yachtmaster formation

Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

Advance your maritime career.

UKSA’s Professional Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is a bespoke, ALL-INCLUSIVE, comprehensive training package that will provide you with the skills you need to start your career in the maritime industry.

Our yachting career students will tell you that we provide unbeatable  course content, training and facilities.  You will also enjoy modern shorebased accommodation and freshly prepared daily meals while you are training with us.

About the Professional Yachtmaster course

This unique, premium qualification has been developed by Richard Baggett , one of the world’s top yachting instructors, and his highly experienced team at UKSA. The course is constantly monitored and adapted to ensure it remains relevant and always covers the current requirements for you to start working in the industry straight away. UKSA’s highly regarded Yachtmaster opens up the most opportunities for employment within the maritime sector. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, working on superyachts, flotilla, tug boats, and employment in the Merchant Navy.

• 16 weeks training
• 70 days afloat
• 2,500 tidal miles covered
• Navigation training
• Radar training
• Basic engineering and safety training
• Careers guidance from our professional team
• Networking within the industry

Train at UKSA and experience our unbeatable value, world-class tuition and invaluable industry support and insight.

Please note:  On occasion your sea phases may involve travelling outside of the UK. Therefore, to avoid restricting sailings we highly recommend that all Professional Yachtmaster Offshore students/Cadets are vaccinated against Covid-19 with the current maximum number of doses.

  Please note this is not mandatory in order to complete the course but a recommendation.

Why train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

• Accommodation in our new  Sea.Change building when shorebased for the duration of your course *
• Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
• Purpose built classrooms and navigational training simulators all on one site
• One-to-one mentoring throughout the course from your instructors
• Dedicated careers course manager
• Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
• Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
• Use of our swimming pool
• Access to our fully equipped gym

*  subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

Qualifications gained

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail) or RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail)
• RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• RYA Short Range Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities

Commercial Endorsement

To work professionally within the maritime industry, you must be commercially endorsed. To commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster Certification at the end of your training, you will need to complete the RYA application for Commercial Endorsement Form, but you will gain all qualifications needed to commercially endorse your ticket during training.

Entry requirements

You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (click  here   for more details) and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement (click  here  for more details). We recommend all students secure this before attending a course.

There are no other pre-requisites necessary to start the course. All that we ask is that you have enough sailing experience to know that you want a life at sea. If you don’t have any previous experience, we recommend you talk to our course advisors on  +44 (0)1983 203038  or  [email protected]

Funding available

We are here to support you

UKSA is committed to making training and qualifications accessible to those who have the desire to succeed in a yachting or watersports career. Funding could be available for this Yachtmaster course. To see a full list of all of our funding options visit our  funding opportunities page  or call us to talk about your options with our experienced course advisers on  +44 (0)1983 203038 .

Frequently asked questions

How to get a commercial skipper’s license

The recommended route to obtaining a commercial skippers license is to do two training courses which consist of the Day Skipper Shorebased course and the Day Skipper Practical course. These are both included in the Professional Yachtmaster offshore course. The first covers the theory and knowledge-based training, such as meteorology, navigation, pilotage techniques and collision regulations; the second is putting this theory into practice in addition to developing the practical skippering skills of crew management, boat handling, practical pilotage and passage making.

What is a Yachtmaster?

A Yachtmaster is a person with a wealth of maritime knowledge who can cope with plain sailing and motor cruising and is also able to cope in demanding situations. Our Yachtmaster offshore qualification is recognised and respected all around the world and is the ultimate aim of many skippers, both professional and recreational.

Who are the RYA?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) are the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inland waterways cruising.

View more Yachtmaster FAQs.

Dates and pricing

Don’t just take our word for it.

“The course is very professional, the instructors are experienced and highly motivated, and everyone is friendly and keen to help you succeed. The key reason I joined UKSA is to get my yachting ticket from an organisation that is well respected in the yachting industry. I also wanted to benefit from the careers support to be able to break into a career in professional yachting.”

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I jumped at the chance to compete in the Golden Globe Race. This was everything that I had worked for and I had a chance to live it. For the past few years, I have been working flat out with a team of people to realise my ultimate goal of doing this race. It will be a challenge like nothing I have done before and I am throwing myself completely into it. Gregor McGuckin -Golden Globe Race/Professional Yachtmaster

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Welcome to TheOceanAcademy

Superior RYA Yacht Crew Training in South Florida

The Ocean Academy is a fully accredited and recognized Training Center for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).  We offer superior Theory and Practical Yacht Crew Training 

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal (Power)

• We are the ONLY school in Fort Lauderdale to independently offer accredited Theory and Practical training for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Coastal.  This course includes one week of theory training in chart-work, navigation rules, meteorology, tidal height calculations, aids to navigation, voyage planning and more.  Week two includes practical training on our 40' (12m) training vessel, followed by the RYA Practical Examination. The Duration for this course is 6 days, with a total of 40+ hours of direct contact.  Included in your tuition is the RYA Student Pack which includes course notes, Training Almanac and Training Charts.  Plotting tools are not included, but our Yachtmaster FAQ will help you understand the tools that are needed.  We keep our student/instructor ratio to 4:1 maximum for the best training experience.  Please contact Steve from the contact information below for a consult and information on booking your course.

RYA Power Boat Level 2

• The Ocean Academy is fully accredited to offer the RYA Power Boat Level 2 Course (PBL2).  We offer this course in a two-day theory and Practical course, or a three day evening class for those crew members who are working on-board during the day.  The course is offered on our modern and well equipped 23' (7m) center-console training vessel, with electronic chart plotter, DSC equipped VHF radio and all the latest safety equipment.  Included in the tuition is an online voucher for the Start Boating course notes booklet.  We keep our student/instructor ratio to 3:1 for the best training experience.  Please contact Steve from the contact details below for a consult and infomation on booking your course.

TheOceanAcademy is your best resource for RYA Training In Fort Lauderdale, including custom yacht crew training, PBL2 and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore(Power) instruction

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Everything You Need To Know About RYA Yachtmaster Theory

In last weeks blog we broke down RYA Day Skipper Practical and how it fits in to your learning progression. RYA Yachtmaster Theory is the next step in that journey and on its completion you opens up RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course as well as several other interesting optional courses you could take. This blog will tell you Everything You Need To Know About RYA Yachtmaster Theory.

What is RYA Yachtmaster Theory? 

Being a theory course its shore based in a classroom or online via zoom. It assumes you have completed RYA Day Skipper theory or possess a comparable level of knowledge as it teaches you more advanced navigation techniques. You will learn about navigating safely on coastal and offshore passages. If you plan to progress to Coastal Skipper practical, Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore then you should be taking this course.

What RYA Yachtmaster Theory teaches you?

The course in essence will teach you advanced theory of navigation and meteorology.  For those with extensive sailing experience with previous navigational experience, the course builds upon those basic skills. You will be developing a comprehensive depth of knowledge and understanding of navigation theories, techniques and practices.

www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/yachtmaster-theory-course

What can I expect to do?

RYA Yachtmaster Theory is an in-depth course with a wide subject field. But in short it will include position fixing, magnetic compass, tides, tidal streams, buoyage, lights, pilotage, and introduction to GPS and plotters, meteorology, collision prevention regulations, safety, navigation and passage planning among a lot more to numerous to go in-depth about in a short blog.

Where & When Can I take RYA Yachtmaster Theory?

There are three different ways you can take Yachtmaster Theory. We offer classroom based courses in our Southampton (Shamrock Quays) location and across London.  The classroom based course runs for 8 weeks ( 1 evening per week) and a weekend, or over 2 and a half weekends. If you have a suitable space we can also come to your office and run the program for your colleagues. Due to the impact of COVID we adapted our shore based courses for online zoom learning. This became very popular over the pandemic and the flexibility it offers means it has maintained it popularity. Like the in person course is typically run over 8 weeks however is sometimes compressed with multiple lessons a week. Finally we have a purely online version that allows you to dip in and out as and when it suits you. Support from an instructor is only a phone call or email away

What Equipment Will I Need?

No matter if you doing RYA Yachtmaster theory in a classroom, via zoom or online, each format comes with a extensive set of materials to make use of.  All students will receive a RYA work pack of charts, tide tables, port information and mock questions. A website with course slides will also be accessible after each lesson to help you refresh you memory. Those taking the Classroom or Zoom versions will also receive s Cockpit Companion.

To complete the course you will need a set of plotter and dividers. We can provide them to you for £20 to be collected at your first lesson. If your doing the Zoom or Online versions we will courier them to you. You can also opt to buy your own however they will likely be more expensive. If you have already completed RYA Day skipper theory or have the comparable experience you should already have everything you need.

Lastly If you haven’t already got a logbook you should make sure you get one. They are £7.49. The Logbook is a place to record your miles and keep your certificates. It outlines the whole RYA Cruising Scheme giving the course content for each course again if you completed prior course you should already have one of these.

