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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200 Course 300

MPT is the most complete full service private maritime school in the country and has been training mariners since 1983. Our Fort Lauderdale based campuses host over 45,000 square feet of classrooms, deck and engineering training labs, the Ship's Store, and student service facilities.

Preparing for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master...

Course description.

  Yachtmaster Certificate of Competency

The Yachtmaster Qualification is the pinnacle of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training and Certification System. It is widely recognized throughout the world as a prestigious accomplishment.

 Holding this credential can:

- Improve your resume for any deck department position on yachts - Serve as prerequisite training for an MCA OOW 3000 GT CoC - Professional Development in your yachting career  - Serve as your Certificate of Competence (CoC) for operators of yachts up to 200 tons

The Yachtmaster Course should be undertaken by crew aspiring to advance to the MCA OOW level up to 3000 tons and by those who are advancing to the command level for Master of Yachts up to 200 tons.

  2 Routes Available – Same Course:

Yachtmaster Coastal Yachtmaster Offshore

Yachting professional candidates are encouraged to start their training and professional development as early in their career as possible. Many will take their STCW Basic Safety Training Program (#140) and then when they qualify, it is recommended to obtain the Yachtmaster Coastal CoC. Candidates wishing to upgrade to the offshore route later can simply examine, without additional required training.

Whether you qualify for the Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, the training is the same. The only difference is your experience and practical skill level. You will be examined towards whichever level you qualify for.

The MPT Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Course (#300) is taught on a Motor Yacht and the practical training and examination are towards a Motor Certificate of Competence. (If you are applying for a Sail Endorsement, this course will not satisfy your practical training and exam requirements). All sea time must be on a power boat and not on a sail boat under power. The Theory, SRC, PPR, and Basic Training courses are the same for both schemes.

The MPT Yachtmaster advanced level certification is available in a 2 week + exam program combining shore-based theory and practical hands-on techniques for a Motor Vessel and the RYA Practical Examination. The first week of class is in the classroom (theory) and the second week is Practical, out on the boat. In addition, there will be class on Saturday of the first week so please plan accordingly.

YACHTMASTER COASTAL & OFFSHORE Subjects Include:

One week (40 hours) of comprehensive shore-based theory module with written assessment papers including navigation, tidal calculations, international and inland rules of the road, coastal pilotage, meteorology, anchoring and mooring, docking and undocking, buoyage systems, safety, voyage and passage planning, general ship knowledge and seamanship.  A theory examination will be conducted after the completion of the 40-hour theory portion of the program.

One week of Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal practical training is conducted on board one of MPT’s Yachts. These yachts are up to 48’ and are twin screw motor yachts. This part of the instruction covers seamanship skills such as nautical terms, tides, marlinespike seamanship, anchor work, boat handling, docking, general yachting skills, basic weather, navigation and passage planning. This course will be a preparation course for your final Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Examination. The practical portion of the course will be conducted during daytime, evening and occasionally may include weekend hours.

The Yachtmaster Course #300 is an Advanced Review Course and it is assumed that candidates will have the prerequisite knowledge of the Basics of Navigation and recommended to the level of RYA Day Skipper, and the very least, the level of the Essential Navigation On-line course. To increase your likelihood of success, we recommend taking the online pre-course - ESSENTIAL NAVIGATION. Additionally, flash cards are available in the MPT Ship's Store for rules study in lights and shapes. Also, many Apps are available to assist in these subjects for pre-study. It is also strongly advised that you pick up your study material well in advance of the start of your course. Pre-study is essential for a successful outcome of this course. 

The RYA Yachtmaster course is accredited by the RYA and MCA and recognized for service as Captain or Mate (OOW) up to 200gt up to 150 miles from a safe haven, at the Offshore level or up to 60 miles from safe haven at the Coastal level. 

The Yachtmaster CoC meets the STCW A-V1/1 and section A V1/1-4 when combined with Basic Training Courses. Yachtmaster Offshore fulfills the prerequisite for MCA OOW 500 and 3000 GT and the MCA STCW A-II/2 Command Certificate for Master 200GT.

Sea Service Prerequisites (minimums): Note you must be able to provide proof of your sea service before undertaking the exam. This should be provided at least 2 weeks before the course when possible to allow our team to review it and ensure your eligibility for the course. Speak to your MPT Career Counselor or your instructor for assistance.

 Sea Service can be proven by submitting one or more of the following: 

  • Log book (RYA or other acceptable)
  • Sea Service Testimonial Letters from captains, owners or operators of vessels outlining vessel specifics, time underway, your capacity served onboard and the location of the service (tidal or non-tidal waters, etc).
  • Sea Service Forms (calendar style - provided you can supply all of the additional information such as number of miles, etc.) Method 2 is preferred.

Yachtmaster Coastal: Motor - Option 1

Without RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate:

  • 2 days as skipper on vessels of less than 24 meters

Note: No more than half of the required miles can be on vessels over 24 meters

Yachmaster Coastal: Motor – Option 2 A & B

  With RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate:

Can be used to enter OOW 3000GT program and modules

A. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels less than 24 meters

  • 20 days on board
  • 2 days as skipper on vessel less than 24 meters

B. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels greater than 24 meters

  • 30 days on board

Yachtmaster Offshore: Motor  

  • 50 days sea time overall on motor vessels
  • 5 days in the command position on the vessel (as Master)
  • 2500 nautical miles logged with half transiting through tidal waters and half on a vessel of less than 24 meters that is not a tender.
  • 5 passages over 60 nautical miles, including 2 overnight and 2 in command (as Master) of vessel.        

