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What's the difference between RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Coastal?
04 March 2016
The RYA Yachtmaster qualification has long been recognised by many as the premium sailing qualification for the experienced leisure sailor. In recent times, the Yachtmaster qualification has been further defined and is now split into three subsections, namely Yachtmaster Coastal, Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean. Unlike the RYA Day Skipper qualification, all three qualifications are gained through external examination.
The holder of a Yachtmaster Coastal qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA in waters up to 20 miles from a safe haven. A Yachtmaster Offshore is qualified to skipper a vessel of the same size up to 150 miles from a safe haven. Yachtmaster Ocean extends the Yachtmaster Offshore qualification and qualifies the holder to skipper a vessel of the same size and up to 200gt anywhere in the World.
As one would expect, each examination requires that the candidate have a minimum level of experience prior to the examination. Prior to the Yachtmaster Coastal examination , a candidate must have a minimum of 30 days at sea, with 2 days as skipper and at least 800 miles logged, including 12 night hours. If you hold the Coastal Skipper course certificate already then this is reduced to 20 days at sea with 2 days as skipper, 400 miles logged and 12 night hours. Half the qualifying sea time must be conducted in tidal waters.
To qualify to undertake the Yachtmaster Offshore examination , you must have a minimum of 50 days at sea, 2,500 miles logged, including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. The candidate must have 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
In both instances you will also need to hold a GMDSS short range radio certificate.
For advice on what examination you should be studying for, call our senior instructor and RYA Yachtmaster Instructor for a chat on [email protected] or call 07925 784407.
Related articles:
- What is a Yachtmaster ‘Prep Week’?
- How do I prepare for a Yachtmaster Exam?
- Why you should take your RYA Yachtmaster Exam in the Mediterranean
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What is the Difference Between Yachtmaster Ocean and Offshore?
First Class Sailing is one of the UK’s leading schools for those seeking to complete their RYA qualifications and certificates. We offer the full ranges of courses, including RYA Yachtmaster Ocean and Yachtmaster Offshore .
We are often asked what the differences are between the two courses, so this short blog posts will explain all you need to know.
The simple difference between the two qualifications, is astronavigation. You should take the Yachtmaster Ocean exam if you want to sail large distances over long periods of time. It will mean you can navigate by the sun and stars, fixing your position with a sextant if your electronic navigation fails.
The difference between Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean once qualified
Once you hold a qualification, it will make a difference as to what you can do in addition to the astronavigation aspect we discussed. The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification makes you a competent skipper of a yacht of up to 24 metres in length, in waters up to 150 miles from land.
If you are qualified with RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, the difference is you can skipper a vessel of 24 metres in length and up to 200 gross tonnages anywhere around the globe.
Differences between the practical courses
To take the Yachtmaster Offshore course, you must have at least 50 days’ sailing time, with two of those days as the skipper. You also need to have logged 2,500 nautical miles, 5 passages over 60nm including two overnight and two as skipper, all within the last ten years.
Half the qualifying sea time must have been conducted in tidal waters & on a sailing vessel 24 metres or under.
You will also need a VHF radio licence, a First aid certificate and sound knowledge of using a Radar.
To take the Yachtmaster Ocean course, you must first have the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate.
You also need to have completed a qualifying passage that meets the following criteria:
- The candidate was fully involved in the planning of the passage, including selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, storing the spare gear, water and victual and organizing the watch-keeping routine.
- During the passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land while sailing a distance of at least 200 miles.
- Qualifying passages for Yachtmaster Ocean and Offshore should be non stop by the shortest navigable route with no change of skipper. Passages such as recognised races which may not comply exactly with these requirements may be submitted to the RYA for approval before the voyage.
- Hold a First Aid qualification, as for Yachtmaster Offshore
- For Ocean Passages, the following definition will apply: Throughout the passage the candidate must have acted in a responsible capacity either in sole charge of a watch or as a skipper.
The post What is the Difference Between Yachtmaster Ocean and Offshore? appeared first on Sailing Blog .
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Upgrade to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Upgrade from RYA Yachtmaster Offshore to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
PRE-REQUISITES:
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate is required BEFORE you can take your RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Exam.
This is a course in astro-navigation, worldwide meteorology and ocean currents, which also reveals the mysteries of the sextant. It assumes a knowledge of all subjects covered in all the other shore-based courses ie RYA Day Skipper AND RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Theory) and is usually run after the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical exam.
The Upgrade from RYA Yachtmaster Offshore to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean requires the following:
- RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
- Ocean Sights
Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course includes:
- The earth and the celestial sphere
- The PZX triangle
- The sextant
- Measurement of time
- Meridian altitudes
- Sun, star and other sights
- Compass checking
- Satellite Navigation Systems
- Great circle sailing
- Meteorology
- Ocean currents
- Passage planning
- Passage making
- Communications
Included in the Course fees are:
- Training material for the week, if applicable.
The use of books, tools and equipment necessary for training:
- RYA Training Almanac (Southern Hemisphere)
- South African List of Lights and Radio Signals
- Symbols and Abbreviations used on South African Charts
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)
We will also provide you with the following which you will be able to keep:
- Personal Logbook
- Yachtmaster Sailing School pen and pencil
- 72-page blank quad exercise book
- Blank almanac pages for theory.
You will have full use of RYA Reference Books and navigation equipment.
Fees exclude:
Accommodation and meals for shore-based courses, time off and any time in Cape Town apart from when on board for a practical course.
PLEASE NOTE:
Students are required to bring the following on their first day with Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School:
- R1,500.00 CASH deposit /security for any loss or damage to yachts, equipment etc. At the end of your training, if no loss or damage has been noted, the deposit will be returned to you in cash.
- R100 CASH deposit for a temporary access card to Royal Cape Yacht Club. Students are requested to make their way directly to the reception on their first day and pay the deposit and receive the card. At the end of your training, please return the card to Reception where the deposit will be returned to you.
- Colour passport photographs for the following certificates: SRC Radio, RYA Day Skipper Practical, RYA Coastal Skipper Practical, Prep & Exam (x2), Commercial Endorsement Application, RYA Powerboat level 2.
- A sleeping bag for practical courses, alternatively this can be ordered and purchased from Yachtmaster and will be ready for you on your arrival. Costs R500.
- Foul weather clothing, for practical on-board courses, alternatively this can be ordered and purchased from Yachtmaster and will be ready for you on your arrival. (10% discount offered only to our booked students).
Need Assistance? Contact Us!