What skills will I have after the course?

On competition of RYA Yachtmaster Theory you should now have the Background knowledge you need to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night. You can now develop your skills further by moving up a level and taking the RYA Yachtmaster Practical , which in itself opens up several more course options. You can find more information about course options by following the link below.

www.firstclasssailing.com/first-class-sailing-rya-course-progression-plan

Want to get started?

Hopefully this blog has answered Everything You Need To Know about RYA Yachtmaster Theory. If you have any further questions or  you are interested in taking RYA Yachtmaster Theory click here to see availability and dates. You can also E-mail [email protected]  or call 0203 006 3717

Find out more about this course by following the link below. 

www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/day-skipper-theory-course

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How to Become a Yacht Master: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a Yacht Master is an exciting and rewarding journey that allows you to combine your passion for sailing with a promising career path. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the essential steps to becoming a Yacht Master, including understanding the role, meeting prerequisites, obtaining certification, gaining practical experience, advancing your career, and tips for success.

How to Become a Yacht Master in the RYA

To become a Yacht Master in the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), you will need to complete a series of courses and gain the necessary experience.

Here are the steps you can take to become a Yacht Master in the RYA:

• Gain experience : You will need to have a certain amount of experience before you can start working towards your Yacht Master qualification. This usually involves logging a minimum number of sea miles and completing a certain number of hours of helm time.
• Complete the Day Skipper course : This course will teach you the basics of navigation, seamanship, and boat handling. It will also give you an introduction to basic weather forecasting and how to plan a passage. You will need to complete this course before you can progress to the Coastal Skipper and Yacht Master courses.
• Complete the Coastal Skipper course : This course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the Day Skipper course and focuses on more advanced navigation and boat handling. You will learn about night navigation, pilotage, and passage planning.
• Gain more experience : After completing the Coastal Skipper course, you will need to gain more experience before you can start working towards your Yacht Master qualification. This usually involves logging more sea miles and completing more helm time.
• Complete the Yacht Master theory course : This course covers advanced navigation, meteorology, collision regulations, and safety at sea. It is designed to give you the knowledge required to navigate safely in more challenging conditions.
• Complete the Yacht Master practical exam : This is the final step in becoming a Yacht Master in the RYA. The exam consists of a practical assessment of your boat handling skills, navigation ability, and safety knowledge.

Note that there are different types of Yacht Master qualifications available, depending on the type of vessel you want to operate and the waters you want to sail in. Make sure to choose the qualification that is appropriate for your goals and experience level.

Understanding the Role of a Yacht Master

The Yacht Master is a highly skilled professional responsible for the safe operation and overall management of a yacht. To fully grasp the requirements of this role, it is important to examine both the responsibilities and qualifications involved.

Responsibilities and Duties

Being a Yacht Master comes with a significant set of duties and responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, managing all onboard operations, maintaining legal and regulatory compliance, and supervising the maintenance and repair of the yacht. Additionally, Yacht Masters often need to act as navigators, assuring the timely arrival at planned destinations while taking into account the weather, sea conditions, and other potential hazards.

Skills and Qualifications

Aspiring Yacht Masters must possess a wide range of skills in order to excel in this demanding profession. Some key qualifications include excellent communication and leadership skills, a strong background in sailing and seamanship, knowledge of navigation and meteorology, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Prerequisites for Becoming a Yacht Master

Before starting your journey to become a Yacht Master, you should consider the prerequisites to ensure you are on the right path.

Sailing Experience

Hands-on sailing experience is essential for building the foundation of your Yacht Master career. This includes recreational sailing or working on crewed vessels in various capacities. Many aspiring Yacht Masters begin by obtaining entry-level roles within the yachting industry, such as deckhand or mate, to gain valuable experience.

Required Certifications and Licenses

There are several certifications and licenses required to become a Yacht Master. The specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction where you plan to work, but most countries require the completion of various sailing and navigation courses, like the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Yacht Master program. These courses and certifications demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and commitment to the profession.

Physical Fitness and Health Requirements

Being a Yacht Master is a physically demanding profession that requires individuals to maintain a high level of fitness and health. It is important to assess your physical abilities and conditions to ensure you can meet the demands of the job. Additionally, some jurisdictions require a valid seafarer’s medical certificate, attesting to your overall health and fitness for work at sea.

Yacht Master Training and Certification

Once you have met the prerequisites, the next step is to obtain the necessary training and certification to become a Yacht Master.

Choosing the Right Training Program

It is crucial to choose a reputable and accredited training program. Look for programs with experienced instructors, proven success rates, and comprehensive curriculums that cover essential topics. The RYA Yacht Master program is one of the most recognized and respected certification systems worldwide.

Essential Courses and Modules

A typical Yacht Master training program consists of multiple courses and modules. Common subjects include navigation, seamanship, meteorology, safety at sea, engineering, and radio communication. Additionally, practical skills such as boat handling, sail trim, and emergency procedures are also covered extensively.

Preparing for the Yacht Master Examination

To become a certified Yacht Master, you must successfully pass the Yacht Master examination. This comprehensive exam assesses your theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ability to safely command a yacht. It is crucial to dedicate ample time to studying and practicing before attempting the examination to ensure success.

Gaining Practical Experience

Once you have obtained your Yacht Master certification, the next step is to gain practical experience.

Building Sea Miles

Accumulating sea miles is important for both building your skills and enhancing your employability. You can do this by participating in sailing deliveries, joining yacht races or rallies, and working on crewed charters. Each of these experiences will help you become a more proficient sailor and better prepare you for the demands of being a Yacht Master.

Networking and Finding Opportunities

Networking is crucial for securing opportunities in the yachting industry. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with fellow sailors to build relationships and stay informed of job openings. This will not only help you find employment but also provide invaluable support and guidance throughout your career.

Learning from Experienced Yacht Masters

Seek out opportunities to learn from and work closely with experienced Yacht Masters. Building a mentorship relationship with someone who has already achieved success in the profession can provide invaluable insights, advice, and practical tips to help accelerate your own career.

Advancing Your Yacht Master Career

Once you have gained experience and established yourself as a competent Yacht Master, it is important to look for ways to advance your career.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Investing in your ongoing education and professional development is essential for remaining competitive and staying updated on industry best practices. This can include attending industry conferences, enrolling in additional training courses, and obtaining specialized certifications to expand your skillset and expertise.

Joining Professional Associations

Joining professional associations, such as the RYA or the International Yacht Training (IYT) community, offers numerous benefits. These organizations provide access to networking events, job boards, professional resources, and continuous learning opportunities, all of which can help elevate your career.

Exploring Job Opportunities and Specializations

With experience as a Yacht Master, you can explore various job opportunities and specializations within the yachting industry. Some popular career paths include working as a captain of private or charter yachts, managing yacht operations and maintenance, and serving as a consultant or instructor. Pursuing a specialization can lead to increased job satisfaction, better employment prospects, and higher earning potential.

Tips for Success as a Yacht Master

To ensure a successful and fulfilling career as a Yacht Master, consider the following tips:

Developing Strong Leadership Skills

As a Yacht Master, you are responsible for leading and managing your crew. Developing strong leadership skills, such as effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving, are essential to creating a harmonious and efficient onboard environment.

Staying Updated on Industry Trends and Regulations

The yachting industry is continuously evolving, and staying informed of the latest trends, technologies, and regulations is crucial. Regularly review industry news, engage with your professional network, and attend educational events to keep your knowledge current and maintain your relevancy in the industry.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Finally, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential to your well-being and long-term success in the yachting industry. Set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and make time for personal interests and relationships to ensure you can enjoy a rewarding and enduring career as a Yacht Master.

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Tips and hints for passing your Yachtmaster theory

• Katy Stickland
• July 20, 2021

Racing turned cruising sailors Liz Rushall and her husband Mark go back to school to brush up on their Yachtmaster theory

Although accomplished sailors, Liz and Mark found their rusty knowledge was hampering their cruising enjoyment. The Yachtmaster theory course revealed a number of areas in need of a refresher. Credit: David Harding

Liz Rushall shares tips and hints for passing your Yachtmaster theory course

‘Why on earth are you guys doing your Yachtmaster ?’ was the question our friends repeatedly asked. ‘Surely, you know all that stuff?’

We’ve both sailed since childhood, competitively racing dinghies, then keelboats. Sailing is our work and life.

Liz Rushall has won national dinghy and keelboat titles, but currently cruises a 28ft classic Honeybee called Ragdoll

Mark is a British Sailing Team coach, we’ve both won championships together and with others, and raced keelboats offshore.

In between times, since 2000, we’ve cruised Ragdoll our 28ft classic Honeybee, from Emsworth, having slow adventures around Brittany, Normandy, and the West Country.

Generally, we’ve arrived on the day we had planned, if not quite always at our estimated time.

Although I did my Yachtmaster theory some 20 years ago, it’s just like I have a Maths O-Level. It’s still a mystery to me.

