of different levels of certification. There's a shore-based course leading to certification that appears to be similar to a USCG certification here in the US. There's also a passage-based certification with an oral (and written?) part that is founded on actual sights. Do these differ in terms of sight reduction technique requirements?"

Frank

To get the background to this go to Amazon; search for RYA Astro Navigation Handbook; go to follow author Malanie Bartlett; see how many RYA publications are published by Melanie and/or Tim Bartlet.  It seems that between them, they’ve more or less collared the market in updating the RYA stock of books and producing new ones.  I know neither.  They might be very clever and experienced. 

Theres no preview available for the book, but the Amazon description says:

“The RYA Astro Navigation Handbook is the perfect guide for anyone new to celestial navigation or looking to refresh and update their astro-navigation skills. Designed to be clear, practical, and accessible, it isn't a dense textbook-it's a user-friendly companion that helps you "just get on and do it."

This handbook is the official course book for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course, making it an essential resource for students and ocean sailors alike.

Inside, readers will find straightforward explanations and guidance on key astro-navigation topics, including:

• The sextant
• The celestial sphere
• The noon sight
• Morning and afternoon sights
• Planets
• Polaris

Whether you're preparing for an ocean passage or simply expanding your navigational knowledge, this book provides the confidence and clarity you need to navigate by the stars.”

 I’m tempted to lash out £13.77 for Amazon Prime  next day delivery just to see what it’s like, except I suspect it’ll be very much in the Mary Blewitt/Tom Cunliffe style, particularly to Cunliffe with lots of colourful pages.  Blewitt and Cunliffe both use and give example pages from The Nautical Almanac and AP3270 (HO 249 in the New World) Volumes 1, 2, and 3.  I was unable to find anything about computer programmes and navigation apps.  It’s Possible the Bartletts are a bit more up to date.  I’d be disappointed if they weren’t.  Heck, it's only a couple of beers; maybeI'll buy it.

If you Go on the RYA Website, you can put in a search for a course and find out who teaches it.  I suspect very few teach a comprehensive celestial course; it would only be part of 'Yachtmaster Ocean.  As the instructor presumably does the examining and issues the course completion certificate, you use the publications or app he/she currently uses.  See also https://www.rya.org.uk/course-finder/yachtmaster-ocean-theory-course/ .  I’ve posted a link to your post to a friend of mine who teaches shore-based RHA Yachtmaster Ocean hoping he'll reply.  DaveP