Yachtmaster Ocean:

  • Obtain Yeachmaster Offshore
  • Complete the RYA astro/ocean shorebased theory #306
  • Ocean passage of 600 nautical miles or more as captain or mate
  • Complete oral exam with RYA examiner successfully

For Commercial Endorsement:

In addition to the SRC and First Aid (must have been taken within 5 years) you will need to obtain an MCA Certificate of Medical Fitness (ENG-1) as well as the Personal Survival Training (4 Modules of STCW 210) and the online Professional Practices & Responsibilities (PPR) Certificate. If you are planning to work commercially, you should simply add the STCW Basic Training Program, which will include the approved Personal Survival and First Aid automatically and will also allow your Yachtmaster CoC to have the STCW endorsement as well. Most boats internationally require this of all crew working commercially. We also recommend the Security Awareness or Designated Security (VPDSD) Course if you are working commercially as well. These are all separate fees from the Yachtmaster Course however MPT offers Package discounts, speak to an MPT RYA Specialist for more information and assistance. There is also a fee candidates will pay to the RYA for the commercial endorsement.

Written & Practical Exam Information:

The written exams are administered at MPT at the end of the shore-based theory segment of your program. They include all of the topics covered in the course. All of the shore-based courses and experience criteria must be fulfilled before the RYA Examiner will conduct the practical assessment. The final exam will be conducted by an independent and unbiased RYA Yachtmaster examiner and takes the form of an extensive oral and practical examination on a motor yacht. Candidates who have taken MPT's Yachtmaster course may use one of the MPT vessels for the exam at no additional fee. The practical exam will take an additional one-two day and is scheduled when the examiner is available and generally immediately after the course, weather permitting.  Once your eligibility has been reviewed (sea time and prerequisites met), the schedule for the practical examination is predicated on several things:

1)The weather as this is a practical underway examination 2)The availability of the RYA Examiner (this is not an MPT employee)

Examinations may need to be scheduled for additional days which may not be consecutive to the dates of the course.

Exam Subjects:

We will review with you the knowledge-based subjects during your shore-based theory week and also fine tune your boat handling skills during your practical course, but you should be familiar with the following areas when you join the class and proficient by the exam date. (Note if you are not already well versed in these subjects when you arrive, you are strongly encouraged to take the Essential Navigation (online course) as there is not sufficient time to cover the basics in the 2-week program. Ask about #333) 

  • Knowledge of the International and Inland Rules of the Road.
  • Safety. The candidate will be expected to know what safety equipment should be carried on board a yacht.
  • Boat Handling, Maneuvering, Docking: Yachtmaster Coastal students will be expected to answer questions & demonstrate ability in simple situations only. Yachtmaster Offshore candidates are expected to demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise.
  • General seamanship, including maintenance.
  • Responsibilities of the skipper
  • Navigation, Basic Weather 
  • Radio Communication & Signaling
  • Command presence, management and direction of crew.
  • Essential Navigation (online course)

Practical Exam Fees:

The RYA Examination Fee for the initial examination will be paid by MPT as part of your course tuition. Additional RYA fees are paid by candidate if a subsequent examination is needed.

 If at the end of your course you wish to postpone the practical exam date, you are permitted to return for exam and RYA exam fee paid by MPT, within one calendar year, space permitting.

Additional Recommended or Required Courses:

  • Essentials of Navigation (Online Pre-Course) #333
  • First Aid & CPR #143 or Take STCW Basic Safety Training #141, 142, 143, 144
  • SRC VHF Radio License #303 Required (offered Online) or GMDSS GOC #404
  • RYA PPR (Professional Practices & Responsibility) #335 ONLINE COURSE
  • MCA Approved Engine Course #440
  • USCG Radar Course #148 & ARPA Course #150 or MCA Nav/Radar/ARPA Course #402

If you have three years of yacht service, speak to a career counselor about continuing straight through your OOW or Chief Mate 3000 GT program.

Required Materials

RECOMMEND PRE-STUDY: Essential Navigation online, course #333, COLREGS Study Apps or flashcard, and course notes. AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE or bring with you the following: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white- like magic rub or Staedtler), Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles – your choice), Dividers (we recommend two- one as divider and one as compass), Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x), Hand Bearing Compass - optional though recommended (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004). Pick up at MPT when you register or when you check-in: Yachtmaster Shore based Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT).

11 day class in Fort Lauderdale

RECOMMENDED PRE-STUDY: Available at MPT Ships Store Complete Course Training DVD Flashcards AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE OR BRING WITH YOU: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white - like magic rub or staedtler) Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles - your choice) Dividers (we recommend two - one as divider and one as compass) Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x) Hand Bearing Compass (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004) PICK UP AT SCHOOL WHEN YOU REGISTER OR WHEN YOU CHECK-IN: Yachtmaster Shorebased Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT)

Course Photos

rya yachtmaster coastal certificate of competence

Testimonials

Not suggestions. Thanks for letting me be your student! Alejandro, Friday August 2015 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200
A bit more time would be nice! But Steve was an awesome instructor.Very easy to follow and very thorough. Arthur, Wednesday November 2013 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

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RYA Yachtmaster™ Exams

An rya yachtmaster™ certificate of competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers., rya yachtmaster™ certificate of competence exams.

RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence Exams Yacht

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence is well known and highly respected worldwide, proving your experience as a skipper. Unlike the other courses in the RYA Sail Training Scheme, there is no formal syllabus to complete in order to attain an RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence.

We highly recommend attending our RYA Yachtmaster™ preparation course to fine tune your sailing skills and focus your knowledge base before the exam.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence – Coastal or Offshore?

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal means that you have knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises. You do not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages. The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS (collision regulations), meteorology and signals. You will be set tasks to demonstrate your ability and may also be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and theory courses up to Yachtmaster™ Coastal level.

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore deems you competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour. 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. You will be set tasks to demonstrate your ability and may also be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and theory courses up to Yachtmaster™ Offshore level.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence Commercial Endorsement

RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificates of Competence can be commercially endorsed in order to work on board British flagged vessels, subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels. A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement . We offer the online RYA Personal Practices and Responsibilities course – email us to book .

RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence Exams in the Caribbean

RYA Yachtmaster™ Mile/Experience Building Charters

If you do not have the required experience and sea time, we recommend booking on our Bluewater Sailing mile/experience building cruises . We offer these adventurous training trips throughout the year in the Caribbean.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Preparation Course

Many RYA Yachtmaster™ candidates choose to complete our Yachtmaster™ preparation course for the benefit of tailor-made sailing tuition prior to the examination. Provided that you have sufficient experience and sea time, you are then put forward immediately as a candidate for the Yachtmaster™ exam. Click here for helpful information from the RYA on passing your exam.

RYA Yachtmaster Exam Caribbean

Working with a Yachtmaster™ Coastal Certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster™ Coastal Certificate of Competence will enable you to skipper vessels up to 24 metres in length, operating in category 3,4,5, and 6 waters – up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

Working with a Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence will enable you to work as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters – that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven. This Certificate of Competence can used commercially in its own right, or as a prerequisite for the MCA’s Officer of the Watch qualification, which enables you to work worldwide on vessels of up to 3000gt.

Working with a Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence will enable you to work worldwide as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt. This Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right. It is also a prerequisite for the MCA’s Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Exam Prerequisites

Documented minimum sea time  completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 20 days at sea on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 30 days at sea on yachts under 500gt  if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate is held;
2 days as skipper on a vessel less than 24m LOA;
800 miles, which may be reduced to 400 miles on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 800 miles at sea on yachts under 500gt  if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate is held;
12 night hours
A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.
An RYA First Aid certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the  .
RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate, ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time detailed above.


 At least half the qualifying sea time should be gain in tidal waters.
 Contact   if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt.
Documented minimum sea time  completed on a seagoing sailing yacht in the last 10 years:

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 , half of which must be on vessels less than 24m LOA;
5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper.
A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.
Theoretical knowledge to the level of .
An RYA First Aid certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the  .


 At least half the qualifying sea time should be gained in tidal waters.
 Contact [email protected] if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt.
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™ Coastal: 17
RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore: 18

RYA Yachtmaster™ Exam Details

Accommodation on yacht during your prep course/exams, mooring fees, water and diesel used.
Preparation course and exam as booked with course reference materials available in our extensive library.
Fully insured and   inspected training vessel, with experienced RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor and RYA Examiner.
All safety equipment as required by RYA Standards.
RYA exam fee.
Flights, transfers and food. Candidates will share examiner’s expenses.
Join our group prep course and exams (maximum 4 students).
Private ensuite cabin with double sized bed (suitable for a couple or a single).
Single saloon berth (non private and shared heads).

RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence

Holders of the Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence are experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world.

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster™ Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158). 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 Theory 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 .

Please note: Only those who hold the RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence are eligible to receive the 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 Prerequisites

Have completed a qualifying passage on board a sailing or motor yacht up to 500gt  which meets the following criteria:

600M including at least 200M more than 50 miles from land or charted objects capable of being used for navigation;
Duration of at least 96 hours;
The candidate must have taken a full part in the planning and preparation of the passage, including: navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment; storing with spare gear, fuel, water and victuals.
Throughout the passage, the candidate must have acted in a responsible capacity, either in sole charge of a watch or as skipper.
Candidates must have successfully navigated a yacht at sea by astro navigation. As a minimum this should include the planning, reduction, and plotting of a sun-run-meridian altitude or sun-run-sun sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.
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:
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence, or
MCA issued Certificate of Competence as officer in charge of a navigational watch (OOW), Yachts less than 3000gt, unlimited area, Reg II/1.
Approximately 1.5 hours

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What is an rya yachtmaster offshore exam.

Patrick Maflin

The RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is a much sought after qualification for skippers.

This qualification is respected worldwide.

One will be able to acquire the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate if they are able to demonstrate that they have sufficient sea-time, experience and certification in order to sit for an exam.

There are also courses that can help one to be properly prepared for the exam.

Sea Time Experience

Course duration, course content, converting from offshore sail to offshore power, qualifying passages, all my sea time was on superyachts over 24m - is that ok, how to log miles for your rya yachtmaster exam, do i need any first aid qualifications, what about commercial endorsement, stcw basic safety training endorsement, is rya yachtmaster theory required, how do i become a yacht captain, do rya yachtmaster qualified yacht captains make much money, rya yachtmaster offshore course overview.

Yacht Captain During Exam

Sea time experience is one of the most important prerequisites.

You would need to have completed the following within the last ten years:

  • At least 2500 miles logged.
  • Spent 50 days at sea on yachts of up to 500GT.
  • At least half the sea time must have been spent in tidal waters.
  • Have completed five passages of over 60 miles, of which two passages were as a skipper, and two carried out at night.
  • Have at least five days experience working as a skipper.
  • Hold a valid First Aid Certificate. In the case of a STCW Elementary First Aid it needs to have been issued within the last five years, whereas in the case of an RYA First Aid it needs to be issued within the past three years.
  • Be in possession of a GMDSS short-range VHF radio certificate.

The course duration is generally 5 days, including the exam.

The course content will comprise key areas that will allow one to be properly prepared for the exam.

The instructor will focus on areas where one needs to improve.

Notably, night sailing and blind navigation will be practiced.

There will be an overview of the lights, signals and collision regulations, among others.

Since different ports and harbours will be visited, you will be able to get tested in different waters, and your strengths and weaknesses will be better tackled in preparation for the exam.

The Yachtmaster Offshore Exam itself will take anywhere between 8 to 12 hours for a single candidate, or between 10 to 18 hours for two.

Candidates will be met onboard by examiners who will outline what will happen during the test.

Tasks will be set for the candidates to demonstrate their abilities as skippers of offshore cruising yachts.