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail – Everything You Need to Know
| Time | 8 to 48 hour exam (dependant on the number of people) after a potential prep course of up to 5 days |
| Prerequisites | 50 days spent at sea 2500nm sailed, with at least 50% in tidal waters 5 days as skipper 5 x 60nm passages, 2 of them as skipper |
| Min. Age | 18 |
| Exam | 8 hours to 2 days on the water |
| Aim | To work commercially on a sailing vessel under 24m in length within 150nm of a harbour. |
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail ticket is considered the most useful and credible of all sail cruising qualifications. Administered on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastgaurd Agency by the RYA the qualification is accepted as a worldwide standard. To gain an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail qualification you must sit a practical exam.
What Does the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Allow You to Do?
Gaining an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail will allow you to work commercially on sailing vessels not exceeding 200GT.
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam certifies that you are competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage that is not more than 150nm from a harbour.
How Can You Sit an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Exam?
The exam can be organised via the RYA to be done on your own vessel or via an RYA training centre, to be done on an RYA training vessel. It should be noted, that to complete the exam on your own vessel, your vessel must be up to an appropriate safety standard.
Most RYA training centres offering the RYA Cruising Scheme offer some form of pre exam preparation or coaching for those looking to take an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam.
These courses are often referred to as ‘RYA Yachtmaster Prep’ courses. This is unique within the RYA training framework in that it does not have a fixed course syllabus, length or course completion certificate.
Who Can Do an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Exam?
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam is open to anyone who meets the minimum criteria, with all experience within the last 10 years.
- 18 years of age or older
- 50 days spent at sea
- 2500nm sailed, with at least 50% in tidal waters
- 5 days as skipper
- 5 passages of over 60nm, with at least 2 as skipper
If you have skippering experience but not the required days or passages, then the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail might be for you.
If you have the miles, but not the skippering experience, then again, the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail might be for you.
Additionally, exam candidates must also hold a relevant GMDSS VHF certification and an RYA First Aid certificate or recognised equivalent.
Can You Go Straight to the Exam?
You can indeed jump straight into the RYA Cruising Scheme at this stage, however, it is imperative that you understand the levels that are required of you, both in your knowledge and practical skills.
It is suggested that as a minimum you have completed (and passed) the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course as the knowledge in here is both required for you to be at the level required, but will be formally tested during your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam, both orally and in practical applications.
What Do You Need to Know before Attending an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Course and Exam?
You, of course, need to be a suitably experienced skipper and this involves meeting the prerequisites mentioned above to be eligible. You should be able to handle your vessel competently in close quarters and at sea. You should be comfortable applying this in various day and night time passages.
As mentioned, it is strongly recommended to have completed the RYA Coastal and Yachtmaster Theory as the depth of knowledge gained from this shore based course will be tested throughout your exam.
How Long Does a Prep Course and Exam Take?
The exam itself can take anything from 8 hours to 2 days depending on how many candidates are being examined on one vessel at a time. Up to 4 candidates can sit the exam at once and this would last for a maximum of 48 hours if so.
An RYA Yachtmaster Prep course is generally four and a half days long and is usually directly followed by the practical exam.
Is There a Set Syllabus for the Prep Course?
No, this is the one time that while there is a recognised ‘course’, there is no syllabus. It is up to the experienced instructor on the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Prep course to tailor the learnings to your needs. This is more about refining your skills rather than teaching new ones.
You should be honest with yourself and your instructor in order for learnings throughout the week to be tailored to improve yourself on any weak areas that you may have.
What Should I Expect from an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Prep Course?
These courses run as a standalone course and while there may be students on another course, generally everyone onboard is a candidate for an RYA Yachtmaster Exam. The courses should however be run with no more than 4 students on board.
The content will depend on the needs of all students and is aimed at fine-tuning existing skills rather than teaching new ones. This will involve a lot of night time sailing and navigation, carrying out challenging boat handling while using theory knowledge and ensuring general skippering skills are up to scratch.
There is a basic syllabus that is used to help shape the exam content, but in reality, you can be tested on anything from the RYA Cruising Scheme within the exam.
Before choosing the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Prep course you need to be honest with yourself and your own abilities. While on the course you need to take on the advice and guidance given by the instructor on what areas need work. If you speak to your instructor before the course, they can tailor the instruction to your needs.
What Should I Expect on an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Exam?
On the exam, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and competence. You will be expected to take full responsibility of your vessel and crew. The examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate competence and show your broad range of experience.
The exam will be an intensive experience and even when you are not the designated skipper, you will still be asked questions and observed and examined as a participant of the crew.
During the exam you will be asked to complete various tasks, ranging from leaving the dock, skippering a short passage, casualty recovery, night pilotage and even blind navigation. Additionally, you will be tested on theoretical aspects such as how to deal with an engine failure, knowledge of your vessel’s stability, meteorology and IRPCS.
As a potential RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail, these tasks are ones that should now be second nature to you and should take minimal time to plan while the theoretical knowledge should be able to roll off your tongue.
What Is the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Exam Syllabus?
The following topics make up the basis for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam syllabus. IRPCS, safety, boat handling, seamanship, responsibility as skipper, navigation, meteorology and signals.
But, as mentioned above, anything from the whole RYA cruising syllabus scheme can be tested.
What Is the Cost of an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Course and Exam?
As ever, many schools differ in price. We would recommend that you take a look around at the various options and find what suits your needs the best. Cheapest is not often better.
This can range from knowing if you will have to share a cabin while onboard to whether food and berthing charges are included to how many other students you will be sharing your week with.
The exam fee is usually not included, which is currently £231.
Where Should I Do My RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail?
As always there are many thoughts and pros on cons on this, and as a potential RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail you should consider yourself experienced enough to sit the exam anywhere. However, if you choose to sit the exam in an area that you are familiar with then you will take a little bit of the stress out of learning a new area and start with a small advantage of having that all important local knowledge at your disposal.
What Happens If I Struggle on the Prep Course?
Your instructor should be able to update you on your ability levels throughout the course. They will be highly experienced and it is suggested that you listen to their advice given.
If you are learning something for the first time you should consider if you are ready for the exam. Talk to your instructor and they will be able to guide you on if you are ready for the exam, if they would advise further training or if they recommend that you aim for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail exam instead.
What Is the Pass Mark for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Exam?
There is no pass mark as such and the examiner will be looking to see that you are a competent and complete skipper, capable of looking after both your vessel and crew in a safe manner.
