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Online Theory Course

An outstanding course - I can highly recommend this. The details, feedback and support is excellent - makes celestial navigation understandable!

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, the sextant, global meteorology and ocean passage making

The online RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course teaches advanced techniques to those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage, and for commercial Skippers or Mates planning on operating more than 150nm from a safe haven.

This course will introduce you to the principles of astro navigation, the practical use of the sextant, the measurement of time, position fixing by the sun and stars, compass checking and great circle sailing.  

You’ll also study the concepts of worldwide meteorology, including tropical revolving storms, and passage planning for ocean voyaging.

• Assumed knowledge Yachtmaster level.
• Minimum duration 40 hours study is specified by the RYA.
• Ability after course Theory knowledge to undertake an ocean passage.

Simply click below to try a free lesson.

Introduction to Astro Navigation

• Introduction & Basic Astro Navigation Theory
• Using a Sextant
• Meridian Passage
• Plotting Your Position
• Planet Sights
• Moon Sights
• Star Sights
• Latitude by Polaris (The Pole Star)
• Compass Check by Sun’s Amplitude
• Ocean Weather & Tropical Storms
• Passage Planning
• Satellite, HF communications and obtaining weather data

Unlimited support from our dedicated RYA Instructors - 365 days a year via email, phone or Skype/Zoom.

14-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

13 fully-narrated online lessons including animations, videos and realistic 3D graphics.

Embedded quizzes with instant feedback in each lesson.

Self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers.

Final exam with detailed instructor feedback and free repeat attempts if requried.

RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory Course Completion Certificate.

12 months access to study with instructor support and exams - you can extend this if you want.

Lifetime access to training materials once you’ve completed the course.

This course is accessed online with no additional software required.

Lessons are accompanied by optional professional narration, and notes. 

They are intuitive and easy to follow, whilst more complex subjects are accompanied by interactive animations and graphics to help you gain a full knowledge of each subject in the course syllabus.

Whilst the process of translating a sextant sight into a position line is straightforward it is quite challenging to get to grips with. Unlike classroom training, where time is limited and students progress at different rates, online learning allows you to participate in lessons as many times as you wish to fully get to grips with the concepts.

At the end of each lesson there are excercises containg similar questions to the exam, with detailed and illustrated answers sent to you immediately to confirm your progress and fully prepare you for your final exams.

You can repeat entire lessons and excercises as often as you wish until you are confident that you fully understand each subject.

When you have completed the course you can request the final exam.

This is assessed by our RYA Instructors and detailed feedback is provided in any areas that may require further study within the course.

If you pass the final exam you will be awarded the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Certificate , which will be posted to you.

Ad ditional free resits, with suitable Instructor guidance, are available if required.

If you  are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, successful completion of this course exempts you from the written exam.

For most students exam invigilation is not required - see here for examples of when invigilation is required.

Call us for advice on 0238 218 2604

Read this Sailing Today article about our Ocean Yachtmaster course

Course Reviews

Nigel Andrews

Helped me master it

This was my third attempt at an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean online course from different companies, and by far the best. For an admittedly difficult subject matter to get one’s head around, the instructor presents a very organized and understandable series of lessons that combine learning with wisdom and humour. Its still a tough subject, but this course helped me master it. Thanks!

Mathew Myatt

Ability to repeat when in doubt

Logical and clear. What was really good was the ability to go back and repeat or all or part of a lesson to ensure you truly understand a concept / principle, something which is more difficult to do when in a real classroom situation

David McIntyre

An excellent course

I found this course to be very comprehensive and informative. The format was very well presented and clear. The main advantage for me was the convenience of doing this in your own time. They are very generous with this. All my correspondence was very promptly replied. They are certainly very on the ball. The instructors gave clear and prompt feedback.

David Collins

Well worth the investment. Excellent!

A challenging course which stretches you but backed up with excellent coaching and instructor support. Worth the investment in time and money. Highly recommended.