Candidates should be well prepared as questions on any part of the syllabus can be asked at any stage.

Examiners will be independent assessors who evaluate candidates on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency .

rya yachtmaster coastal certificate of competence

In order to convert from Yachtmaster offshore sail to Offshore Power the following will need to have been completed within the past 10 years:

  • At least 1250 miles on a vessel that was between 7m and 24m in length.
  • Have spent 25 days living onboard.
  • Have spent 3 days as a skipper.
  • Have carried out 3 passages exceeding 60 miles, of which one was as a skipper and one overnight.

There are a number of rules that need to be followed when it comes to passages that can be deemed as qualifying.

An applicant will need to have completed at least five passages which exceed 60 miles.

These five passages must have been completed on a vessel that is less than 24 metres in length.

Two of these passages need to have been overnight passages.

In addition, two of them will need to have been where one acted as a skipper.

It’s important to mention that a 60 mile qualifying passage is one where the voyage has been non-stop from the departure port A to departure port B, where A and B cannot be the same place.

The 60 mile distance has to be measured as a straight line from A to B.

The RYA will accept passages that were on board yachts over 24m in length.

However, only 50% of the qualifying sea time can be derived from such passages.

Thus, not more than 2500 miles in all, and one would need to provide a testimonial or a discharge book to confirm them.

The remaining 50% of the qualifying sea time must have been carried out on vessels which ranged between 7m and 24m.

Since so much importance is placed on passages, it’s crucial to record the miles.

Recording miles can be carried out in a RYA logbook G158, or using an Excel spreadsheet.

It’s also good to have a CV detailing one’s sea time.

When logging miles it’s important to take note of key details, including the dates of the passage or trip, the miles sailed on the various passages, the name and type of vessel, and any night hours.

Yes, you must have a valid first aid qualification in order to sit for the Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore exam.

There are different types of first aid qualifications that are accepted, including:

  • The RYA First Aid
  • The STCW Elementary First Aid
  • Seafish First Aid

It’s common to choose to commercially endorse the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore exam qualification once the exam has been successfully completed.

In this case, besides holding a valid first aid and VHF certificate, one will also need an STCW or RYA Sea Survival certificate, as well as either an ENG1 medical certificate or an ML5 medical certificate .

One will also need to complete the RYA’s online PPR course.

Subsequently, one can apply for commercial endorsement through the RYA.

Following STCW Basic Safety Training , the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate can be endorsed in order to allow the holder to be a skipper both on commercial as well as privately owned vessels.

This includes those exceeding 24m in length.

Yes, in order to become an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore it is highly recommended to know specific aspects of navigation and being able to handle a vessel at sea.

Thus, following a Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is advisable to improve one’s abilities and competence.

This will inevitably improve one’s chances of successfully achieving the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence.

Becoming a yacht captain takes several years of training, experience and qualifications.

Like many careers, you’ll need to start life on a vessel working your way up.

From humble beginnings like being a deckhand to a junior crew member, the journey towards becoming a yacht captain takes years of dedication and hard work.

Our guide to becoming a yacht captain explains this process in greater detail.

Yes, the potential to make a very lucrative income is high.

A lesser experienced yacht captain can expect to make in the region of $48,000 to $98,000 per annum, whilst a more seasoned captain can make an impressive $150,000 gross per year.

So the time and effort it takes to become a skipper on a vessel has its rewards.

Furthermore, if your time at sea exceeds 183 days each calendar year, there’s the strong possibility that you could qualify for the seafarers earnings deduction which means you are not obliged to pay any income tax on your earnings.

So the above salary figures could be your final take home.

A good yacht captain will lead the crew, be a good communicator and instil confidence.

Acquiring the RYA Certificate is a demonstration that one has shown such skills along with the necessary experience.

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.

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  • RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course Blue Oyster Sailing 2016 Vera flies in from Moscow

04 January 2016

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course with BOS. Welcome back to Vera Abramova from Moscow today to start her RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course. Vera completed her RYA Day Skipper Practical Course with us this time last year - have a great week out on the water. Stephen starts his RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course - another International student this time from Sydney way down under. Stephen successfully completed his RYA Coastal Skipper Shore based Course with BOS last week along with his SRC VHF Course. To join our RYA courses, mile building or family sailing holidays email us here or call +34 629 881 923. Barcelona - Gibraltar - Antibes - Portugal.

RYA Certificates of Competence, Part 3 - Yachtmaster Offshore

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® Offshore Certificate of Competence.

The RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore Certificate of Competence is proof that you have the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on offshore passages.

The holder of a Yachtmaster Offshore qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA (up to 200gt) in waters up to 150 miles from a safe haven.

The exam is similar to the Yachtmaster Coastal in terms of syllabus, but you can expect to get more complex scenarios on the Offshore exam.

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. You can take the exam without holding previous certifications from the ladder (e.g. Yachtmaster Coastal) or doing any course before as long as you have enough knowledge and experience.

To qualify to undertake the Yachtmaster Offshore examination, you must have a minimum of 50 days at sea, 2500 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. You must have 5 days of experience as a skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam. 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 the Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course , especially if you have not sat at the chart table for a while. Holding the RYA Yachtmaster Theory as well as your Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence is also required if your goal is the Officer of the Watch 3000GT.

You should also consider taking RYA Radar and a practical preparation course before the exam. 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 Offshore 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

In Yachtmaster Offshore exams you will be expected to demonstrate competence based on broad experience. You are supposed to demonstrate knowledge of competence in many areas listed below. In each section, the examiner will expect to see you 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 more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise than the Yachtmaster Coastal candidates:

  • Coming to and weighing anchor under power or sail in various conditions of wind and tide
  • All 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
  • Towing under open sea conditions and in confined areas
  • 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
  • Efficient use of sails depending on the point of sails

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 to navigation (lighthouses, leading lights, lateral marks)
  • 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 night with and without the use of GPS
  • Blind navigation
  • 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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  • Unauthorised Schools and Other Entities

Because IYT Worldwide is the internationally accredited global leader and most trusted standard in yacht training and certification, there exist a small number of schools and instructors who claim to be certified by IYT when, in fact, they are not. As a globally recognised brand, we work to maintain a high standard of excellence and encourage our network to help identify and deter fraudulent schools and instructors.