Sitting the course at night-school, during an intensely busy job, with a bunch of powerboaters talking jargon knowingly, it was as if I was reliving the horror of maths at school.

Needless to say, as with my maths, I battled through the exam and unfortunately not much of it stuck.

Meanwhile, Mark learned his navigation on the hoof, cruising on friends’ boats during his student days and he is self-taught.

Good at all things involving science and numbers, he was always a bit dismissive of things like compass deviation.

We had a little hand-held GPS, a Walker trailing log, and more recently a very small detachable Garmin chartplotter and Simrad AIS. It all seemed to work – we were fine.

What could possibly go wrong?

You never stop learning

The real answer to the question ‘why do our Yachtmaster ’ was a wake-up call that came last summer.

We’d had a hectic few months, working late and trying to fit in our summer cruise around Mark’s Olympic coaching commitments.

We were both tired and needed a break.

Mark plotted our Channel crossing.

Normally I try to get involved and have a crack at the passage plan too, but it takes me ages.

Making sense of passage planning, including tidal heights and gates, is much easier once you’ve had a refresher. Credit: Liz Rushall

I helped a bit with the tidal streams (which I thought I was good at) and had a quick, over-the-shoulder look.

We decided to head for Cherbourg, to have options.

We dismissed the idea of heading straight to Saint-Vaast, as we’d anticipated a four-hour wait for the lock gates – tedious after a long crossing.

We left Chichester Harbour early, although I wanted to go even earlier.

As soon as we had popped out of the harbour, the wind clearly was not as forecast. It was more WSW than west, so not the reach we had hoped for.

Continues below…

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We were keen to get to France, however, so we pressed on.

It was a big spring tide, so we expected to get swept hard eastwards and then back westwards.

We reefed early, anticipating the wind against tide effect as we got towards France.

But it was a horrible sea. Our little boat was sailing beautifully but struggled to keep to our estimated speed.

We were consistently too far east of our course, even after the tide had turned, and the tide didn’t push us as hard west to Cherbourg as had been expected.

Still behind schedule, the water didn’t flatten out when the tide turned east again.

How to calculate position, estimate time of arrival and course to steer is all easily forgotten in a digital age. Knowing how to extract this information from your chartplotter is also crucial

Now very tired from hand steering, less than two hours from Cherbourg we had to concede that we simply could not punch upwind, with or without the engine.

The whole day had been a domino effect of one little thing after another.

So, as the sun faded, a quick change of plan.

We altered course for St Vaast, rocketing down on the tide, arriving just as the lock gates opened at 2300.

In the end, it was a good result, landing in our favourite spot, although it had been a very long day on a little boat with no self-steering.

After two days’ sleeping, having a sailing coach on board and racing in our blood meant, of course, a thorough debrief.

Naturally, over some lovely seafood and French wine.

We realised that our brains were not getting younger, and clearly there had been some ‘gaps’ in our navigational planning.

For a long time, I’ve felt aware that I didn’t have a complete handle on chartwork, despite owning a certificate that says I do.

The decision was made. Let’s have a crack at our RYA Yachtmaster and find out what we do and don’t know.

A course in ‘Johart’s Window’

Stage one of our plan was enrolling on an Intensive RYA Yachtmaster Theory course with the Emsworth School of Navigation – six days completed over two weekends.

Using dividers to transfer a position line from a scale is easier on a small boat than lining up a plotter or parallel rules. Credit: David Harding

Compared to my memories of scary night-school, the experience was a refreshing change.

Karen Dorontic, the principal, turned out to be an amazing teacher, with astounding levels of patience and a gift for not making you feel stupid, despite most of us coming up with some bizarre calculations and answers.

Her empathy with our learning process, the pitfalls and the mistakes we would make as we progressed through the topics and papers, was clearly based on her own experiences.

We had an interesting, mixed group on the course; a couple refurbishing their yacht to cruise around the world, two people who take people sailing on club-owned yachts, a Solent based cruiser, and my brothers.

One who, like me, did his Yachtmaster theory exam many years ago, the other a confirmed dinghy sailor now doing a bit more yacht racing.

Straight into the first session, and many of us were picking up some great tips.

Frequently things that sounded obvious, although only once you had been told.

For us, it was time-saving things, such as using the dividers to transfer positions from the side of the chart rather than struggling with parallel rules, and unlocking the delights of a Portland plotter.

Both were far more useful for our tiny navigation table. Then, there were the really useful ways of remembering things.

Who knew the cones on cardinal marks point to the black section? Easy.

Bizarrely, one of the most entertaining sessions was learning the Colregs (collision regulations).

We were in hoots visualising all those bells and gongs going off in poor visibility.

Yet once again, Karen gave us really helpful tips for working out lights, especially for towing vessels, which initially felt like a sea of colour we’d never remember.

The intensive nature of the course means there is a vast amount of information to process but without the luxury of a few days to absorb and reread what you are learning.

Almost inevitably, that meant some of us ‘hitting the wall’.

By day two of plotting estimated positions and courses to steer, I could no longer figure out Variation and Deviation.

The phrase ‘Error East Compass Least’ rapidly became another maths maze. Plus or minus?

The more I tried to think about it, the more it went wrong.

One candidate put his dividers down saying: ‘I’ve completely forgotten what it is I’m trying to achieve’.

I began to wonder how we’d ever got our boats anywhere around the Solent, let alone to St Malo, Chausey, and Tréguier.

Homework humiliations

With a lot of exercises to practise before the second weekend, it was hard to cram our homework into a busy fortnight.

Somehow we did, although mealtime conversation got down to the level of ‘what do two red lights mean?’ Riveting stuff!

The family WhatsApp was busy that week with shrieks of frustration as we all made chartwork errors.

Back in the classroom, we all compared notes. Everyone had struggled with their homework.

Mark didn’t get a single question right first time.

Liz found it useful to identify areas of weakness ahead of her Yachtmaster Theory course. Credit: David Harding

Number blindness set in as we all plotted the wrong information, dates and data and tried to use the tidal height tables to calculate tidal stream rates. We’d done it all.

One man owned up to plotting the date as a position on his chart.

At least we were all suffering in the same boat.

Undoubtedly, it was a painful process to go through, as we all fell into the pitfalls and traps deliberately set in the exercise questions.

However, it was true that practice makes perfect.

Through comparing our random attempts with the answers, we were all learning from our errors.

The fog is clearing

With homework horrors behind us, our practice paid off as we went through our exam papers.

Everyone passing the Colregs paper was a confidence boost. Bang the gong!

While we waited to hear our results, the bemused conversation went along the lines of, ‘Were those yellow and red lights a Hovercraft that was fishing?

Or an air-cushioned, displacement fishing vessel?

Details of the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course

Officially speaking, the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course builds on that which is taught in the shore-based Day skipper course.

However, for most people who have sailed regularly, then jumping straight to Yachtmaster theory is unlikely to be a major problem.

The course covers advanced navigation techniques including: position fixing; course shaping and plotting; tidal knowledge including secondary port calculations; navigation in restricted visibility; Admiralty publications and electronic position-finding equipment.

Much of this will be familiar to even the most casual cruiser, but as Liz discovered, some of the specifics might well need a bit of study.

The meteorology tuition includes the taking and interpretation of forecasts, plotting of weather systems as well as weather prediction.

Further courses

Many people who jump straight into Yachtmaster Theory may find that it turns up a weakness or gap in their knowledge.

It can often be helpful to identify areas of weakness and consider a training course that might help raise your level ahead of a Yachtmaster practical exam.

Several schools offer courses on many of the subjects in a Yachtmaster exam and they can help you to improve your knowledge.

On the other hand, it might just be an area you devote more time to in the lead up to Yachtmaster Practical.

Know your COLREGS

The one area where there are no shortcuts are Colregs; you just need to know your stuff – and finding the time to learn isn’t difficult.

So far as the MCA is concerned, this is the crunch.

Examiners are encouraged to demand high standards in this subject, and there’s no reason for a candidate, knowing full well they are going to be grilled extensively on this, not to have the regulations solidly in their mind.

The best way to be exam-proof is to invest in A Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road (Morgans Technical Books Limited (£12.50), available for modest money online or in any chandlery.

Place it prominently in the heads some months before the exam and devote five minutes of each day to digesting its contents.

The book makes it easy and should leave you with no excuse for not having a thorough working knowledge.

Aside from the certificate, we both got a lot out of the course. Mark felt that it reminded him what he did know and reinforced what he didn’t.

Liz found she had forgotten some useful shortcuts during her Yachtmaster Theory course and put these into practice during her Yachtmaster Practical assessment. Credit: David Harding

Learning the processes and the ways to remember them, was so helpful.

For me, cracking the tidal stream rates was a revelation, and fears of secondary ports and tidal height calculations are mostly gone.

It will definitely help us explore places we never felt confident to visit because we have a long keel.

Karen’s many wise tips such as not trusting the electronics unquestioningly, and rapid plotting techniques will be invaluable.