Every exam is different and no examiner will be setting out to fail any candidates, but they must ensure and check that each candidate is able to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and skills in a safe and timely manner.
If you were to fail to reach the levels of an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail certificate of competence then the examiner will give you a thorough debrief complete with action points to work on before you have another attempt at the exam.
What Comes after RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail
After completion of the exam, you will have gained the highly sought after RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail certificate of competence and you can get this commercially endorsed by adding a sea survival certification, a personal medical and a PPR course, all of which, along with your GMDSS VHF and First Aid should be sent off to the RYA for certification upgrade. This will now allow the holder to skipper a vessel commercially, so long as it is less than 200 gross tonnes, up to 150nm from a harbour.
The next step is of course to get out on the water and to keep learning, keep gaining experience and keep improving on the skills and knowledge learned so far. No skipper is the finished article and we should all keep seeking to improve.
Within the RYA cruising scheme, there are a couple more steps that are possible. This is to progress and upgrade your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail certificate of competence to an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Sail certificate of competence.
To do this there is 3 main steps, first, you will need to complete an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course, where you will learn about astro navigation, ocean meteorology and ocean navigation, join the waiting list for our ocean theory course here . Next, is to complete an ocean qualifying passage that meets the necessary requirements. Finally, you will then need to complete another exam, this time an oral exam, where you will discuss your ocean qualifying passage and general ocean skippering skills.
On successful completion of this, you will be awarded the highest accolade within the RYA cruising scheme, the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Sail certificate of competence.
One other direction of travel is to become an RYA Cruising Instructor for Sail. To do this, you will first want to consolidate your skippering skills and knowledge then look to come back and start off with an RYA Cruising Instructor course. On this course, RYA Instructor Trainers will assess and guide you through what is required and expected in order to work as an RYA Cruising Instructor for Sail.
Releated Posts
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory – Everything You Need to Know
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor – Everything You Need to Know
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What is an RYA Yachtmaster?
The RYA Yachtmaster certificate of competence, your driving license, so to speak, is the aim of most skippers who are looking for reassurance that they have met the highest of standards. The RYA Yachtmaster is a highly regarded qualification and is respected around the world.
Becoming an RYA Yachtmaster allows the holder to work in the maritime industry as a professional skipper, Superyacht Crew, RYA instructor, plus so much more.
As a professional skipper, you can take charge (skipper) of a vessel up to 24 meters in length on a coastal, offshore, or ocean passage, depending on the qualification achieved. Qualifying as a Yachtmaster is a gateway to employment as a professional skipper. It shows that you are an experienced and competent skipper.
Becoming a Yachtmaster requires no format training, provided you have the correct experience and sea time, you can put yourself forward for the exam. You will need to provide your own boat and crew of course. You can contact the RYA who can put you in touch with an RYA Yachtmaster examiner.
Most people choose complete some training before sitting the RYA Yachtmaster exam. There is a structured route from beginner to RYA Yachtmaster so getting your Yachtmaster
Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean
There are three qualification paths depending on whether you like to potter around the coast or sail across an ocean.
Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate
The Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate is for anyone who sail in coastal or protected waters, say no more than 20 miles from the coast. If you would like to learn more about navigation, sailing at night, rules of the road, safety, mooring, pilotage, and passage planning then the Yachtmaster Coastal is for you.
Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate
The Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence has been the certificate that most people gravitate to. A Yachtmaster Offshore will have all the knowledge of Yachtmaster Coastal but would also have extensive experience crewing and skippering offshore. Skippers who want confirmation they have the experience and competence to take a yacht offshore choose this option. Once qualified as a Yachtmaster, the certificate allows the holder to skipper a vessel up to 150 miles from shore. The Yachtmaster Offshore is the gateway to employment, most employers ask for the Offshore or Ocean qualification.
Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate
You would sit your Yachtmaster Ocean exam if you wanted to sail a yacht around the world. The main difference between Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean is Celestial Navigation. Celestial Navigation for Yachtmaster Ocean is the knowledge to navigate by the sun and stars. The theory being, if you lose all your electronic equipment on board, you can fix your position using a sextant .
To sit the Yachtmaster Ocean oral exam you would have already passed the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam. In addition to the knowledge gained as a Yachtmaster Offshore you are required to complete an ocean passage of more than 600 miles. During the ocean passage will need to have the ability to use a sextant to fix your position.
Yachtmaster Power or Sail?
You can qualify as a Yachtmaster Power or Yachtmaster Sail, depending on what type of boat you like to spend your time on.
Working as a professional Yachtmaster
As mentioned above once you have qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster then you are able to seek work as a professional skipper. There are hundreds of qualified skippers out there that have turned their passion into a job.
The Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, Power or Sail is now considered necessary if you are looking for a job as a Lead Deckhand on a Superyacht .
Becoming a Yachtmaster
If you are considering getting an RYA Yachtmaster Qualification and don’t know where to start then there are training courses that can help you achieve your goal.
There are fast-track and zero to hero yachtmaster courses , to get you up to the level you need to be.
The training courses offered will provide all the theory and practical experience required to qualify as an RYA Yachtmaster. Here at Flying Fish, we offer courses for a beginner Yachtmaster to Coastal, Offshore or Ocean .
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- Basic Safety Training
- Refresher (Fire & PST)
- Elementary First Aid
- Fire Prevention & Fire-fighting
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher
- Proficiency in Security Awareness
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
- Crowd Management / Crisis Management and Human Behaviour
- Powerboat Level 2
- PWC/Jet Ski License
- PWI/Jet Ski Instructor
- PWC + PWI Pack
- Pack PB2 & PWC
- Day Skipper
- Shorebased Yachtmaster Theory
- Yachtmaster Practical Preparation & Offshore Exam
- Yachtmaster Offshore Package
- Full Deckhand Pack
- Full Interior Pack
- Basic Deckhand Pack
- Basic Interior Pack
- Full Tender and Jet Ski Pack
- Tender Pack
- Jetski Pack
- Yacht Deckhand Training
- Yacht Steward/ess Training
- Basic Food & Beverage Services
- Basic Housekeeping & Laundry Services
- Basic Wine, Bartending & Mixology
- Food Safety Level 2
- ⚡Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness on Superyachts
- VHF Short Range Certificate
- RYA Professional Practice & Responsibilities
- RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship
- RYA Online Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory
- RYA Online Day Skipper Theory
- STCW PDSD for Superyachts
- STCW PDSD for Cruise Ships
- STCW Proficiency as Ship Security Officer on Superyachts
- Useful Information
- Steward/ess
Yachtmaster Offshore: When, Why, and How
In a seafarer’s career, there comes the time when Yachtmaster ticket becomes either a necessity, or the next logical step in professional development. No matter what the reason for the course is, Yachtmaster Offshore requires a thorough preparation and planning as well as some prior knowledge and experience.