Any school included on our website meets the standards and certification requirements of IYT Worldwide. All IYT instructors are provided with IYT branded certificates upon completion of their training, which you can ask to see. If you are ever concerned that your school or instructor may be unauthorised, please contact us to confirm their status. If in doubt about the authenticity of any nautical certification, please do not hesitate to contact IYT headquarters at  [email protected]

Organisation "IYTA" (International Yacht Training Academy) - believed to have been created to confuse the market

International Yacht Training Worldwide is a Federally registered Canadian Company (Nov 2007) and was originally founded by Capt. Mark Fry in the United States in December 2002.  The company has been trading as IYT since its inception. 

It has been brought to our attention that a company called  “International Yacht Training Academy” is also registered in Canada and trading as IYTA.  This company is registered to a Mr. Jim (Cumhur) Gokova from Turkey and is not affiliated or associated with IYT Worldwide in any way. We believe Mr. Gokova is deliberately attempting to infringe on the good name and reputation  of “International Yacht Training Worldwide” by issuing certificates in the name of his company “IYTA”.  This is possibly because his previous company “International Sailing School” had its IYT Partner School status permanently withdrawn and Mr. Gokova also had his IYT instructor and examiner qualifications permanently withdrawn on September 12th 2011. Mr. Gokova was engaged in activities that were in serious breach of the legal terms of a contract between IYT Worldwide and Mr. Gokova.

Mr. Gokova is currently issuing boating qualifications( May 2015) in the name of “IYTA” and many students have contacted IYT head office here in Canada asking if they are genuine IYT Worldwide certificates which obviously they are not. This is causing unnecessary hardship and financial loss for students who spent their money assuming that they are getting a genuine IYT certificate from IYT Worldwide.

Please be advised that Mr. Jim (Cumhur) Gokova and his company International Yacht Training Academy (IYTA) have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with International Yacht Training Worldwide.  Should you require any additional information concerning Mr. Jim Gokova or his company please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected] or +1 778 477 5668.

Capt. Mark Fry

Individuals implying they are IYT Worldwide and have issued or may have issued fraudulent certificates:

Aysegul Yildiz – We believe she is in Istanbul, Turkey and we are continuing to research Oleg Kalinin – We believe he attends Marmaris International Race Week held in Turkey every year and sells fake IYT certificates to the participants 

Schools that have had their IYT membership withdrawn and can no longer operate as IYT partner schools:

Aventura Yachting Club – Moscow, Russia https://aventura.ru/ Go Pro Cayman (Go Pro Diving) Go Sailing.RU Gokova Sailing Academy – Turkey International Sailing School – Marmaris, Turkey International Yachting School of Israel INTERPARUS – Ukraine https://interparus.com/ International Yachtmaster Training – Istanbul, Turkey Med Sea School – Spain Nautical School – Ukraine Sailing School Veter SailQuest Sailing School – Thailand https://www.sailingschoolasia.com/ Valentin Private Yacht School – Valentin Rakutin, Cyprus Yacht Captain’s Club – Moscow, Russia and Tivat, Montenegro https://yachtcaptains.ru/

Schools/Companies implying they have IYT membership but are not approved member schools:

Aventura Plus (Belgium) Berozy Yachting/Alex Zyytkov Bravo Sailing (Turkey) https://www.bravo-sailing.com/courses Brig Club/Natalya Kabirova Flagman BG Yachting School (Bulgaria & Russia) Global Tech Quest (Qatar) IYT Southern Cross / Oleg Kalinin (Turkey & Russia) Mopexog (Ukraine) POSEIDON https://poseidon123.com/ Red Sail (Montenegro) https://www.redsail.me/   Russian Sailing School (Russia) Sportbootführerschein Kaufen http://www.sportbootfuehrerschein-kaufen.com/index.htm l U Experience (China) World of the Winds – also trading as Wowcharter & Moscow School of Yachting https://www.wowcharter.ru/ Oceanis Yacht Charter https://oceanischarter.ru/ SailBreeze / Mr. Roland Choy (Pattaya Area – Thailand )

Instructors who have had their IYT instructor status withdrawn and are no longer authorised to teach IYT courses or who may be falsely professing to hold valid IYT instructor certificates:

Alan Goldsborough-Pike Alex Zyytkov Berozy Alexandr Goron Alexandr Kaznadey Alexandra Levrenyuk Alexey Safronov Alexey Tikhonov Alexi Zhitkov (date of birth 21-Jun-1969) Ali El-Sayegh Anatoly Bolshakov Ash McKnight Dmitry Darovskikh Irina Fedorova Jim (Cumhur) Gokova Konstantin Zhukov Michael French Mark Warren Christiansen Sergey Shumilov Tarek Metwalli Hassan Ramadan Thomas Bicharzon Tim McMahon  Veronique Claus / with Aventura Plus Vinod Bondi Vladimir Sinyakov Walter B Schredl (aka Wally Schredl)

Organisations that are not affiliated with IYT:

IYTA Vancouver Canada (Mr.Jim Gokova) International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA) International Sail & Power Academy (ISPA) International Crew Training (ICT) U.S.A.

