How we create and review StandOn learning content
Sailing knowledge needs to be accurate, clear and useful in the real world.
StandOn creates revision content to help sailors understand and recall important knowledge more reliably. Our learning resources are designed to support recognised training, professional instruction and practical experience — not replace them.
We start with reliable sources
For technical sailing content, we work from the strongest appropriate sources available. Depending on the subject, that may include the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, other authoritative maritime material, current RYA course information and previously validated StandOn content.
Third-party websites, forums, social posts and AI-generated material may help us identify questions people are asking, but we do not treat them as authoritative technical sources.
Technical content is checked before publication
Rules, navigation lights, day shapes, sound signals, buoyage and other safety-relevant subjects should not be published simply because an explanation sounds right.
New or materially changed technical content is checked against appropriate sources and reviewed before publication. Where an explanation interprets a rule or other safety-relevant subject, we use qualified technical review where appropriate.
We also review diagrams and illustrations as technical content. A visual must not become misleading simply because it has been simplified for teaching.
We explain rather than replace official material
StandOn aims to make technical information easier to understand and remember. That often means explaining official rules in clearer language, examples or visual formats.
Where we paraphrase or explain an official rule, the explanation must preserve the meaning of the underlying rule. StandOn's explanation should not be mistaken for the official text itself.
Built to support proper training
StandOn is a revision and knowledge-retention tool.
It complements professional instruction, recognised course material and practical experience. It is not a substitute for sailing schools, qualified instructors, recognised training or time on the water.
When discussing qualifications such as Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster, we aim to use current authoritative information and do not imply that StandOn is an official RYA course provider or is endorsed by the RYA unless such a relationship has been explicitly authorised.
Authors and reviewers
Where appropriate, substantial learning resources will identify who produced or reviewed the content.
Named reviewers are only shown where their involvement, relevant experience and permission have been confirmed. We do not create or imply qualifications, endorsements or reviewer credentials that have not been verified.
Our factual authority should come from reliable sources and professional validation rather than personality alone.
Keeping content current
Technical content is reviewed when an underlying rule, authoritative source or recognised course scope materially changes.
We also carry out periodic reviews of technical learning content even where no known change has occurred.
Where a page displays a reviewed or updated date, that date should reflect a genuine review or substantive update — not a cosmetic freshness change.
Corrections and feedback
Accuracy matters more than defending a mistake.
If a reader, instructor or subject-matter expert identifies a possible error or ambiguity, we will review the relevant source material and seek further technical input where necessary.
If something is wrong, we aim to correct it promptly. Issues that could materially affect safety understanding are treated as a priority.
Our editorial principle
When speed, search visibility, content volume or commercial pressure conflicts with accuracy and responsible teaching, accuracy wins.
We would rather publish fewer useful, well-sourced resources than a larger volume of uncertain or repetitive content.