- When am I ready to take the course?
The candidate’s eligibility for Yachtmaster Offshore program is defined by a number of requirements. First and foremost, the logged sea time must show a minimum of 2500 nautical miles, about half of which should be in tidal waters. There is a huge debate as to what tidal waters are, and the RYA leaves it to the Yachtmaster candidate to decide whether the passage they undertook happened in a tidal area. The definition offered by the RYA is as follows:
An area is deemed tidal if published stream, current or tidal range data is available, the influence of which is significant enough to require the effects to be taken into account to plan and execute a safe and efficient passage .
But even if the decision to call experience tidal is the candidate’s, the RYA wisely warns that the final judgement will be made by the examiner and recommends to list only those miles that can be backed up with evidence. The qualifying sea time should be gained on motor vessels if the candidate applies for Yachtmaster Offshore Motor license. Sail miles do not count.
The RYA also sets a requirement as to the number of qualifying passages. As defined by the Association, ‘a passage is a non-stop voyage from a departure port / safe haven to a destination port / safe haven ’. For the Yachtmaster Offshore , there must be a minimum of 5 passages over 60 nm each; 2 of those passages should be overnight and 2 when the candidate acted as a skipper. The skipper, as understood by the RYA , is a person nominated and responsible for the planning and execution of a passage including vessel and watch management . It’s important that throughout the 60-mile passage there occurs no change of skippers; otherwise, the passage cannot be deemed as qualifying.
Proper understanding of the skipper’s role is vital for ticking the box of another requirement – 5 days on board acting as a skipper. A day in this case is a period of 8 consecutive hours, and the majority of them should be at sea . In every 24 hours, Yachtmaster candidate can have only one qualifying day onboard.
Last but not least, the RYA’s Yachtmaster Offshore exam pre-requisites put some restrictions as to the tonnage and length: days on board and miles should be gained on vessels up to 500 gt and less than 24 meters LOA.
- When is the best time to take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course?
The full program – RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory and RYA Yachtmaster Practical – takes 10 days to complete; the exam is usually scheduled right after, and candidates need to allow 2 days for it. With the sea, winds, and weather being unpredictable, to the candidates coming from abroad we advise to add an extra day before taking flights back home. Thus, the course is quite a commitment, and most seafarers take it during low Med season. Our Yachtmaster Offshore course is scheduled every month from December throughout April to give options to potential candidates.
- Why take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore?
Yachtmaster is not for beginners. Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence entitles its holder to master a yacht of up to 200 gt, and that is a big responsibility. That said, one of the reasons to get Yachtmaster is to advance the qualifications from entry to higher level including MCA Officer of the Watch (OOW) or Chief Mate, for which Yachtmaster Offshore CoC is among the required documents. Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based (theory) certificate is another pre-requisite to apply for the OOW, and it has to be sent along with STCW and other records as a part of the Notice of Eligibility.
In a scheme of RYA training , Yachtmaster Offshore is preceded by RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper, which allow to navigate 20 and 60 nautical miles offshore accordingly. With Yachtmaster Offshore qualifications, it is possible to skipper a cruising yacht up to 150 miles from harbour, so recreational boaters can have larger areas to explore and longer distances to cover.
- How to apply for Yachtmaster Offshore Program?
If you believe you are ready and meet the pre-requisites mentioned above and outlined on our website , your first step is to get in touch with us by email, phone, or through contact form . Once we receive your enquiry, we will email to you Sea Time Summary and Self-Evaluation forms to fill out, which we will then forward to our instructor to confirm your eligibility. If you are eligible for the course, we will proceed with course booking and securing your place on the training.
Some important things to remember: the candidates for the training should hold a valid Elementary First Aid certificate . For the STCW EFA , it should be issued within the last 5 years, for the RYA First Aid - within the last 3 years. VHF Marine Radio certificate can be offered as a part of Yachtmaster Offshore package , but if you already hold the certificate, we can offer a 100 euros reduction.
Our next Yachtmaster Offshore session starts on the 6 th of December. Click here for more dates.
More questions about Yachtmaster? Let us know!
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- Certificates of Competence
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Exam
Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158), which is available from the RYA webshop.
The exam consists of an oral and written test.
The candidate must provide the examiner with the following information 48 hours prior to the exam:
- A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage providing all relevant details.
- Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passage, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a minimum, planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.
During the oral test the candidate will be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.
The written exam will include questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology.
Candidates who hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Completion Certificate (final exam must have been invigilated at an RYA RTC), or a MCA issued full STCW Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer (Unlimited) will be exempt from the written examination.
Before you book your exam please check that you:
- have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
- have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
- have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.
If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed - see 'Related articles'.
Please note: Only those who hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence are eligible to receive the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence on passing the oral exam. Those holding OOW (Yacht 3000gt) will receive a pass confirmation certificate.
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam pre-requisites
| Have completed a qualifying passage on board a sailing or motor yacht up to 500gt which meets the following criteria: The minimum qualifying passage must have been accrued within 10 years of the examination date. Candidates must hold OOW (Yacht 3000gt) to claim qualifying passages on vessels greater than 24m LOA. Contact if your passage is on a vessel greater than 500gt.
| |
| Oral and written assessment of sights take at sea. | |
| Hold either: | |
| Approximately 1.5 hours |
Astrolabe Sailing
Sailing, yachts, adventure and sailing around the world, rya offshore yachtmaster.
Breeze was bobbing away quietly on C Pier at Nelson Marina, gently tugging on her mooring lines as I apprehensively walked up the dock on Monday morning. Chris from Sail Nelson was there to welcome me on board and he introduced me to James and Steve – my fellow Offshore Yachtmaster protégé’s.
Despite all the 30 ish years of sailing, and the weeks of theory revision I’d done prior to the course, I still wasn’t really sure at that stage whether I’d done enough or what exactly lay before us. I felt a mixture of nerves, anticipation and excitement welling up inside me.
Chris, Steve, James and I sat with cups of coffee steaming our hands, huddled around Breeze ‘s saloon table. We all had our own unique sailing story and reasons for voluntarily being on board the 36’ Sun Fast with a bunch of strangers for a week of intensive sailing.