Combined - RYA Day Skipper & Yachtmaster to fast track your theory learning

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

Find out About the Yachtmaster Offshore Theory & Practical Training, (both Online & Shorebased)

Use the global Yachtmaster Offshore Directory to Find a Course Near me (Select any Location)

Page Navigation

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore 200GT
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Requirements
• Course Breakdown
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Limited Theory
• RYA Yachtmaster of Yachts Practical Course
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Examination
•  RYA Yachmaster Offshore Certificate
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Commercial Endorsement

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Yachtmaster 200GT & 150NM Limited)

An RYA Offshore certifies an individual as competent to captain a vessel up to 24m in length and no more than 200 Gross Tonnes. The offshore certification is applicable passages during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour.

The Yacht master offshore consists of two components:

• Yachtmaster Offshore Theory 
• Yachtmaster Offshore Practical 

Both components can be done on an individual basis but in order to achieve a commercial endorsement for the yachtmaster offshore certificate of competency, both the theory and practical examinations must be passed.

Yachtmaster Offshore Requirements:

In order to be eligible to take the Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam, candidates must meet the minimum sea time requirements.

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore minimum sea time prerequisites are as follows:

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500GT
• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA
• 2500 miles on yachts up to 500GT
• 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper

If a candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence for a different vessel type (Ie. power or sail) then the above prerequisites are adjusted as indicated on the RYA's Yacht Master Offshore Exam page.

Yachtmaster Offshore Course Breakdown

The Yachtmaster Offshore course consists of a 40-hour (minimum) theory course (excluding exam time), 5 days of practical training and preparation followed by a 2-day practical examination.

Yachtmaster Offshore Theory:

The following topics are covered during the Yachtmaster Offshore theory course:

• Position fixing,
• Course shaping and plotting,
• Tidal knowledge,
• Use of almanacs and admiralty publications,
• Electronic position finding equipment,
• Taking and interpreting forecasts,
• Plotting weather systems,
• Weather predictions using a barometer.
• Certificate issuing criteria

Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Online

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory can be studied in an online or virtual distance learning format. The online version of the course allows students to work through the training content at their own pace, which may benefit those who are working with little time off.

Yachtmaster Offshore Practical

Although there is no formal training course leading up to the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical exam, it is common for yacht crew to complete a practical training course, leading up to the exam. This may vary slightly between schools but should be done at an RYA accredited center.

The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS, meteorology and signals.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Exam:

A valid GMDSS-approved SRC Radio Operators Certificate and a First Aid Certificate are requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Practical examination. The Elementary First Aid Certificate as acquired during STCW Basic Training is an accepted version. For recreational sailors, an RYA First Aid certificate is sufficient.

In addition to this, candidates need to ensure that they have met the minimum sea time prerequisites as highlighted above.

Practical Exam Assessment:

The exam will include an assessment of:

• The candidate's skills as a captain,
• Boat handling ability
• General seamanship,
• Navigation planning and execution
• Safety awareness and procedures
• Knowledge of the IRPCS,
• Meteorology,
• Lights, shapes, sounds, and other signals.

Practical Exam Duration:

• 8-12 hours for 1 candidate,
• 10-18 hours for 2 candidates.
• No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in one 2-day session.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate

Students who pass their Yachtmaster Offshore practical and theory examinations will be awarded an RYA Yachtmaster offshore certificate of competency. It is important to understand that CoC is a recreational license until it is commercially endorsed by the MCA.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Commerical Endorsement

In order to commercially endorse your Yachtmaster offshore certificate, you will need to submit the following:

• Original Yachtmaster Offshore certificate
• RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate
• an RYA commercial endorsement application form
• Your original, completed ML5, ENG1 , or an ENG1 equivalent medical form.
• A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
• A copy of your RYA Marine Radio SRC Certificate or other acceptable GMDSS Marine Radio Operator's Certificate .
• A passport-sized photo with your name on the back
• The application fee

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore License

A license card/ book will be provided to those who pass the relevant Yachtmaster offshore examinations. The license will include a photo, and details about the license holder, and will also include information about the endorsements associated with the license.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Training School Locations

Brazil Sao Paulo

Croatia Split

Greece Corfu

South Africa Cape Town Langebaan

Spain Barcelona

Turkey Marmaris

United Kingdom England Ireland Scotland

West Indies Antigua

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RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory

Want the adventure of blue water cruising this advanced theory course is for designed for you., rya yachtmaster™ ocean theory course.

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory Course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster™ Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage.

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.