The following individuals have been attempting to use false IYT certificates not issued by IYT:

Ahmet Alkan Celik Alexander Metelsky Alexander Bahn Aleksandr Morozov Aleksandr Timoshchuk Ali Hidir Akdemir Ali Sayar Aleksey Bykov Andreas Schmidt Artem Khachina Bayram Yavuz Bekir Karakus Bernhard Schoeggl Bohdan Lutski Christian Cibulka Denis Sorokin Denys Khatkov Devon Levi Hilaire Dmitry Kurochkin (DOB:25/06/1981) Dmytro Fedorenko Durmus Kose Edgardo Encomendero Fernandez Emrah Kayikci Engin Unlu Erkan Sarlak Elena Kharitonova Erdinc Simsek Evgeniy Bodnariuk Fatih Hendem Fedor Gonin Giovanni Surdo Giuseppe Lapadula Gokay Kayacan Hakan Engin Halit Engin Hasan Tuncer Hennadii Kurtohlu Ilia Rukhadze Imad Chayeb Jan Coufal Kurt Ozcan Levent Gorduk Luca Grassetti Luis Hernandez Monje Maximillian Kahunya Riedl Mikhei Shestakov Mustafa Kemal Vural Niko Vukelic Nikola Joy Yeo Normunds Rodionovs Nugzar Mamaiashvili Olivier Ferec Ramazan Akbulut Ramazan Omak Rajesh Mani Ricardo Daccache Ruslan Ganeev Sayin Candan Sergejes Gavrilovs Sily Alain Soliman Aadel Tarek Khalil Tufan Cay Ugo Accurso Ugur ISA Tuncoku Volodymyr Volkovskyi Watson Jonathan Marshall Yaron Aharon Yamin Yavuz Duymac Yevhen Arabadzhyi Yigit Eren Gokburun Yulia Engin Yuri Kochergin Yurii Bakhariev Zekeriya Gundogar

www.iiytworld.com – This is not an official IYT website, and all certificates listed on this page are fraudulent and unauthorized.

Beware of organisations claiming their ICCs comply with Resolution 40

Additionally, a number of training organisations are issuing “International Certificates of Competency” (ICC) and “International Proficiency Certificates,” which they claim are required for chartering in European waters. Please note that only ICC’s that have approval from government bodies are the “official ICCs’” that comply with Resolution 40 of the European Act and the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The ISSA offers a “Master of Yachts” certificate which has nothing whatsoever to do with the IYT Master of Yachts certificates that are recognised by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for working on commercial Yachts

The ISPA (Academy) issued “ICC” certificates which are not Resolution 40 certificates for use in the UNECE Region.

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Tel.: +7(495) 722-71-97

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Yachtmaster

International Certificate of Competency

Traffic in transboundary water bodies.

In Estonia the transboundary water bodies are the Narva river, the Narva Water Reservoir, the lake Peipsi, Pihkva and Lämmijärv....

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Before you go out to the sea: •    Check the technical conditions of  floating vessel and navigation equipment...

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Ask your question:

INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (ICC)

Thinking of chartering in europe, you may need an international certificate of competency.

Uniquely, IYT Worldwide has been approved by the Irish Government to issue ICC s to qualified applicants of any nationality on their behalf. IYT Worldwide has also had approval from the M.C.A. (Maritime and Coastguard Agency of Great Britain) for many years to issue ICCs to United Kingdom passport holders and various other countries on their approved list.

WHAT IS AN ICC (AND CEVNI) & WHERE IS IT REQUIRED?

As you may be aware, it is now mandatory to hold a recognised International Certificate of Competency (ICC) if you wish to charter a boat in certain European countries. It is generally required for the inland and coastal waters of Mediterranean countries. In Northern Europe and Scandinavia the ICC is generally not required, but it is strongly advised to check with any European or eastern bloc country that you wish to charter in before you leave.

The ICC is a product of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Resolution 40. The ICC provides documentary assurance from one Government to another that the holder meets the levels of competence laid down in Resolution 40.

The following countries have adopted Resolution 40 and officially accept the ICC as proof of boating competence within their territory: Austria Belarus Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Finland Germany Hungary Ireland Lithuania Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Romania Slovakia Switzerland United Kingdom

The following countries have not adopted resolution 40 but do accept ICC's for use within their territory: France Italy Poland

The following countries have not accepted Resolution 40 but may require some other proof of boating competence before chartering there, (check before you leave): Greece Moldova Portugal Spain Russian Federation Serbia Sweden Ukraine United States

Notes: Almost all inland waterways require an ICC with CEVNI inland endorsement. CEVNI - is Code Europeen Des Voies De Navigation Interieure (Revision 2) You will need to pass an examination to get an INLAND endorsement on the IYT International Certificate of Competence to operate a boat on European waterways. You SHOULD read up on the regulations contained in European Code for Inland Waterways yourself and take the CEVNI examination and/or attend a course.

ICC ENDORSEMENTS & VESSEL SIZES

The endorsements may be:.

  • (Power -24m) for any power driven vessel up to 24 meters.
  • (Power -10m) for any power driven vessel up to 10 meters.
  • (Sail – 24m & Power 10m ) Sail vessel up to 24 meters (must include Power 10m for operating tender to and from shore)
  • (PWC) for personal water craft.
  • (Coastal Waters) for coastal passages only.
  • (Coastal and Inland) for use in the inland waterways of Europe as well as coastal. A CEVNI exam must be successfully completed. See below for more details..

WHAT VESSEL SIZES ARE COVERED?

For those candidates taking a direct assessment in a power vessel, the length of the boat will determine the level of endorsement. This will be either up to 10 meters in length or up to 24 meters in length.