For me personally it has been something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I have been keen to tick off the RYA Offshore Yachtmaster exam for a few years now. This certificate is widely regarded to be the pinnacle of all sailing qualifications and allows the holder to skipper a sailing vessel up to 24 meters in length. It is recognised worldwide as the benchmark in professional sailing, but where I take my new qualification to from here is still undecided.
Steve from Auckland had been sailing all his life, and works as an engineer on some incredible super yachts in the Med and Caribbean and has his own yacht in Westhaven, and James, a land locked Central Otago farmer is a relative newcomer to cruising, but has managed to clock up an impressive number of miles under his belt over recent years with various adventures on his yacht which is currently patiently awaiting his return in Virginia USA.
As is often the case with fellow yachties, we all had lots in common. Not only a passion for sailing and the ocean and a genuine desire to enjoy and succeed on the exam, but also that sense of adventure, zest for life and plenty of crazy stories and experiences to share with one another. We all got along really well and by the end of the week had become great mates.
Chris, owner of Sail Nelson, and our instructor for the week, had been clear in his instructions: He was simply there to help familiarise us with the beautiful Breeze , the area in which we’d be sitting the exam, and helping us refine and perfect all our required skills to pass. We were expected to already have the skippering experience, sea time, boat handling expertise and navigational knowledge already firmly imprinted in our skill-set. Becoming an Offshore Yachtmaster isn’t simply a week-long course you can sit and pass, but it comes from having years of practical experience at the helm. Chris is a very patient, relaxed and experienced instructor who quickly recognised our various strengths and weaknesses and carefully guided us through some techniques to ensure success in our exam.
We ran through all the equipment on board Breeze , had a safety briefing, checked out the engine, sails and all the other systems. By the end of the week we were expected to know this boat like the back of our hands.
After lunch we cast off the lines to make the most of the building sea-breeze for an afternoon sail.
Nelson Harbour is the perfect place for a course like this. With a 4m range of tide, current flow, plenty of navigation marks, leading lights, large ships and fishing boats regularly coming and going, narrow channels, and areas where you can sail at high tide, but not at low tide, some interesting depth contours and corners to turn and then a huge bay in which to sail in as well. The area has plenty of scope to test some of the theory & practical skills we had accumulated over the years.
It was great to have plenty of time up our sleeves to get to know Breeze . She is a beautiful 36′ Jeanneau Sun Fast, and with all boats she has her own unique quirks. For example Breeze really likes going forwards, like for a really long time, and it seems like an especially long time when you really really REALLY want her to be going in reverse, like in a marina, or when picking up a mooring buoy. She also doesn’t really like turning tight corners, especially in reverse or when the wind is blowing. In short, she is a great boat to both sail and then also get to know how to handle in a marina.
Day two started with driving rain and gusts of about 30kts blowing through the marina. “I think we should do some marina manoeuvring today” Chris calmly suggested.
I felt a wave of mild anxiety that I am pretty sure most yacht owners experience when trying to wrangle an unfamiliar boat, in challenging conditions in tight spaces, around expensive boats, with an audience watching. Nothing like pushing you way outside your comfort zone to help perfect some of those skills when the consequences of the potential disaster are so high. Lets just say we managed to avoid crashing in to anyone, I have a new appreciation of how nimble little Wildwood is and I may have even overcome some of my marina demons (stemming from an unfortunate and very un-classy experience in Waikawa marina many years ago now, the details of which we will never be discussing ever again…)
If it was easy I guess everyone would be doing it right?!
After a $1 = three minute shower in the marina, and another of Chris’s amazing hearty meals to feed the hungry sailors, we headed out for some night navigation. It is actually amazing how much less and also how much more you can see at night. The real difficulty comes from tired eyes picking which light relates to what on your chart. Is that glittering white light in the distance an anchor light, a leading light, a stern light, a towing light, light house, a cardinal mark, a plane, the moon or a street light? Your eyes play tricks on you in the darkness, and being confident about what you are looking at, vs what is on the chart is a skill that comes with experience.
The strong currents and large range of tides in Nelson makes it a perfect place to test the skills of plotting fun things like, height of tide and current set, drift, and let’s throw in some leeway there too. Constantly calculating, speed, distance, time, variation (and thankfully not much deviation on Breeze ) from true course to magnetic & compass course blew some of the dust accumulating in the maths section of my brain. Pulling this all together to plot a course to steer is one thing, but then putting it in to practice in a blind navigation test is quite another. As you are sitting down below in darkness, calling out a course to steer to the helmsman while madly trying to work out how fast you are going through the water vs over the ground, adding the height of tide, to what is displayed on the depth sounder on to chart datum and hoping that you’ve plotted your course in the right direction is pretty stressful, but extremely rewarding when I popped up on deck about 15 minutes after starting to find myself about 20 metres off my target spot. Hurrah!
Boat handling was fun, Breeze was a delight to sail, with the only challenge being getting her to come to a complete stop when attempting to pick up a MOB or a mooring in the light winds.
With our sailing, pilotage, navigating & boat handling skills all polished up, next on the menu was meteorology, COLREGS, sound signals and passage planning. Our examiner had left a choice of various passages to choose from, and I picked a trip from Catherine Cove to Nelson, after a rather terrifying trip I’d done a couple of years ago in the opposite direction. The boys chose a passage in to and out of Mapua which they quickly decided was quite a tricky place to take a keelboat in to given the changing channel and restrictive tides. After having done my friend Jackie Parry’s excellent Passage Planning online course , I managed to produce a fabulous and very comprehensive plan which the boys thought was very nerdy and completely over the top… 😉
After five days on board I was actually pleasantly surprised to say we had barely even looked at the GPS all week. It is extremely satisfying to be able to navigate without using much technology. While GPS is amazing and awesome, I realised that solely relying on GPS is really akin to just relying on one of your senses. The ability to be able to also confidently use charts, plotters, compasses, bearings, tide tables, deviation tables, tidal diamonds, depth sounders and all the other things in your navigation tool box, you open your senses up to an incredible extra dimension. You aren’t simply following the pink line on your chart plotter – anyone can do that. But really navigating requires some talent and knowledge – especially if your electronics fail.
After a full on week of practice, Chris wished us good luck and we retired to the pub clutching the COLREGS flashcards, putting the final touches on our passage plans and had a nice lunch and a couple of beers to help calm the nerves.
Thankfully Chris had also lent us his 15 year old son Ben as our deckhand. It was great to have another experienced crew member on board who knew the boat and could help with all the various activities we had ahead.