Pilotage plans for new ports will now be a joy rather than a scrabble around through the pilot books.

We love our little boat, we sail her well, yet she will never be anything like the quickest boat on the water.

She needs all the help we can give her, which includes accurate navigation to arrive on time.

Having returned to the Yachtmaster theory I now feel that my confidence is up.

Mark and I now can’t wait for our next big voyage, to see what we’ve really learned.

Now there’s the small matter of our practical exams on the horizon.

5 key points to take away from our Yachtmaster Theory course

• Quick Plotting Techniques: Karen’s quick plotting technique really helps if, like us, you have a very small chart table. Simply plot your latitude using your Portland plotter or ruler. Then measure off your longitude along the top line of the chart from the nearest major longitude line eg 002°. Move the dividers down to in-line with your latitude plot and draw an arc on your first line
• Deviation and Variation: In the end, I solved this by learning to literally translate ‘error east/compass least’ and ‘error west/compass best’ into plain English! In other words: Compass error West – compass will be bigger than True; Compass error East –compass will be less than True. Learning how to use a pencil mark on the error scale on the Portland plotter to avoid the mental arithmetic entirely was another gem.
• Extrapolating tidal streams : One particular ‘lightbulb moment’ was calculating tidal streams. We’d only ever interpolated the tidal streams, estimating the rate between the mean spring and neap rates shown in the tidal atlas. The exercises highlighted that a big spring tide will be higher than the mean rate, and extrapolating this accurately makes a big impact on your course to steer.
• Remembering lights: Learning the lights felt really complex, but Karen taught us to look for the patterns. Remember a clock face for the number of flashes of the N, E, S and West cardinals (E is three flashes, South six, West nine and North continuous) is a great tip. For remembering the lights for towing vessels, adding an extra masthead light to represent the vessel it is towing, plus another for boat length over 50m, and another for tow length.
• Templates for secondary port and tidal stream calcs:  Rather than working it out from scratch each time, Karen encouraged us to develop our own, or use standard templates for calculating tidal information. It helps reduce errors, speeding up the planning process and saving brain cells for other tasks.

Key information on the Yachtmaster practical and theory courses

Why yachtmaster.

Although a Yachtmaster qualification is required for anyone planning to become a professional, thanks to the continuing efforts of the RYA, Brits who sail for leisure still don’t have to carry any proof of competence in home waters.

The certificate certainly remains the logical target of many a self-motivated sailor, though.

It also represents the icing on the cake for those looking for the reassurance of an external assessment.

Theory and Practical

Yachtmaster training can take place on a boat or in a classroom.

A shore-based course, either at desks in a school or via the popular Internet distance learning programmes, ends with a theory exam.

Success in this will help a student in later qualification upgrades, but it is not officially recognised.

The only certificates accepted by the authorities are those issued after an at-sea examination. To become a fully-fledged Yachtmaster, this practical test is the one that counts.

Coastal or offshore

In recent years, the old Coastal Skipper has been superseded by the new Yachtmaster Coastal certificate.

The qualifying mileage for this MCA-recognised qualification is 800 miles, with passage and night-hour requirements being regarded as fairly relaxed in comparison with Yachtmaster Offshore, which keeps its 2,500-mile entry level.

Either will serve as a proper Yachtmaster qualification and can be described as such.

Only the often-dropped suffix distinguishes the two.

Apply for ‘coastal’ and the examiner, recognising that you have less sea-time, will be more inclined to cut you a bit of slack.

The RYA has noted that most candidates are really only making ‘coastal-status’ passages.

In real terms this includes an annual trip across the Irish Sea, the North Sea or the Channel in a calculated weather window.

Register today and get £50 off

Enter voucher code HOME STUDY in the booking form

Coastal / Offshore

RYA Yachtmaster

Online Theory Course

A challenging course which stretches you but backed up with excellent coaching and instructor support.

Advanced training for more experienced skippers to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages

The RYA Yachtmaster  online theory course takes your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

This course advances your skills as a skipper of a yacht or motor boat, with an emphasis on navigation and passage planning for more complex coastal or offshore passages by day and night

Includes some time for the revision of Day Skipper subjects then moves on to cover a greater depth of knowledge and more advanced skills in navigation, pilotage & meteorology.

Successfully gaining your RYA Yachtmaster theory certificate will enable you to confidently work towards your Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore practical qualification.

• Assumed knowledge To Day Skipper theory level.
• Minimum duration A minimum of 40 hours of course study time is specified by the RYA, plus time for exercises and exams.
• Ability after course Theory knowledge to skipper a vessel on coastal and offshore passages by day and night.  

Simply click below to try a free lesson.

Pilotage for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

• Charts & Other Publications
• Definition of Position, Time, Speed & Distance
• The Compass (including allowance for deviation and swinging the compass)
• Tidal Theory
• Tidal Heights (including secondary ports)
• Tidal Streams (including interpolation of drift)
• Estimated Position
• Course to Steer
• Visual Aids to Navigation
• Electronic Aids to Navigation
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology (including interpreting surface pressure charts)
• The Collision Regulations
• Safety & Protection of The Environment

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

14-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

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

Embedded quizzes with instant feedback in each lesson.

14 self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers.

Over 50 downloadable or linked resources.

Videos covering: updating paper charts, engine checks, dismasting, jury rig, flood control, firefighting, gas explosions, capsize, lifejacket checks, how to put on a lifejacket and what happens when it inflates, man-overboard recovery, launching and boarding a liferaft.

Free Radar course.

RYA Student Pack (including 2 training charts, training almanac & course handbook).

Mock exams to prepare you for the real thing and give you the confidence to pass. 

3 final online exams with detailed instructor feedback and free repeat attempts if requried.

RYA 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.

Optional Extras

Plotter and divider You’ll need a course plotter and chart-dividers to complete the chartwork exercises - if you don’t already have these you can purchase a top quality set from us for £28 when you place your order.

Delivery UK delivery is free.  European delivery is £20, outside Europe delivery is £40.

You can start studying immediately as many of the lessons don’t rely on the printed support materials.

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.

Detailed step-by-step workings for navigational or tidal calculations make it easy for you to follow along as we show you how to plot positions, make tidal height and stream calculations, etc

You can go over these again and again, and test your knowledge with regular quizzes throughout each lesson. 

At the end of each lesson there is an excercise 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 mock and 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 mock and then final exams.

These are 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 exams you will be awarded the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Certificate , which will be posted to you.

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

Call us for advice on 0238 218 2604

Course reviews.

Laura Anderson

Very enjoyable and informative

Impressively prompt and thorough feedback on all queries, tests, mock and real exams. Very high standards and you feel you have earned the Yachtmaster certificate.

Ciaran McIntyre

Comprehensive and well delivered

Excellent course materials and high quality delivery. Very responsive and excellent instructor feedback

Andrew Harvey

Excellent Yachtmaster theory course - I’d definitely recommend it.

Does what it says on the tin and more. I was impressed how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

Oliver Fleming

Well put together course.

I found the Yachtmaster theory course to be really well structured and covered all of the syllabus in great detail. I was impressed by how well the course managed to tackle teaching relatively complex skills in a logical and easy to understand way.

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

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster

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. Unlike other qualifications in the cruising programme, there is no formal training course to become an RYA Yachtmaster. Instead, provided you have sufficient experience, certification and seatime, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge. There are a number of RYA navigation courses that will help you prepare for your exam. Many RYA Yachtmaster candidates also choose to book themselves into an RYA training centre for some specialised exam preparation training, but this is not compulsory.

You are capable of coastal passages

You are competent to undertake passages up to 150 miles offshore

You have the knowledge and experience to sail worldwide

• Arranging your exam

The Coastal and Offshore exams are practical tests afloat, and the Ocean is an oral exam. Find out more about qualifying passages, exam fees and how to book. 

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

You'll need to have the appropriate qualification for the vessel and area of operation.

If you want to work commercially, you'll need a commercial endorsement.

Find out more about other RYA professional qualifications.

• Getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course

Can you really become an RYA Yachtmaster in as little as 14 weeks? Check out our top tips for getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course...

• Yachtmaster Offshore (Power or Sail)
• Recreational

Yachtmaster Offshore Training

The IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Offshore certificate is a recreational certificate of competency to command sailing and/or power vessels up to 24 metres in length up to 150 nm offshore. It is a comprehensive theory and live aboard course consisting of five days classroom theory and a practical component of six days for sail or five days for power including the practical on the water examination. The minimum age to obtain this certification is 18. Candidates must either hold a recognised VHF Radio Operators Certificate or must take the full IYT VHF-SRC Marine Communications course and school must place order for this certificate while placing order for the Yachtmaster Certificate of Competency.  If ordering VHF at the same time as Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate please upload a note to this effect.  We have provided a sample note to upload when placing order. * Please note that we do not accept ISSA VHF qualifications.  (I f you are unsure if your radio license will be accepted, please send a scanned copy of the front and back of your license to [email protected] .  We will verify that your license is sufficient to receive the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore license).  