What You Will Learn

Topics covered include:

• The earth and the celestial sphere
• Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea
• Meridian altitudes
• Sun, star and other sights
• Ocean passage planning.

Prior to the course your navigation skills should be at the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore theory course.

If you are working towards your Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence , completion of this theory course exempts you from the written exam.

How Long Is The Course?

The course is run over 40 hours, with additional time for assessment with one examination paper. It is covered as an intensive 5 day course in the classroom and on board Chao Lay.

For information on attaining your Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence and attending an examination click here .

RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory Course Prerequisites

RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory Course Details

Instructor Assistance For Ocean Passage Planning

Alex Johnstone is our proprietor and RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor at Bluewater Sailing. He is highly trained with over 100,000 logged sea miles on both professional and personal sailing experiences. Alex has explored the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean, and the colder UK/European waters.

Our instructors are available for consultancy if you are planning an ocean passage, or have any other yachting questions. They can advise you on passage planning, ports to visit, sail plans and power needs. An on board sail and yacht inspection will allow a comprehensive report on your proposed cruise to be produced.

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased

Largs yacht haven.

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.

This course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage.

Topics covered include:

• The earth and the celestial sphere
• Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea
• Meridian altitudes
• Sun, star and other sights
• Ocean passage planning

Prior to the course your navigation skills should be at the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course.

If you are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, completion of this shorebased course exempts you from the written exam.

The course is taught over 40 hours with one exam paper. It can be covered as a series of short sessions, as an intensive week-long course, or by distance learning.

Included in the price :

• 40 hours of tuition
• students pack
• prep. materials
• certification
• tea and coffee
• Largs Yachthaven
• Great bus and train links
• Free parking available

We will start our cruise in the beautiful tourist port town of Cascais on the outskirts of Lisbon. We will visit Porto, we will stop at the marina right at the mouth of the Douro River, not far from the famous Port wine cellars, which we will visit. We end up in the Spanish port city of La Coruña, home to the world’s oldest lighthouse still in operation. Port & Paella, sun and sailing – a winning combination!

Discovery adventure sail full of interesting, exotic places. It’s not often that you visit four countries on two continents on one holiday! The sailing adventure is planned in such a way that there is time to wander the streets of the towns and cities visited. Each place is completely different, with a different atmosphere and a different culture. Sailing in the Gibraltar area is a powerful experience in itself due to the current, weather and heavy boat traffic – great for revising your col regs! Malaga is easily accessible by plane, as is Lisbon for all major airports.

Three days of ocean crossing to the island of eternal spring. We will sail from Arrecife, stopping at the beautiful and rustic Isla Graciosa, north of Lanzarote followed by Islas Selvagenas which is a Portuguese nature reserve comprising of several small islands about 130 miles northwest of Lanzarote. The next stop will be Porto Santo, a small neighbour of Madeira with a beautiful, almost empty golden beach of several miles. Once on Madeira we will visit some of the marinas in the south of the island and end up in Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The entire trip should be less than 400 miles. Informal coaching on the way, keeping your skills fresh in the winter months.

Jersey – Dublin – Largs

A brisk, action-packed cruise across the English Channel and the Irish Sea.

The area of Brittany and the Channel Islands has one of the largest tidal ranges in Europe, with very strong tidal currents. Yachting paradise and hell at the same time. Amazing sailing experience and good experience.

Who hasn’t sailed the Biscay, it’s as if he wasn’t even a yachtsman. The Bay of Biscay is called the weather kitchen for Europe. The weather here changes quite quickly and with stronger winds, bigger waves can form. That’s why we count on a 10-day cruise so that we can wait for the optimal moment to set sail. The cruise itself should take about 3 days. If there is time left, we will take some cruises along the coast of Brittany around Brest. Both La Coruña and Brest are harbor pearls of the Atlantic Ocean.

Provide your contact details below

Welcome on board.

We will get back to you on the next working day.

Chieftain Training

RYA & STCW Courses – Sail, Power, Super-Yacht & Workboat

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased

Rya yachtmaster ocean shorebased course aim.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased theory course will help you learn the art of “Astro Navigation” and the key concepts of planning Ocean Voyages. This is an advanced navigation course aimed at Blue Water sailors, anyone crossing the Atlantic (or other) Ocean, Super Yacht Deck Officers and Commercial Yacht Skippers planning on operating more than 150NM from a safe haven. The RYA/MCA Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Course is also a stepping stone to the RYA/MCA Ocean Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence and a mandatory certificate for the MCA Master 200/OOW 500 (unrestricted) and Chief Mate (less than 3000 tonnes) qualifications.