At 6pm the examiner, Stuart – the local harbour master, arrived to put us through our paces. We had a quick chat to get to know each other, while he reassured us all that while this test was going to be intense and serious, we should also relax and have fun! James, Steve and I exchanged mildly terrified glances at each other, while hoping that no one was noticing how white my knuckles were tightly gripping the wheel as we departed the marina.
As we passed a speeding un-lit boat in the dark on the wrong side, a dinghy driver with no life jacket and someone doing welding on their boat in the marina, I started to get an understanding of what separates a Yachtmaster from your average boatie. As Stuart and Chris had explained, the RYA has high expectations that the people who pass this exam are hopefully not going to turn up on the front page of the paper for doing something dumb or careless at sea. Both the RYA, our assessor and their reputations as well as the people employing Offshore Yachtmaster’s depend on people holding this qualification being fit and capable seafarers. We simply weren’t going to be able to get a certificate of participation for this course.
We were well and truly put through our paces during the next two days. Taking turns to be skipper and crew, we were presented with numerous challenging navigation tasks during the day and at night, boat handling skills while discussing theoretical disasters on board, imaginary fog, engine troubles, storms, quick fire questions on knots, lights, COLREGS, pilotage, and if BOB the fender fell overboard one more time I decided I was going to carefully hide him away in my sleeping bag when no one was watching…
At the end of it we were mentally and physically exhausted. Had we done enough to prove our capabilities? Stu took as all aside one by one to give us some feedback and our final result. Thankfully we all passed!
The fact that the prep week and the exam had been quite intense made the positive result seem even more satisfying. Despite being really tired, we decided to head in to town for a couple of quiet drinks to celebrate.
I think we got home about 4am… 😉
I’d like to highly recommend Sail Nelson and thank Chris for all his patience and expertise guiding and feeding us for the five days before the exam, it was a fantastic preparation for the challenge ahead. Breeze was an excellent vessel for doing the test and for living on board and I loved sailing her. Chris’ son Ben was a delight to have around and I am sure he has got a bright sailing future ahead. Stuart was a wonderful examiner, we all really felt like we’d had a good opportunity to show off all the skills we’d been perfecting during the week. Thanks to Seth, my Mum and in-laws for holding the fort at home while I was away. Finally I’d like to thank my fellow Offshore Yachtmasters Steve & James. It was actually really easy to look good as a skipper when you’ve got such talented crew to carry out any orders so swiftly and confidently. You guys are awesome and I am sure we will catch up again for more adventures.
So if you are keen to get qualified too, what is an Offshore Yachtmaster expected to know? Well quite a bit actually! You’re expected to know everything from very basic beginner fundamental sailing skills, right through to your advanced navigation techniques (without GPS).
For me I guess it is one thing to think you know what you are doing, but it is quite reassuring to have someone qualified to put you through your paces to actually confirm that you do!
There are two levels of Yachtmaster: Coastal and Offshore. While the exam is the same, the difference is that Offshore candidates are required to have more experience and a higher skill level than is required for Coastal. The decision as to which level of exam you wish to be assessed for must however be made prior to commencement of the exam. A Yachtmaster Offshore candidate cannot be awarded the Coastal certificate if they don’t quite make the Offshore grade. (No pressure!!)
Prerequisites
- Sea time – lots of logged experience as skipper on a variety of different vessels in different tidal areas, including overnight and on longer coastal or offshore passages.
- First Aid Certificate
- VHF GMDSS qualification
- An advanced knowledge of all the navigation, passage planning, meteorology & COLREGS. I can highly recommend Sistership Training for a fabulous online course to cover off these topics.
Additional Requirements for Commercial Endorsement
- RYA PPR Course
- Dr’s Maritime Medical
- Advanced Sea Survival Certificate
Further Study
- The Offshore Yachtmaster certificate can be used as a foundation for driving much larger vessels, you just need to add on the extra certificates as you go along.
- Ocean Yachtmaster i s a theory exam about celestial navigation.
Nautical Terms
- Parts of a boat and hull
- General nautical terminology
- Spars, rigging
- Types of sails
- Parts of the sail and sail controls
- Choice of sails
- Trimming sails
- Use of halyards, cleats and winches
- Rigging the boat for the conditions
Sailing Techniques & Manoeuvres
- Types of keel
- Wind awareness
- Sailing upwind
- Controlling speed
- Sailing downwind
- Crew communications
- Coming alongside a dock
- Use of fenders
- Throwing a mooring line
- Attaching a line to a cleat
- Leaving a dock
- Using springs to leave a dock
- Picking up a mooring – under motor or sail
- Sailing in close proximity to other vessels
- Lee shore dangers
- Sailing using transits
- Setting & trimming sails
- Velocity or Course Made Good
- Balance, stability, centre of gravity
- Anchoring – see below
- Turning in a confined space
- Sailing around a course
- Race starts and racing rules
- Steering, and using a compass to steer a course
- Crew positions
- Heavy weather techniques
- Latitude and longitude
- True bearings and courses
- Use of compass
- Use of chart & knowledge of symbols
- Use of Radar
- Lighthouses and beacons and light characteristics
- Ranges of lights, visual, luminous and nominal
- Raising and dipping distances
- Use of plotting instruments
- Application of variation and deviation
- Use of hand bearing compass
- Techniques of visual fixing – transits, leading lines and clearing lines
- Use of sailing directions
- Pilotage plans and harbour entry
- Raster and vector charts
- Chart datum
- Use of speed log
- Knowledge of IALA buoyage
- Use of lead line
- Use of depth sounder
- Plotting a fix
- Plotting a course
- Dead Reckoning and Estimated Position
- Steering a course allowing for set, drift & leeway
- Take and plot a visual fix
- Use of waypoints and routes
- Estimate tidal heights and streams
- Passage planning
- Publications required
- Navigational hazards
- Maintaining navigational records, layout of log , hourly and occasional entries
- The importance of obtaining a secondary means of position fixing
- Precautions to be taken in fog – including blind navigation
- Navigation techniques in poor visibility
- Safe handling of lines
- Coiling a line
- Round turn and two & a half hitches
- Clove hitch
- Rolling hitch
- Single & double sheet bend
- Securing a fender
- Securing a line to a cleat
- Throwing a line
- Properties of different kinds of ropes & their care and uses
- Caring for ropes
Emergency Procedures
- Emergency equipment required to be on board – Yachting NZ Cat 1 Regulations
- Safety briefings
- Actions in event of emergency – sinking , running aground , capsize , abandoning ship ,
- Raising the alarm, emergency communications