The courses are designed to provide the highest standard of maritime education for the recreational yachtsman and woman and for those who are serious about obtaining the best nautical qualifications available. They are ideal for those who greatly want to expand their knowledge and experience and increase their confidence in commanding a yacht. For those who are taking the courses, completion of the five-day STCW Basic Safety training courses is not required but highly recommended. The five-day STCW course covers Firefighting, Sea Survival, First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.

It has come to our attention that it has not been made perfectly clear to all IYT Worldwide yachtmaster candidates that this certification is for recreational use only and may never be upgraded to a professional certificate. Therefore, we require all candidates taking a recreational IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean course to complete an acknowledgement prior to taking the course.

It is important to understand that an IYT certificate is a qualification that can be used across the globe. Therefore, unlike other training organisations, IYT insists on an understanding of IALA Regulations in Areas A & B, weather systems in the North & Southern hemispheres, tidal calculations for the Mediterranean and North America and the effects of tropical revolving storms.

Yachtmaster courses are not for beginners. This six-day comprehensive high-level shore based course includes assessment papers and written examinations. Candidates are advised that a considerable amount of private study and varied cruising experience is required in addition to the formal instruction provided.

IYT’s Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Certificate covers command of a sailing vessel with a sail area of greater than 80 square metres/861 square feet. Please see the official statement here .

Certificate Limitations

• Command of a vessel up to 24 meters in length
• up to 150 miles offshore
• not for commercial use

Note: Yachtmaster Offshore is a recreational course that can be taught in any language BUT cannot be upgraded to the professional Master of Yachts certificate.

What are the minimum entry requirements to apply for the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore course?

1. 50 days on board a yacht at sea as an active crew member. A day is defined as a period of 24 consecutive hours. Parts of a day may be included in this total, but a day is not invalidated by a candidate leaving the yacht for a few hours during a cruise. The term “at sea” is defined as being on a vessel outside of any harbour – natural or artificial – in which a cruising yacht could secure or anchor for a prolonged period of time.

2. Have logged 3,000 miles in a yacht while cruising at sea (power or sail). This mileage must be logged on genuine cruises or passages but not short day trips. At least 2,000 miles must have been completed on coastal voyages and not ocean crossings. It is important that the candidate has considerable time of actual vessel handling.

3. Thirty hours on watch at night underway as an active member of a yacht’s crew. For at least six hours of this night time experience, the candidate must have been acting as the vessel’s captain/watchleader. “Night,” in this context, is defined as the time between sunset and sunrise.

4. A current medical examination and a colour blindness eyesight examination, which allows the participant to safely perform the relevant duties on a yacht, including being able to see and distinguish lights and signals of other vessels and navigational marks in typical weather conditions without risk to him/herself, other crewmembers or the safe operation of the vessel.

5. A six-hour VHF Radio Operators course covering the general rules and procedures for the safe operation of a VHF marine radio. If you do not have a valid VHF certificate this course may be conducted on board the yacht or in the classroom prior to joining the practical course.

Minimum sea time must have been met prior to the final examination.

What does the exam consist of?

Written theory examinations will occur during the course. The final examination is an oral and practical test on board a yacht. Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient ability to handle, dock, and anchor the boat with a required level of confidence. Candidates can expect to be examined on any subject contained within the syllabus and to be questioned on any of their yachting experience to date.

In the event that the examiner considers an examinee not to have achieved the required standards, a certificate will not be issued. In this case, a confidential report will be sent to the candidate outlining the reason or reasons for failure and suggesting remedial action that could lead to the successful completion of the course. Completion of the IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Offshore course is not a guarantee of passing the examination and receiving your certificate.

How do I apply for enrolment?

Candidates may apply to any of the participating IYT Worldwide Partner Schools worldwide who offer this course. In order to apply for the IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster certification courses, a detailed yachting resume must be sent to your IYT training school for evaluation.

Candidates may sit the shore-based course prior to having all the above requirements.

Verification of the above yachting experience must be original and signed by the skipper of the yacht in which the candidate was sailing. Candidates claiming sea time during times when they were acting as skipper may sign their own entries but independent verification may be required and checked by IYT Worldwide.

What is required for my final Yachtmaster examination?

All of the courses and criteria must be fulfilled before a candidate may apply to take the final on-board examination.

What does the final exam consist of?

The final exam will be conducted by an IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster examiner and takes the form of an extensive oral and practical test on a yacht (either power or sail). Candidates can expect to be examined on any subject covered by the syllabus of the shore based or practical courses and to be questioned on any aspect of their yachting experience to date.

In the event that the examiner considers an examinee not to have achieved the required standards and/or the candidates ability as Captain does not reach the required standard, and/or the prerequisites have not been met for the IYT WorldwideYachtmaster Offshore, a Yachtmaster Coastal certificate may be issued in the interim. In this case, and if requested, a personal report will be sent to the candidate outlining the reason or reasons for failure and suggesting remedial action prior to re sitting the exam.

Completion of the Yachtmaster Offshore certification course is not a guarantee of passing the examination and receiving your certificate.

As you advance and become more proficient as crew or skipper you take on bigger challenges that require proper training to ensure the safety of your family and friends. The bigger the boat or length of adventure the more training you require.

Most of us prefer to spend our time on the water and not in a classroom. To facilitate this, IYT has a series of E-learning courses available for the theoretical part of sail and powerboat training.

• Take one of our online (Elearning) courses for your next level of training.
• Plan your practical training at one of our many schools worldwide to earn your final qualification.
• Book in advance with your school as class sizes and availability may be limited.
• Review the IYT course progression details to learn about professional level courses.
• Spend time on the water and properly log your seatime.

The Boating Lifestyle is one of the most rewarding pursuits available. There is something physically and emotionally invigorating when you are offshore. To enjoy the experience fully you need the proper training & skills to be safe, prepared and command a vessel.

Recreational Student Information

Benefits of an iyt certification.

IYT is the largest provider of crew and skipper certificates for the recreational yachting industry in the world. Learn more about the benefits of an IYT Certificate.

Certificate Renewal

For many IYT certificates, there is the need to re-qualify for your certificate every 3 to 5 years. This ensures that our certifications are meeting international standards.

IYT Yachting Passport

The IYT Passport is recognized in over 40 countries around the world and offers you an opportunity to study and train worldwide.

• Course Progression

A beginner at sailing or operating a powerboat should be familiar with the training path that is available from IYT. Many recreational boaters progress to become crew on superyachts.

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RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Exam

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

The exam consists of an oral and written test.

The candidate must provide the examiner with the following information 48 hours prior to the exam:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage providing all relevant details.
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passage, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a minimum, planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.

During the oral test the candidate will be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

The written exam will include questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology.

Candidates who hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Completion Certificate (final exam must have been invigilated at an RYA RTC), or a MCA issued full STCW Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer (Unlimited) will be exempt from the written examination.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed - see 'Related articles'.

Please note: Only those who hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence are eligible to receive the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence on passing the oral exam. Those holding OOW (Yacht 3000gt) will receive a pass confirmation certificate.

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam pre-requisites

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• Basic Safety Training
• Refresher (Fire & PST)
• Elementary First Aid
• Fire Prevention & Fire-fighting
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Advanced Fire Fighting
• Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher
• Proficiency in Security Awareness
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• Powerboat Level 2
• PWC/Jet Ski License
• PWI/Jet Ski Instructor
• PWC + PWI Pack
• Pack PB2 & PWC
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Yachtmaster Offshore: When, Why, and How

In a seafarer’s career, there comes the time when Yachtmaster ticket becomes either a necessity, or the next logical step in professional development. No matter what the reason for the course is, Yachtmaster Offshore requires a thorough preparation and planning as well as some prior knowledge and experience.

• When am I ready to take the course?

The candidate’s eligibility for Yachtmaster Offshore program is defined by a number of requirements. First and foremost, the logged sea time must show a minimum of 2500 nautical miles, about half of which should be in tidal waters. There is a huge debate as to what tidal waters are, and the RYA leaves it to the Yachtmaster candidate to decide whether the passage they undertook happened in a tidal area. The definition offered by the RYA is as follows:

An area is deemed tidal if published stream, current or tidal range data is available, the influence of which is significant enough to require the effects to be taken into account to plan and execute a safe and efficient passage .

But even if the decision to call experience tidal is the candidate’s, the RYA wisely warns that the final judgement will be made by the examiner and recommends to list only those miles that can be backed up with evidence. The qualifying sea time should be gained on motor vessels if the candidate applies for Yachtmaster Offshore Motor license. Sail miles do not count.