For leisure sailors this is the most advanced course in the RYA scheme and will give you more knowledge to sail safely to some of the worlds most stunning blue water destinations. For commercial sailors who already hold the Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and/or Master 200 (restricted) CoC , becoming a Yachtmaster Ocean CoC , “removes the 150 mile from a safe haven” restriction you currently have. The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased course is a step towards the full RYA/MCA Ocean Yachtmaster.

HOW LONG IS THE RYA YACHTMASTER OCEAN SHOREBASED COURSE?

• Classroom – 5 days 
• Classroom Night school – 1 weekend plus 8 evenings
• Online, – 40 to 50 hrs in your own time

All options and dates can be found at the bottom of this page.

WHAT ARE THE PRE REQUISITES FOR THE RYA YACHTMASTER OCEAN SHOREBASED THEORY COURSE ?

Candidates should have navigation, passage planning and meteorology knowledge up to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased level and some practical experience of putting this knowledge into practice.

WHAT IS COVERED ON THE RYA YACHTMASTER OCEAN SHOREBASED COURSE?

The course covers celestial navigation, worldwide meteorology and passage planning. The majority of the course is spent developing an understanding of how to use the sextant, how to apply corrections and how to then calculate your position using the sun, moon, stars and planets. A more detailed syllabus follows

The earth and the celestial sphere

• Definition of observer’s zenith and position of a heavenly body in terms of latitude, longitude, GHA and declination
• Right angle relationships, latitude and co-lat, declination and polar distance
• Relationship between GHA, longitude and LHA
• Tabulation of declination in nautical almanac
• Rate of increase of hour angle with time

The PZX triangle

• The tabulated components of the triangle, LHA, co-lat and polar distance
• The calculable components, zenith distance and azimuth
• Relationship between zenith distance and altitude
• Introduction to the tabular method of solution in the Air Navigation Tables and the basic sight form
• The use of calculators for the solution of the PZX triangle

The sextant

• Practical guide to the use and care of a sextant at sea
• Conversion of sextant altitude to true altitude
• Application of dip, index error and refraction
• Correction of side error, perpendicularity, index error and collimation error

Measurement of time

• Definition of, and relationship between, UT, LMT, standard time and zone time
• Rating of chronometers and watches

Meridian altitudes

• Forecasting time of meridian altitude
• Reduction of meridian altitude sights

Sun, star and other sights

• Reduction and plotting of sun sights using
• Air Navigation Tables
• Awareness of use of calculator for sight reduction
• The plotting of sun-run-sun meridian altitude
• Awareness of the reduction and plotting of sights obtained from stars, moon and planets

Compass checking

• Use of amplitude and azimuth tables systems and/or calculator

Satellite Navigation Systems

• Principles and limitations of use of all systems

Great circle sailing

• Comparison of rhumb lines and great circles
• Vertices and composite tracks
• The computation of a series of rhumb lines approximating to a great circle by use of gnomonic and Mercator projections

Meteorology

• General pressure distribution and prevailing winds over the oceans of the world
• Tropical revolving storms, seasonal occurrence and forecasting by observation

Passage planning

• Publications available to assist with planning of long passages (routeing charts, ocean passages of the world and other publications)
• Preparation for ocean passage including survival equipment, victualling, water and fuel management, chafe protection, spares and maintenance

Passage making

• Navigational routine
• Watchkeeping
• Crew management

Communications

• Satellite and terrestrial systems
• Weather information

For the classroom course, we provide all the tables, sextants and other tools for this course. During the week we will also cover the written exam required as a pre requisite for the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster oral exam.

INCLUDED IN THE  COURSE?

Ocean yachtmaster classroom based option.