- Man overboard, recovery techniques & cold water shock
- Hazards of fuel & gas
- Location of safety equipment and how it is used
- Maintenance of safety gear
- Personal safety, clothing, harnesses and buoyancy including use of life jackets , crotch straps
- Use of VHF radio for sending distress message
- Use of EPIRB
- Launching and boarding a life raft
- Contents of your Grab Bag
- Use of flares & other distress signals
- Fire precautions & prevention
- Types and use of fire extinguishers
- Helicopter rescue procedure
- Towing and being towed
- Heavy weather at sea
- Heavy weather in port
- I mprovisation of jury rigs following gear failure
- Advanced Sea Survival
Rules of the Road
- Maintaining a proper lookout
- Sound signals
- Lights and shapes
Meteorology
- Obtaining a weather forecast
- Beaufort wind scale
- Interpreting forecasts & synoptic charts
- Highs, lows and fronts
- Cloud types
- Weather patterns
- Use of barometer for forecasting
- Land and sea breezes
- Understanding waves
- Ocean currents
- Engine starting, stopping and running procedures
- Propeller configurations
- Steering and controlling speed
- Engine monitoring
- Fault diagnosis
- Pre start checks
- Fuel cut offs
- Close down procedure
- Different drive systems
- Use of fuel
- Maintenance, & checks of engines and electrical
- Location of filters and bleed points for fuel
- Water filters & impellors
- Fuel and fuel consumption, calculating fuel required & reserves
Tide Tables
- Tidal sequence of springs and neaps, ebb and flow
- Speed over ground with or against tidal flow
- Effect of wind direction and tidal flow
- Accessing local information
- Use of admiralty method of determining tidal height at a standard port
- Awareness of corrections for secondary ports
- Use of tidal diamonds and tidal stream atlases for chart work
- Tidal anomolies
- Sources of tidal information
- Tide rips, overfalls and races
- Legal obligations of skipper
- Stowing items before going to sea
- Use of burgees & ensigns
- Prevention of unnecessary noise & courtesy in harbour
- Protection of the environment
- General duties on deck and below deck
- Use of protective equipment and safe procedures for maintenance.
- Provisioning
- Food hygiene
- Standing orders
- Domestic duties
- Watch roster
- Crew management & communication
- Customs & Immigration
- Yacht registration
- Navigating in restricted visibility
- Heavy weather preparation and tactics
- Types of anchor
- Depth of water
- Holding ground
- Scope required
- Stowage and attachment to boat
- Preparation of anchor chain & warp
- Use of windlass
- Weighing anchor
- Checking holding
- Crew communication
Use of Tender
- Loading, launching & recovery
- Use and importance of kill cord
- Safety equipment
Seasickness
- Reducing the effects of seasickness
- Taking care of crew who are sick
And that is about it…! No pressure. Just have fun 😉
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15 thoughts on “ RYA Offshore Yachtmaster ”
Hi Viki, congratulations, well done!! (expected nothing less than you passing 😉 ). Congrats from the opposite side of the planet, Hubert
Like Liked by 1 person
Thanks Hubert! Hope you are well and not suffering too badly with lockdowns etc.
Wow! Kudos to you Viki. That was a pretty intensive course. Great read.
Thanks Tony!
Thanks for writing this, V! I’ve always been curious what goes into these courses and what they’re really like. It’s definitely humbling how many gaps there are in my sailing knowledge, despite my passage experiences … might spring for some actual instruction when I have the opportunity.
I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone. It’s great doing all that theory stuff in practice on a boat too. Good luck! 🙂
Congratulations. Very impressive!
Great achievement. Well done 👏
Thank you! 🙂
Wow, Viki! Big congrats to you on quite an achievement! Reading the list of requirements made me dizzy. Good on ya!
Thanks Diane! xx
Well done Viki. Great to see all the prep you had done prior to course as I think many underestimate what is required then get a big fright. I agree Sail Nelson is an excellent place to do this in NZ. Chris and Stuart are both very professional and there to help you pass, so anyone thinking of doing RYA Yachtmaster head to Nelson.
Thanks David!
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Everything You Need To Know About RYA Yachtmaster Theory
In last weeks blog we broke down RYA Day Skipper Practical and how it fits in to your learning progression. RYA Yachtmaster Theory is the next step in that journey and on its completion you opens up RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course as well as several other interesting optional courses you could take. This blog will tell you Everything You Need To Know About RYA Yachtmaster Theory.
What is RYA Yachtmaster Theory?
Being a theory course its shore based in a classroom or online via zoom. It assumes you have completed RYA Day Skipper theory or possess a comparable level of knowledge as it teaches you more advanced navigation techniques. You will learn about navigating safely on coastal and offshore passages. If you plan to progress to Coastal Skipper practical, Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore then you should be taking this course.
What RYA Yachtmaster Theory teaches you?
The course in essence will teach you advanced theory of navigation and meteorology. For those with extensive sailing experience with previous navigational experience, the course builds upon those basic skills. You will be developing a comprehensive depth of knowledge and understanding of navigation theories, techniques and practices.
www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/yachtmaster-theory-course
What can I expect to do?
RYA Yachtmaster Theory is an in-depth course with a wide subject field. But in short it will include position fixing, magnetic compass, tides, tidal streams, buoyage, lights, pilotage, and introduction to GPS and plotters, meteorology, collision prevention regulations, safety, navigation and passage planning among a lot more to numerous to go in-depth about in a short blog.
Where & When Can I take RYA Yachtmaster Theory?
There are three different ways you can take Yachtmaster Theory. We offer classroom based courses in our Southampton (Shamrock Quays) location and across London. The classroom based course runs for 8 weeks ( 1 evening per week) and a weekend, or over 2 and a half weekends. If you have a suitable space we can also come to your office and run the program for your colleagues. Due to the impact of COVID we adapted our shore based courses for online zoom learning. This became very popular over the pandemic and the flexibility it offers means it has maintained it popularity. Like the in person course is typically run over 8 weeks however is sometimes compressed with multiple lessons a week. Finally we have a purely online version that allows you to dip in and out as and when it suits you. Support from an instructor is only a phone call or email away
What Equipment Will I Need?
No matter if you doing RYA Yachtmaster theory in a classroom, via zoom or online, each format comes with a extensive set of materials to make use of. All students will receive a RYA work pack of charts, tide tables, port information and mock questions. A website with course slides will also be accessible after each lesson to help you refresh you memory. Those taking the Classroom or Zoom versions will also receive s Cockpit Companion.