The RYA also sets a requirement as to the number of qualifying passages. As defined by the Association, ‘a passage is a non-stop voyage from a departure port / safe haven to a destination port / safe haven ’. For the Yachtmaster Offshore , there must be a minimum of 5 passages over 60 nm each; 2 of those passages should be overnight and 2 when the candidate acted as a skipper. The skipper, as understood by the RYA , is a person nominated and responsible for the planning and execution of a passage including vessel and watch management . It’s important that throughout the 60-mile passage there occurs no change of skippers; otherwise, the passage cannot be deemed as qualifying.

Proper understanding of the skipper’s role is vital for ticking the box of another requirement – 5 days on board acting as a skipper. A day in this case is a period of 8 consecutive hours, and the majority of them should be at sea . In every 24 hours, Yachtmaster candidate can have only one qualifying day onboard.

Last but not least, the RYA’s Yachtmaster Offshore exam pre-requisites put some restrictions as to the tonnage and length: days on board and miles should be gained on vessels up to 500 gt and less than 24 meters LOA.

• When is the best time to take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course?

The full program – RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory and RYA Yachtmaster Practical – takes 10 days to complete; the exam is usually scheduled right after, and candidates need to allow 2 days for it. With the sea, winds, and weather being unpredictable, to the candidates coming from abroad we advise to add an extra day before taking flights back home. Thus, the course is quite a commitment, and most seafarers take it during low Med season. Our Yachtmaster Offshore course is scheduled every month from December throughout April to give options to potential candidates.

• Why take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore?

Yachtmaster is not for beginners. Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence entitles its holder to master a yacht of up to 200 gt, and that is a big responsibility. That said, one of the reasons to get Yachtmaster is to advance the qualifications from entry to higher level including MCA Officer of the Watch (OOW) or Chief Mate, for which Yachtmaster Offshore CoC is among the required documents. Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based (theory) certificate is another pre-requisite to apply for the OOW, and it has to be sent along with STCW and other records as a part of the Notice of Eligibility.

 In a scheme of RYA training , Yachtmaster Offshore is preceded by RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper, which allow to navigate 20 and 60 nautical miles offshore accordingly. With Yachtmaster Offshore qualifications, it is possible to skipper a cruising yacht up to 150 miles from harbour, so recreational boaters can have larger areas to explore and longer distances to cover.

• How to apply for Yachtmaster Offshore Program?

If you believe you are ready and meet the pre-requisites mentioned above and outlined on our website , your first step is to get in touch with us by email, phone, or through contact form . Once we receive your enquiry, we will email to you Sea Time Summary and Self-Evaluation forms to fill out, which we will then forward to our instructor to confirm your eligibility. If you are eligible for the course, we will proceed with course booking and securing your place on the training.

Some important things to remember: the candidates for the training should hold a valid Elementary First Aid certificate . For the STCW EFA , it should be issued within the last 5 years, for the RYA First Aid - within the last 3 years. VHF Marine Radio certificate can be offered as a part of Yachtmaster Offshore package , but if you already hold the certificate, we can offer a 100 euros reduction.

Our next Yachtmaster Offshore session starts on the 6 th of December. Click here for more dates.

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Chieftain Training

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

What is an Ocean Yachtmaster

What is an ocean yachtmaster and how to become an ocean yachtmaster.

The RYA/MCA Ocean Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence (CoC) is the highest level certificate in the RYA scheme. It can be used by blue water leisure sailors and by commercial skippers and crew. Under the MCA Codes of practice the Ocean Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence holder, (with relevant commercial endorsement etc.) can skipper a vessel;

• Up to 200 tonnes
• Carrying up to 12 passengers
• Anywhere globally (i.e. beyond the 150 miles from a safe haven limit imposed upon a Yachtmaster Offshore).

Furthermore the Yachtmaster Ocean CoC is the minimum requirement for certain officer positions on board larger (over 200 tonne) yachts.

There are 5 stepping stones to becoming an Ocean Yachtmaster CoC holder. Steps 1-4 can be taken in any order although the order presented below is the most logical. Step 5 can only be completed once the first 4 steps have been completed.

• Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence

RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Course

• Qualifying Passage
• Sights and Compass Check by sextant at sea

RYA/MCA Ocean Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence Oral Exam

It is technically possible to take the Ocean Yachtmaster CoC Oral exam without having previously completed the RYA Ocean Shorebased Course but not advised as it involves an additional written exam and you would require all of the relevant knowledge taught on the course. Further information is detailed the relevant 5 steps below;

Becoming a Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence Holder

While you can proceed towards the RYA Ocean shorebased course and the Ocean practical steps (qualifying passage and sights) you can not proceed to the Oral exam without first holding the Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

This is a 40-hour theory course. It can be taken;

• Over 5 consecutive days face to face in the classroom
• Over 13 evenings face to face night school in the classroom
• Over 5.5 days face to face using zoom
• Online in your own time.

Whichever format you choose the course culminates in a written paper.

The course concentrates on astro navigation, i.e using a sextant and the heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars and planets) to fix your position. The course also devotes time to ocean voyage planning and worldwide meteorology.

Full details can be found at Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Course

While you don’t strictly need to be a Yachtmaster Offshore before taking the Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Course , the following knowledge is assumed before the Ocean Shorebased course starts;

• Use of plotting instruments (plotter, dividers etc.)
• Latitude and longitude, knots and nautical miles
• Variation and deviation
• Application of UT, DST
• 2/3 Point fixes and angles of cut
• Dead Reckoning / EP (and ideally the Running Fix)
• GPS and other electronic nav aids
• Coastal/offshore voyage planning
• Sources of forecast information
• Synoptic charts
• Low pressure systems
• Coastal communications /distress comms. (Navtex, VHF, EPIRBs and SARTs)

Is the Ocean Shorebased Written Exam Invigilated?

If you take a face to face Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Course then the written paper is invigilated and marked by your Instructor.

If you choose to take the Online or Webinar RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Course then face to face invigilation may be required (see table below).

What qualifies as a RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Qualifying Passage?

A qualifying passage must have been taken in the last 10 years. Sea time prior to this date does not qualify. The passage must meet the following requirements

Ocean Candidate’s Role On Board

For your qualifying passage you should be either the skipper or mate in sole charge of a watch. You must have been  fully involved in the planning of the passage, including selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the vessel and her equipment, storing with spare gear, water and victuals and organising the watch-keeping routine.

If the skipper changes role at any point during the passage, then neither skipper can use the passage as a qualifying passage.

It is our opinion that it is impossible for multiple Ocean Yachtmaster candidates to use the same passage as their qualifying passage as you can not all fit the definitions above. More than two candidates would be highly unlikely more than three impossible.

Ocean Qualifying Passage

The passage has several minimum requirements

• Departure and arrival ports must be more than 600 miles apart by the shortest navigable route
• Minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log
• At least 200 miles of that passage must have been more 50 miles from land (or charted objects capable of being used for navigation/position fixing, such as an offshore oil rig)
• The vessel must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours

Passages such as recognised races which may not comply exactly with these requirements may be submitted to the RYA for consideration before the voyage.

Examples of Ocean qualifying passages (non stop passages)

• Trans-Atlantic ARC Rally (Canary Islands to St. Lucia/Caribbean)
• Between Azores and anywhere in mainland Europe/UK or the Canary Islands
• Between Bermuda and any of; Bahamas, Caribbean, Canada or most of USA (parts of North Carolina fall below the requirements)
• Between Bermuda and the Azores or Europe
• Solent/UK to Cascais/Portugal,Algarve, Southern Spain or Gibraltar (assuming you follow the rum line or stay offshore when crossing Biscay)
• Trans Pacific Passage (excluding passages between Alaska and Russia, on or close to the Bering Sea)
• Atlantic Germany (Elbe) to Scotland, where the 200 mile run is impossible due to oil rigs)
• Gibraltar to Northern Lanzarote where the mileage falls slightly below 600
• RORC Fastnet Race which does not follow the shortest navigable route or have the 200 mile run
• Northern Spain to Majorca, although well over 600 miles, very little of the passage is over 50 miles from land

If you still are not sure about whether a passage qualifies, then check out the RYA’s definition of a qualifying passage .

Vessel used for Ocean Qualifying Passage

The yacht (or vessel) must be;

• Minimum size 7m, LWL
• Maximum size 500 tonnes (If the vessel is over 24m LOA then the candidate would need to hold an appropriate Certificate of Competence to act as Officer of the Watch on the passage).

Sights and Compass Check by Sextant at Sea

You are required to provide your Ocean Examiner with a minimum of’

• Sun Run Mer Pass (or sun run sun, sun run planet etc.)
• Compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet

Sights are usually taken on the qualifying passage however in some circumstances (such as lots of cloud cover) this is not possible. If sights have been taken on another passage then the following requirement apply to this passage.

• The vessel must of been out of sight of land and charted objects when the sights are taken/used.
• The vessel must be on a passage by the shortest navigable route. You can not therefore simply head offshore take sights and return to departure port.

We always advise candidates to present the examiner with more than the minimum required sights. If you present the examiner with additional sights and your preferred set suffers from errors you still stand a chance of passing the exam.