• Use of our sextants, routing charts and publications
• RYA Ocean Shorebased Excercise book
• RYA Ocean Shorebased Nautical Almanac
• RYA Ocean Shorebased Sight Reduction Tables
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased certificate
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased written exam
• Free (on street) parking

OCEAN YACHTMASTER ONLINE COURSE OPTION

• RYA Ocean Shorebased Student Tables
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Certificate
• Email support 
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased written exam, (some candidates will need to be invigilated, read here if this applies to you )

NOT INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:

• Overseas postage- click for charges , (only required for the online course)

RYA OCEAN YACHTMASTER SHOREBASED THEORY COURSE RATIOS

The RYA allow centres to run with up-to 12 students on this course. While this works for night school we find it is far too many for our 5-day and weekend courses so we limit the class size to 8, which means you each get a double desk to spread out at and can access more of the instructor’s time. In reality the class size is often smaller and we run with as few as two students.  The classroom is equipped with 4 sextants and a huge selection of ocean passage planning books and publications.

WHY CHOOSE CHIEFTAIN TRAINING FOR THIS COURSE?

We have four RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Instructors on our team.

Our classroom is equipped with four sextants and all of the ocean charts and publications that will be discussed on your course. As with all of our training, we ensure you learn using the real thing rather than pictures on a screen.

Our Principal has been teaching this course for 20 years, our lead astro Instructir even . His first time pass rate for Yachtmaster Ocean candidates who have gone on to take the MCA/RYA Ocean exam is 100% (so far). While we can not guarantee you a pass, we have so far achieved this every time.

IS THE OCEAN YACHTMASTER SHOREBASED THEORY COURSE INVIGILATED?

If you take the classroom course then the written paper is automatically invigilated. If you join the online course you will complete the same assessment paper as our classroom students. For the majority of our students this paper does not require invigilation. However if you intend to use the certificate as entry into the Chief Mate or Master 200 certification route then you will require invigilation. This does not have to be carried out here in Southampton, we can arrange for invigilation with an RYA Instructor near you (for which there may be a fee).

BOOKING THE COURSE:

Face to face yachtmaster ocean shorebased  course.

Select a date below. If the dates below do not suit you we can set up a bespoke 1:1, 2:1 or group course at a time that suits you , please contact us.

ONLINE  YACHTMASTER OCEAN SHOREBASED  COURSE

Select the “online courses” tab below. All online courses are scheduled for January, regardless of the date you book so you can effectively ignore the date listed.

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RYA Certificates of Competence, Part 2 - Yachtmaster Coastal

Sailing qualification recognised around the world as a clear mark of your sailing ability.

By Marcin Wojtyczka

In this article in series about RYA certifications we reveal how to pass the RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal Certificate of Competence.

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is proof that you have the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on any coastal cruise.

The holder of a Yachtmaster Coastal qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA (up to 200gt) in waters up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

Don’t treat the examination just as an exam. This is a great opportunity to get feedback on your skills and become a better sailor.

Requirements

You can find the official requirements here .

To pass the exam you need ample experience and be able to navigate as well as handle the boat at sea in sight of land. You can take the exam without holding previous certifications from the ladder (e.g. daily or coastal skipper) or doing any course before as long as you have enough knowledge and experience.

Prior to the Yachtmaster Coastal examination, you must have a minimum of 30 days at sea, with 2 days as a 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. You will also need to hold a GMDSS short-range radio certificate.

Preparation

Before taking the practical exam at sea, it is recommended to take Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course especially if you have not sat at the chart table for a while. Holding the RYA Yachtmaster Theory is also required if your long-term goal is to become the Officer of the Watch 3000GT.

You should also consider taking a practical preparation course. There is no official RYA prep course, but many sailing schools offer on-the-water preparation courses. Our trips are focused on training based on the RYA syllabus and can get you prepared for the exam as well. We can evaluate whether you are at the right level to pass the exam and identify gaps in your knowledge. Many of our participants passed the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam and keep returning year after year to us in order to become yet more confident and experienced. Our practical on-the-water training builds confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to how to skipper a yacht and manage its crew.

Exam Syllabus

This is a broad description of the topics that will be covered during the practical exam. You are supposed to demonstrate knowledge of competence in many areas listed below. In each section, the examiner will expect to see that you can take full responsibility for the management of the yacht and crew.

1. Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)

Questions will be covering the International Regulations. You must be aware of the existence of Local Regulations, but they will not be expected to memorise specific local regulations.