To complete the course you will need a set of plotter and dividers. We can provide them to you for £20 to be collected at your first lesson. If your doing the Zoom or Online versions we will courier them to you. You can also opt to buy your own however they will likely be more expensive. If you have already completed RYA Day skipper theory or have the comparable experience you should already have everything you need.
Lastly If you haven’t already got a logbook you should make sure you get one. They are £7.49. The Logbook is a place to record your miles and keep your certificates. It outlines the whole RYA Cruising Scheme giving the course content for each course again if you completed prior course you should already have one of these.
What skills will I have after the course?
On competition of RYA Yachtmaster Theory you should now have the Background knowledge you need to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night. You can now develop your skills further by moving up a level and taking the RYA Yachtmaster Practical , which in itself opens up several more course options. You can find more information about course options by following the link below.
www.firstclasssailing.com/first-class-sailing-rya-course-progression-plan
Want to get started?
Hopefully this blog has answered Everything You Need To Know about RYA Yachtmaster Theory. If you have any further questions or you are interested in taking RYA Yachtmaster Theory click here to see availability and dates. You can also E-mail [email protected] or call 0203 006 3717
Find out more about this course by following the link below.
www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/day-skipper-theory-course
Posted by: First Class Sailing
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The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification makes you a competent skipper of a yacht of up to 24 metres in length, in waters up to 150 miles from land. If you are qualified with RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, the difference is you can skipper a vessel of 24 metres in length and up to 200 gross tonnages anywhere around the globe.
Unlike the RYA Day Skipper qualification, all three qualifications are gained through external examination. The holder of a Yachtmaster Coastal qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA in waters up to 20 miles from a safe haven. A Yachtmaster Offshore is qualified to skipper a vessel of the same size up to 150 ...
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification makes you a competent skipper of a yacht of up to 24 metres in length, in waters up to 150 miles from land. If you are qualified with RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, the difference is you can skipper a vessel of 24 metres in length and up to 200 gross tonnages anywhere around the globe.
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor exam is open to anyone who meets the minimum criteria, with all experience within the last 10 years. 18 years of age or older. 50 days spent at sea. 2500nm cruised, with at least 50% in tidal waters. 5 days as skipper.
The RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world. Qualifications. Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158), which is available from the RYA webshop. The exam consists of an oral and written ...
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate is required BEFORE you can take your RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Exam. This is a course in astro-navigation, worldwide meteorology and ocean currents, which also reveals the mysteries of the sextant. It assumes a knowledge of all subjects covered in all the other shore-based courses ie RYA Day Skipper AND RYA ...
The gold standard. The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper. Unlike other qualifications in the cruising programme, there is no formal training course to become an RYA Yachtmaster.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam pre-requisites. 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper, which may be reduced to 3 passages including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence 3. 1 At least half the qualifying sea time should be ...
The gold standard. The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper. Unlike other qualifications in the cruising programme, there is no formal training course to become an RYA Yachtmaster.
Requirements for RYA Yachtmaster Ocean. To sit the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Oral exam, candidates will be experienced sailors with a good depth of knowledge of sailing offshore, and on extended passages. The requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam are as follows: 1. Hold the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence.
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail exam is open to anyone who meets the minimum criteria, with all experience within the last 10 years. 18 years of age or older. 50 days spent at sea. 2500nm sailed, with at least 50% in tidal waters. 5 days as skipper.
A RYA Yachtmaster Coastal has 'the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises, but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages'. In other words, the theory is the same for both, but less practical experience and skill is required for the Yachtmaster Coastal exam. Pre-exam Experience
The RYA Yachtmaster is a highly regarded qualification and is respected around the world. Becoming an RYA Yachtmaster allows the holder to work in the maritime industry as a professional skipper, Superyacht Crew, RYA instructor, plus so much more. As a professional skipper, you can take charge (skipper) of a vessel up to 24 meters in length on ...
After some requests Adam has sat down and recorded questions and answers about his experience with his Practical and Theory RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course. ...
The candidate's eligibility for Yachtmaster Offshore program is defined by a number of requirements. First and foremost, the logged sea time must show a minimum of 2500 nautical miles, about half of which should be in tidal waters. There is a huge debate as to what tidal waters are, and the RYA leaves it to the Yachtmaster candidate to decide ...
The RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world. Qualifications. Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158), which is available from the RYA webshop. The exam consists of an oral and written ...
RYA PPR Course; Dr's Maritime Medical ; Advanced Sea Survival Certificate; Further Study. The Offshore Yachtmaster certificate can be used as a foundation for driving much larger vessels, you just need to add on the extra certificates as you go along. Ocean Yachtmaster is a theory exam about celestial navigation. Nautical Terms. Parts of a ...
Yes. The exceptions being where the RYA refused to recognize equivalent (Italian, Spanish, German, etc.) certificates which in turn resulted in many countries refusing to accept RYA as commercially qualifying on boats flagged in these countries. RYA Ocean is still great if you want to work on a UK, Aus, NZ, etc. boat. b.
RYA Yachtmaster Theory is an in-depth course with a wide subject field. But in short it will include position fixing, magnetic compass, tides, tidal streams, buoyage, lights, pilotage, and introduction to GPS and plotters, meteorology, collision prevention regulations, safety, navigation and passage planning among a lot more to numerous to go ...
The practical instruction is 5 days on the boat with an instructor and some other students. For Coastal Skipper there is no comprehensive test on the boat the instructor issues you a pass/fail. For Yachtmaster there is a 48 hour (continuous) comprehensive practical exam by a RYA examiner on the boat.
Prove your ability and experience as a skipper with an RYA Certificate of Competence. Available at Advanced Powerboat and RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal, Offshore and Ocean level, RYA Certificates of Competence are well known qualifications that are highly respected worldwide. Unlike other RYA qualifications, Certificates of Competence are not ...
The highest of the RYA qualifications is Yachtmaster Ocean. Full information about the requirements are given below. The majority of Rubicon 3's offshore passages are suitable as qualifying passages, but not all. You can see our full list of ocean qualifying trips here. We can only take a maximum of three watch leaders so please check ...
Holders of the RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence in a particular discipline (sail or power) are eligible for a "discount" in terms of the mileage and sea time that is required for the exam in the other discipline. The exam that will be undertaken by the candidate is a full exam, however the fact ...