Prior to the exam you will need to provide the examiner with;

• 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 exam you 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.

If you already hold the RYA Ocean Shorebased Course Certificate , the exam typically takes 1.5 hours although examiners can continue questioning considerably longer. If you do not hold the Ocean Shorebased certificate then your exam will take considerably longer as you will also have to take a written test.

Does the Ocean Yachtmaster Qualifying Passage have to be on the same type of vessel as I took my Yachtmaster Offshore Exam on (i.e. power or sail)?

Most candidates will qualify in the same kind of vessel as they passed their Offshore exam, however it is possible to qualify as a Yachtmaster Offshore (power) and then compete the Yachtmaster Ocean requirements on a sail vessel (or vice versa).

I hold a OOW (Yacht 3000gt) CoC but not a Yachtmaster Offshore CoC

If you passed the Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence Exam instead of the Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence Exam as your entry requirement into the OOW 3000 CoC then you will not be eligible to hold the Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence. On passing the oral exam you will receive a pass confirmation certificate.

How do I commercially endorse the Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence?

Those working under the MCA Codes of practice will require a commercial endorsement. Information can be found at RYA Commercial Endorsements . If you already hold a commercial endorsement on your Yachtmaster Offshore CoC then it is simply transferred across.

Do I require any other certificates to operate commercially as an Ocean Yachtmaster?

To operate a coded sailing yacht in Category 1 or 0 waters (i.e. Over 60 miles from a safe haven) you will additionally require a RYA Diesel Certificate .

To operate the mandatory GMDSS radio equipment on a commercial vessel in Sea Area A2 (more than about 35 miles offshore) you will require either a Long Range Certificate (LRC) or STCW General Operator Certificate (GOC) .

To skipper a coded vessel in Category 1 or 0 waters (i.e. Over 60 miles from a safe haven) you will additionally need to hold  STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid and Proficiency in Medical Care, unless there is a current qualified nurse practitioner (or higher) on board.

If working aboard a vessel in Category 1 or 0 waters (i.e. Over 60 miles from a safe haven) you will need a ENG1 Medical certificate.  The alternatives which are suitable further inshore such as ML5 Medical Certificate  are not valid in category 1 and 0 waters.

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Basée à Vannes, nous proposons des stages selon la progression de la RYA (Royal Yachting Association), qui prépare les candidats à passer l’examen du Yachtmaster. Les stages du RYA sont reconnus internationalement, pour la qualité et le sérieux des formations proposées. Si vous avez besoin de remise à niveau ou de perfectionnement nous pouvons répondre à toutes vos demandes.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Modulable.

Nous proposons un programme modulable selon vos compétences.

Débutant vous pouvez commencer en bas de l’échèlle et faire 15 semaines de formation intensive durant lesquelles vous allez passer toutes les étapes nécessaires au RYA. Vous commencerez avec le Competent Crew et finirez par ‘examen RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam.

Notre formation est intensive et votre progression est constamment surveillée par votre tuteur dédié, avec débriefing détaillé. Ainsi votre plan de formation est ajusté en fonction de vos besoins. Vous acquérrez une base solide avec laquelle vous pouvez évoluer.

Que vous osez un navigateur confirmé ou que vous ayez besoin d’une remise à niveau, c’est là que notre programme modulable joue son rôle en accèdant à l’étape du programme qui convient à vos connaissances préalables. L'approche modulaire s'assure que les compétences acquises à chaque niveau soient consolidées avant de passer à l'étape suivante. 

RYA/MCA Journées d’évaluation Yachtmaster.

Nous vous proposons une journée d’évaluation en conditions réelles pour faire un point sur vos compétences. Sailing School Brittany propose de réaliser une journée de navigation en anglais, dans les conditions de l'examen, avec un skipper Britannique qualifié RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean, RYA/MCA Examinateur avec Carte Professionnelle d’Educateur Sportif. La journée commence à 09h00 et finit vers 21h00. Vous serez mis à l’épreuve et en fin de la journée l’instructeur vous proposera une formation personnalisée selon vos besoins.

Le prix est 200€ ttc. Si à la suite de cette journée, vous réservez une semaine Yachtmaster Prep’ 50€ seront remboursés.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Preparation.

Vous êtes un navigateur confirmé avec les exigences préalables à l’examen?

Vous pouvez nous rejoindre pendant une ou deux semaines afin de préparer, d’une manière intensive et tout en anglais, l’examen. Vous serez mis à l’épreuve sur tous les aspects du cursus RYA. Vous aurez la possibilité de réviser la partie théorique du cursus et les exigences du RIPAM. 

Si une bonne maîtrise de l'anglais est préférable, le stage peut être accessible à ceux ayant un anglais scolaire. Nous vous fournissons le vocabulaire et les termes techniques en Anglais indispensables à la réussite de l’examen. Pour le passage de l'examen vous devrez démontrer votre capacité à commander un bateau en mer et répondre à des questions sur une partie quelconque du cursus, une bonne connaissance du Ripam, du balisage et des symboles de la carte marine sont à prévoir. 

Veuillez voir notre page ‘ downloads ’ pour les exigences préalables à l’examen. N’hésitez pas à nous contacter pour de plus amples renseignements.

Great school..

Had lot of experience and learnt a lot from instructor, Dave, while always having fun in what we were doing. Excellent food items and menu appealing to all tastes.

Very comfortable and well-maintained boat. Great instruction. And very good organisation! It made me comfortable with the choice I made even before coming to Brittany, thank you Alison. Excellent food! Now I understand better the comments left on the website.

I really enjoy the style of teaching, the atmosphere and felt Dave's experience could not have been beaten by similar school.

Friendly, patient and take time to explain you when you don't understand. Perfect, good instruction, friendly, excellent food.

Dave was brilliant

I had complete confidence in him, loved his sense of humour. Food was absolutely excellent and plentiful. Booklet of cake recipes would have been brilliant too! Never thought that I would enjoy it so much - loved it.

Really professional & well run

Training was well delivered & effective, well-tailored to my training needs & matched to experience. Dave has a well-judged & supportive approach to training - an excellent mentoring style, creates a great environment for learning. Catering was outstanding, many thanks Alison. It would be invidious to choose between the excellent cakes - Yum. A really professional & well run course, a well-equipped & maintained boat, a thoroughly enjoyable & good humoured week of mentoring & learning.

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zephyr yachting

Rya yachtmaster training, our rya yachtmaster training courses.

Zephyr Yachting RYA Yachtmaster Training courses in Antibes. Our export instructors are here to coach you through the Yachtmaster scheme. A Yachtmaster certificate is an excellent boost to you CV in the superyacht industry.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore shore based theory (coastal skipper)

RYA Yachtmaster practical courses MOTOR

RYA Yachtmaster practical SAIL course

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal complete training package POWER

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal complete training package SAIL

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course

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Formation Yachtmaster Offshore intensive

Ce programme de 15 semaines est une formation accélérée de débutant à Yachtmaster Offshore. Elle s’adresse à toutes personnes désirant une qualification professionnelle de skipper reconnue mondialement. Que vous soyez en reconversion professionnelle, en recherche de carrière ou tout simplement en quête d’expérience maritime, cette formation est le début d’une nouvelle vie.

Pour travailler en tant que skipper professionnel en France vous avez besoin du Capitaine 200 voile, qui requiert une formation longue et un an d’expérience en mer.  Le Capitaine 200 est certes plus complet que le Yachtmaster mais n’est reconnu qu’en France et est aussi beaucoup plus long. Le Yachtmaster Offshore peut aussi être votre première étape si votre objectif est d’obtenir le Capitaine 200.

Le Yachtmaster Offshore est le brevet anglais attribué par la Royal Yachting Association (RYA) attestant de vos qualités et connaissances requises comme chef de bord. Il est obtenu après un examen pratique de 10 heures pour lequel nous vous préparons au cours de ces 15 semaines. Irish Offshore Sailing est une école de voile reconnue RYA, qui organise cette formation depuis 2011 avec 100% de réussite. L’examen étant en anglais, la formation aussi, cependant, nous sommes francophones et vous faciliterons l’apprentissage.

Cette formation est intensive et demande une bonne condition physique mais avec du travail et de la volonté, nous vous promettons de vous donner toutes les cartes afin d’obtenir votre Yachtmaster Offshore. Nous avons eu par le passé de vrais débutants, parlant peu anglais ayant relevé le challenge avec succès. Vous aurez aussi la possibilité de profiter de cette expérience pour découvrir l’Irlande lors des navigations et de vos jours de repos.