ICC COURSE SYLLABUS (INCLUDING CEVNI)

ICC for Coastal Waters

  • Preparation for sea - Checklist and mechanical checks
  • Coming alongside / berthing / un-berthing
  • Man overboard recovery
  • 360 degree turn
  • 3 point turn
  • Navigation skills
  • Handling under sail (for sail endorsement)
  • Handling under power (for power endorsement)
  • Collision regulations
  • Navigation lights
  • Shapes and sounds
  • Buoyage (IALA A & B)
  • Harbour pilotage
  • Variation & deviation
  • Chartwork /symbols & abbreviations
  • Tides- height of tide and drying height
  • Basic position fixing
  • Course to steer to counteract tide or current
  • Set & drift / leeway
  • Pilotage- required for coastal knowledge

CEVNI Examination for Inland Waters Endorsement

  • Sound signals
  • Lights and symbols on vessels
  • Markings on vessels underway
  • Lights and markings for other situations and designated areas
  • Passing, crossing, overtaking and entering harbour
  • Buoys, berthing and reduced visibility
  • Channel markings
  • General rules and regulations

WHO MAY OBTAIN AN ICC?

IYT Worldwide has been approved by the Irish Government to issue ICC s to any qualified applicants of any nationality on their behalf. IYT Worldwide also has had approval from the M.C.A. (Maritime and Coastguard Agency of Great Britain) for many years to issue ICCs to United Kingdom passport holders and various other countries on their approved list. The school must be approved by IYT Worldwide to instruct the ICC course. The applicant must:

  • be 16 years of age or older
  • be physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft, and in particular, must have sufficient powers of vision and hearing
  • have successfully passed a written and practical examination or prove the necessary competence for pleasure craft operation by holding an acceptable IYT Worldwide certificate

IS THERE A PERIOD OF VALIDITY FOR AN ICC?

The ICC is valid for a period of 5 years. 

Address: Prospekt Mira 69, Moscow, 129110, Russia.

Tel.: +7(495)722-71-97

  • Certificates of Competence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158) available from the webshop (see right).

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams can be taken under sail or power and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly. The candidate or a training centre provides the boat and the RYA provides an examiner. Note: All qualifying sea time and passages must be gained on vessels appropriate to the type of exam i.e. gained in sailing vessels for a sail exam and power vessels for a power exam.

There is no formal training course leading up to the exam, but those who have not previously taken RYA courses often find it useful to book themselves in for some informal training at an RYA centre prior to their exam. This training can be tailor-made to your specific needs and helps to fill any gaps in your knowledge that may become apparent.

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.


Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence ; ; , which may be reduced to 1250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence

At least half the qualifying sea time should be gained in tidal waters and on vessels less than 24m LOA, and all seatime must be on vessels of the same discipline as the exam to be taken, i.e. sail or power.

Contact if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt.

For example, an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail wishing to be examined for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power

Practical
.

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.
18 at the time of the exam

Boats used for exams

You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below.

The boat used must be between 7m and 18m (LOA) and be in sound, seaworthy condition, equipped to the standard set out in the RYA Boat Safety Handbook 2nd Edition (code G103). The boat must be equipped with a full up to date set of charts and navigational publications along with working instruments and either plotter or GPS. In addition to the candidate there should be two crew on board as the examiner will not take part in the management of the boat during the exam.

There may be vessels that will meet the guidelines outlined above but by virtue of their layout, construction, handling characteristics or other factors may be unsuitable for use for an RYA Yachtmaster Practical examination. The RYA reserves the right to refuse an exam on a vessel that, in the view of the RYA Chief Examiner, will not allow the examiner to conduct an examination to the standard required by the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Qualification Panel.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

  • can provide a boat
  • have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
  • hold an SRC (Short Range Certificate) or higher level GMDSS radio operators qualification
  • hold a valid first aid certificate
  • have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
  • have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

Additionally if not on the boat, you will need to bring to the exam:

  • laminated or waterproof charts
  • GPS set (may be hand held)
  • tide tables
  • pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc
  • plotting instruments.
  • Photographic ID card or document, such as a passport or driving licence

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 .

Useful links

Arranging your exam, commercial endorsements, exam payments service, mca manning requirements, professional qualifications.

  • Professional qualifications

Gaining commercial endorsements

Find out which certificates can be endorsed and how to apply, what is a commercial endorsement.

A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels.

A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement.

For Sail Cruising and Yachtmaster Instructors who only work in Australia, or holders of a Yachtmaster Sail CoC who require an AMSA endorsement to evidence eligibility for the AMSA Sailing Master CoC, read our guidance on Australia endorsements .

Which certificates can be commercially endorsed?

The following certificates can receive the standard commercial endorsement

Course completion certificates: 

  • RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate    
  • RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate. The Day Skipper shorebased course may be undertaken online or in the classroom. In either case, the exams must be invigilated.

Certificates of competence:

  • RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence  

In addition, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence can receive the STCW endorsement .

Which certificate do I need?

The MCA's codes of practice categorise British flagged commercial yachts according to the type of yacht and the waters in which they operate. It is this categorisation that determines which of the above certificates you will need. See the MCA's table of manning requirements.

The RYA is a certifying authority for the codes of practice and can give advice on the coding and categorisation of commercial yachts.

Find out more about the Requirements for commercial craft . 

How do I apply for a standard commercial endorsement?

Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:

  • Your original certificate - see list above
  • Your Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate
  • A commercial endorsement application form   
  • Your original, completed ML5 Medical Report form or ENG1 medical fitness form a photocopy of your ML5 if version MSF 4112 REV 02/23 or ENG1 Medical will be accepted*
  • 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.

*We can only accept the latest version of the ML5 form (currently MSF 4112 / Rev 02/23). Skippers working in category 1 or 0 waters will need the ENG1 medical. A list of approved doctors can be found at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency .

Medical referrals

If your Doctor has entered any “Yes ticks” on your ML5 Medical Report form then your ML5 Medical will need to be referred onto the MCA to be reviewed and you will be required to complete Part D the Medical Review on page 12/16 of your ML5 Medical to provide the RYA with additional information to submit to the MCA. The MCA will not be able to give a decision on the issue of your Commercial endorsement if this section is not completed in full. The MCA will not accept any ML5 Medicals which are more than one year old.