• General rules (1-3)
• Steering and Rules of the Road (4-19)
• Lights and shapes (20-31)
• Sound and light signals (32-37)
• Signals for vessels fishing in close proximity (Annex II)
• Distress signals (Annex IV)

You will be expected to deliver a safety briefing and know what safety equipment should be carried on board a yacht, based either on the recommendations in the RYA Boat Safety Handbook (C8) , the ISAF Special Regulations or the Codes of Practice for the safety of Small Commercial Vessels MGN 280 (M) . It should cover the following areas including the responsibilities of a skipper:

• Safety briefing
• Life jackets
• Safety harnesses
• Lifejackets
• Distress signalling (flares and electronic means)
• Fire prevention and fighting
• Boat stability
• Knowledge of rescue and emergency procedures
• Helicopter rescue

3. Boat Handling

You will be expected to answer questions or demonstrate ability in simple situations only. Topics can include:

• Coming to and weighing anchor under power in various conditions of wind and tide
• Simple berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide
• Recovery of man overboard and being able to describe the effects of cold-water shock and the aftercare requirements of a casualty who has been in the water
• Boat handling in confined areas under sail
• Boat handling in heavy weather
• Helmsmanship and sail trim to sail to the best advantage (point of sails)
• Use of warps for securing in an alongside berth and for shifting berth or winding

4. General Seamanship, including maintenance

• Properties, use and care of synthetic-fibre lines
• General deck work at sea and in the harbour
• Engine operations and routine checks and troubleshooting
• Improvisation of jury rigs following gear failure

5. Responsibilities of skipper

• Can skipper a yacht safely and manage the crew
• Communication with crew
• Delegation of responsibility and watch-keeping organisation
• Preparing yacht for sea and for adverse weather
• Tactics for heavy weather and restricted visibility
• Emergency and distress situations
• Victualling for a cruise and nutrition at sea
• Customs procedures
• Standards of behaviour and courtesy

6. Navigation

• Charts, navigational publications and sources of navigational information
• Chartwork including position fixing and shaping course to allow for tidal stream and leeway
• Tide and tidal stream calculations for standard and secondary ports
• Buoyage and visual aids for navigation
• Instruments including compasses, logs, echo sounders, radio navaids and chartwork instruments
• Passage planning and navigational tactics
• Pilotage techniques
• Keeping navigational records
• Limits of navigational accuracy and margins of safety
• Lee shore dangers
• Use of electronic navigation aids for passage planning and passage navigation
• Use of waypoints and electronic routeing
• Position fixing with and without the use of GPS
• Course to steer and estimated position
• Coming in and out of the harbour during the day and/or night
• Knowledge of Radar and how to use it for collision avoidance and restricted visibility
• General understanding of AIS for restricted visibility

7. Meteorology

• Definition of terms
• Sources of weather forecasts
• Weather systems (frontal depressions and highs in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere)
• Local weather effects (sea breeze, fog, wind funnel effect)
• Interpretation of weather forecasts and synoptic charts, barometric trends and visible phenomena
• Ability to make passage planning decisions based on forecast information

You must hold the SRC Certificate of Competence (VHF) in radiotelephony or a higher grade of certificate in radiotelephony

Learning materials

• Insightful blog series on the Yachtmaster exams from the perspective of RYA examinator.
• The Complete Yachtmaster - Bestseller since first publication that has established itself as the standard reference for Yachtmaster students as well as skippers of all levels of experience.
• RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Notes - Highly illustrated book on all aspects of the RYA Yachtmaster syllabus.
• The RYA Navigation Exercises - This is one of the best books about navigation. It accompanies all RYA training courses and includes two training charts (RYA Training Charts 3 & 4).
• RYA Certificates of Competence
• Certificates

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Locals help orphaned bears cubs in the Tver Oblast

Find Bubentsy on the map

The Tver Oblast, located between Moscow and St Petersburg, is a   paradise for hunters and poachers. Uncontrolled hunting has left many bears struggling to survive.

But now, an important projects is underway to give orphaned cubs a second chance at survival. Around twenty years ago, a family of local biologists founded in the Bebentsy village a center, which takes care of these animals.  

Cubs here learn to adapt to life in the wild under the protection of conservationists .

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• €3155 + €240 Exam Fee
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