If you are issued with a restricted ENG1 or ML5 Certificate of Medical Fitness, then your RYA Commercial endorsement will also be issued with restrictions. If you are considering a seagoing career the RYA and Maritime and Coastguard Agency strongly advise that you undergo a medical or sight test, which includes testing of colour and visual acuity, before starting training.

Restrictions on a ENG1 certificate will prevent you gaining STCW qualifications for vessels greater than 24m in length.

Professional Practices and Responsibilities course

Since April 2012 it has been a requirement for commercial endorsement holders to take the online Professional Practices and Responsibilities course (PPR).

All new applicants for the endorsement must take the course prior to submitting their application.

Existing commercial endorsement holders who gained their endorsement prior to April 2012 will be required to take the course prior to their next revalidation.

Find out more about PPR .

Re-validating your commercial endorsement

All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years by proving at least 150 days of actual sea service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years and be in possession of a valid medical fitness certificate. 

If you are unable to prove the requisite sea service but are able to demonstrate that during at least half of the five-year period you have been employed on duties closely associated with the management and operation of one or more of the appropriate types of vessels, you may have your certificate considered for revalidation. 

Validity of Commercial endorsements will be from date of processing for a maximum of 5 years.

Download the re-validation form .

Related resources

Commercial endorsement application form

Commercial endorsement e-validation form

MCA Medical Form

MCA Manning Requirements

STCW endorsement 

Australia endorsements  

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  2. Rya Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate Of Competence : The rya, in

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COMMENTS

  1. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam

    Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme and Logbook (G158) available from the RYA webshop. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal practical exams can be taken under sail or power and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly. You or a training centre provide the boat and the RYA provides an examiner.

  2. RYA Certificates of Competence

    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 ...

  3. Yachtmaster

    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.

  4. What is an RYA Yachtmaster?

    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. ... With an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean Certificate of Competence you can start a career at sea.

  5. RYA Certificates of Competence, Part 2

    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 ...

  6. Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence

    Aim: The Yachtmaster Coastal has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on any passage no further than 150 miles from a safe haven. Duration: (Minimum) 8 - 10 hours for one candidate. 10 - 18 for two. Qualification: Certificate of completion. RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence with a commercial endorsement can be used for vessels up to 200GT and as an entry into Megayacht qualifications.

  7. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

    The RYA Yachtmaster course is accredited by the RYA and MCA and recognized for service as Captain or Mate (OOW) up to 200gt up to 150 miles from a safe haven, at the Offshore level or up to 60 miles from safe haven at the Coastal level. The Yachtmaster CoC meets the STCW A-V1/1 and section A V1/1-4 when combined with Basic Training Courses.

  8. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam

    Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme and Logbook (G158) available from the RYA webshop. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal practical exams can be taken under sail or power and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly. You or a training centre provide the boat and the RYA provides an examiner.

  9. RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence Exams

    The RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence is well known and highly respected worldwide, proving your experience as a skipper. ... A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster™ Coastal Certificate of Competence will enable you to skipper vessels up to 24 metres in length, operating in category 3,4,5, and 6 waters - up to 20 miles from a safe ...

  10. RYA Certificates of Competence

    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 ...

  11. RYA Certificates of Competence, Part 5

    The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean is the highest certification level at RYA. The holder of a Yachtmaster Ocean qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA (up to 200gt) anywhere in the World (Category 0 waters - unlimited). The assessment is done by oral interrogation (~1.5 hours).

  12. mca-recognition

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  13. Arranging your exam

    However, if your exam is being paid by your training centre on their RYA account, please ensure you complete the appropriate exam application form below, with the centre name and account number. This form can also be used by those wishing to pay by cheque. Application for an Advanced Powerboat, Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore exam

  14. What is an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam?

    The RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is a much sought after qualification for skippers. This qualification is respected worldwide. One will be able to acquire the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate if they are able to demonstrate that they have sufficient sea-time, experience and certification in order to sit for an exam.

  15. Personal experience: RYA yachting training in the UK

    After finishing RYA Dinghy Level 1 and Level 2 on the Wayfarer and Quba boats, I decided to take RYA Keelboat Level 3 as well. It turned out that with the existing training on the centreboard, you can jump a few initial stages of training on a keelboat. A keelboat is a yacht after all.

  16. RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course Blue Oyster Sailing 2016 Vera

    RYA Courses . RYA Practical Courses ; RYA Powerboat 1&2 ; RYA Start Sailing ; RYA Competent Crew ; RYA Day Skipper ; RYA Coastal Skipper ; RYA Fasttrack Dayskipper 14 Days ; RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep ; RYA Yachtmaster Ocean ; International Certificate of Competence ; RYA Theory . RYA Theory Shorebased Courses ; RYA Basic Navigation ; RYA ...

  17. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam

    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 ...

  18. RYA Certificates of Competence, Part 3

    The RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore Certificate of Competence is proof that you have the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on offshore passages. The holder of a Yachtmaster Offshore qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA (up to 200gt) in waters up to 150 miles from a safe haven. The exam is similar to the ...

  19. Unauthorized IYT Schools

    International Yacht Training Worldwide is a Federally registered Canadian Company (Nov 2007) and was originally founded by Capt. Mark Fry in the United States in December 2002. The company has been trading as IYT since its inception. It has been brought to our attention that a company called "International Yacht Training Academy" is also ...

  20. RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Exam

    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 ...

  21. International Certificate of Competency (Icc)

    As you may be aware, it is now mandatory to hold a recognised International Certificate of Competency (ICC) if you wish to charter a boat in certain European countries. It is generally required for the inland and coastal waters of Mediterranean countries. In Northern Europe and Scandinavia the ICC is generally not required, but it is strongly ...

  22. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam

    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 ...

  23. Gaining commercial endorsements

    A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels. A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement. For Sail Cruising and Yachtmaster Instructors who only work in ...