Le cursus anglais se compose de plusieurs niveaux que nous couvrirons en majorité ensemble lors de ces 15 semaines jusqu’au Yachtmaster Offshore :

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Coastal Skipper Practical
• Yachtmaster Coastal
• Yachtmaster Offshore
• Yachtmaster Ocean

Nous couvrirons aussi les modules nécessaires afin de pouvoir se présenter au Yachtmaster Offshore et l’expérience requise sera aussi assurée :

• VHF short range certificate
• First Aid Medical (premier secours)
• Sea survival (survie en mer)
• 50 jours en mers
• 5 passages de plus de 60 miles dont 2 comme skipper et 2 de nuit.

Certaines écoles de voiles basées en méditerranée vous propose des formations skipper RYA Fast Track mais pour la plupart, cela consiste plus à naviguer au soleil sans trop de vent ou de mer sur des voiliers vétustes. Notre engagement envers vous et de vous former dans des conditions réelles afin que vous obteniez votre RYA Yachtmaster Offshore mais surtout que soyez en mesure de commander un bateau en toute sécurité.

Déroulement de la formation :

Module 1 : Septembre 2017

Semaine 1 : Equipier (Lundi 11 – Vendredi 15 Septembre)

Semaine 2 : Navigation Côtière, cours théorique (Samedi 16 – Dimanche 17, Vendredi 22 – 24 Septembre)

Semaine 3 : Manœuvres (Lundi 18 – Mercredi 20 Septembre)

Semaine 4 : Chef de bord Navigation et Pilotage (Lundi 25 – Vendredi 29 Septembre)

Semaine 5 : Chef de bord niveau 1 (Lundi 2 – Vendredi 6 Octobre)

23 jours de formation

Repos 4 jours (Samedi 7- Mardi 10 Octobre)

Module 2: Octobre 2017

Semaine 1: VHF, Premier Secours, Survie en Mer (Samedi 30 Septembre, Dimanche 1er Octobre et Dimanche 29 Octobre)

Semaine 2 : Navigation hauturière, cours théorique (Mercredi 11– Dimanche 15 Octobre)

Semaine 3 : Navigation 1, (6 jours) Irlande du Nord (Mardi 17- Dimanche 22 Octobre)

Semaine 4 : Manœuvres et conduite de nuit (Lundi 23 – Vendredi 27 Octobre)

Semaine 5 : Chef de bord niveau 2 (Lundi 30 Octobre – Vendredi 3 Novembre)

24 jours, incluant la radio, le premier secours et la survie

Une semaine de repos (Samedi 4 – Lundi 13 Novembre)

Module 3: Novembre 2017

Semaine 1 : Navigation 2 (7 jours) (Lundi 13 Novembre – Dimanche 19) Sud de l’Irlande

Semaine 2 : Preparation au Yachtmaster 1 (Mardi 21 – Samedi 26 Novembre)

Semaine 3: Navgation 3 (7jours) (Lundi 28 Novembre – Dimanche 3 Décembre)

Semaine 4 : Preparation au Yachtmaster 2 (Mardi 5 – Fri 8 Décembre)

Examen final Yachtmaster Offshore (Samedi 9 – Dimanche 10 Décembre)

24 jours incluant l’examen

L’examen du RYA Yachtmaster Offshore est organisé les deux derniers jours de la formation

Coût de la formation RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore

Les 15 semaines           €8,950

Un Module                         €3,750

Deux Modules                        €6,500

Ce qui est inclu:

• La nourriture pour tous les repas lors des cours partiques embarqués.
• L’équipement (Veste de quart, salopette et gilet de sauvetage)
• Le logement pendant les cours pratiques
• Les frais de marina et de carburant

Ce qui n’est pas inclus:  Le logement et les repas en dehors des cours embarqués, c’est-à-dire pendant les cours théoriques (15 jours), les jours de repos et weekends. Nous sommes cependant en mesure de  vous conseiller pour vos loger à moindre coût.

€80 de frais de licence d’opérateur radio

Les frais d’examen dus au RYA pour le Yachtmaster offshore £215 +

Les frais de déplacement de l’examinateur (environ €70 par personne)

Assurance Offshore Yacht Sailing (€60 – €100)

Conseils et recommandations additionnels :

Nous vous conseillons de vous fournir une bonne paire de bottes avant le début du cours et votre propre équipement pour plus de confort. Nous ne croyons pas dans les prospectus attrape l’œil afin de vous convaincre de participer à notre formation, mais préférons convenir d’un appel téléphonique afin de discuter de vos motivations et de répondre à vos questions. Vous pouvez aussi décider de venir faire un premier cours d’un weekend afin de se rencontrer.

Expérience requise

Même si nous n’exigeons pas d’expérience préliminaire en voile, il est préférable d’avoir effectué un stage ou deux et parcouru dans les 500 miles. Il est en effet parfois difficile de satisfaire les 2500 miles nécessaires afin de pouvoir se présenter à l’examen final ce qui vous laisse peu de marge de manœuvre en cas de maladie de deux trois jours. Il est aussi préférable d’être certains que la voile est faite pour vous et que vous ne soyez pas déconcerté en milieu de formation.

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Master 200 GT: the gateway between the Yachtmaster and the Captain 200

Yachtmaster holders can, by using the Master 200 GT oral exam gateway, claim a visa recognition from France giving them the same prerogatives as a Captain 200 (french degree). 

The Yachtmaster is a British certificate, issued by the Royal Association Yachting (RYA).

The United Kingdom being a signatory to the STCW Convention, it can issue the title of Yachtmaster STCW Endorsed. In theory, if the Yachtmaster title is “STCW Endorsed”, the skipper will be able to obtain the benefit of the STCW titles recognition between signatory states of the STCW Convention, subject to obtaining a recognition visa or to the establishment of a bilateral recognition agreement between countries.

However, France (signatory of the STCW convention) does not recognize the “STCW Endorsed” Yachtmaster as such and therefore does not issue any visa recognition. Skippers who have it are, therefore, not allowed to sail on a boat waving the French flag. This can be a source of frustration for skippers who are denied employment opportunities.

To allow Yachtmaster holders to operate on French boats, they need to obtain a new certificate: the MCA Master 200 GT; which is recognized by France and can be subject to a visa recognition.

With a Yachtmaster, the Master 200 GT certificate is easily obtainable.

The Master 200 GT is the bridge between the Yachtmaster and the Captain 200 . Without a Master GT MCA, it is impossible to get a visa recognition from France.

1. What is the MCA Master 200 GT?

The Master 200 GT is an English STCW certificate recognized by France through the issuance of a visa recognition.

The MCA Master 200 GT is very similar to the Yachtmaster Offshore. Therefore, it can be used by skippers on vessels up to 200 GT or by watchkeeping officers on vessels up to 500 GT.

The Master 200 GT can be “Limited”, allowing use up to 150 Nm offshore, or “Unlimited” for use without distance limits.

Skippers must complete their diploma with a GMDSS certificate . This can be either a GMDSS ROC (Restricted Operator Certificate) which limits the activity in GMDSS Zone A1, or a GMDSS GOC (General Operator Certificate) which allows an unlimited use.

A number of prerequisites are required from the seaman who wishes to obtain this gateway, as follows.

2. Obtaining the complementary MCA Master 200 GT exam 

A. prerequisites to obtain this gateway.

First of all, to be able to use this bridge between the Yachtmaster and the Master 200 GT, some prerequisites are necessary:

• Be over 18 years old
• To have completed 6 months of sea service with a RYA Yachtmaster, or IYT Master of Yacht limited
• To hold an offshore RYA Yachtmaster or a commercially endorsed IYT Master of Yacht limited
• Have a valid ENG1 medical certificate
• Individual Survival Techniques (IST)
• Basic firefighting training
• Basic first aid (EM 1)
• Life safety and social responsibilities
• Operator certification: GMDSS ROC or GOC
• Have the HELM (Human Element, Leadership & Management) operational certificate
• Finally, pass the oral exam (see below for the content of the oral exam) of the MCA Master 200 GT. There is no MCA or RYA preparation course for the Master 200 oral exam. The program for the oral is: navigation, IRPCS, meteorology, cartography, business and MarPol law, Bridge procedures, etc.

In addition, candidates must complete a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) and send it to MCA. It is recommended that you allow at least 28 days before your file is processed. Oral examinations are held at the MCA offices.

B. Content of the Master 200 GT oral exam:

More specifically, and to put all the chances on your side, here is a summary of the content of the MCA Master 200 GT exam.

1. Plan and execute a passage (chart and navigation instructions, light lists, tide tables, radio warnings)

• Be familiar with the IMHA A and B buoyage system
• Identify and analyze the limitations and sources of error of electronic charts and navigation systems
• Know how to use Radar and ARPA (practical use, mode of operation, limitations and sources of error, including basic radar plotting techniques)
• Know the application of variation and deviation to convert true heading to compass heading, and understand the basic causes of variation and deviation
• Locate the ship’s position on the chart based on magnetic bearings and/or radar ranges, position by latitude and longitude
• Find the magnetic heading to steer and the ETA for a given destination given the starting position and recording speed
• Identify transits and chart trim marks to plan a safe approach to a port or anchorage
• State and explain the meaning of common chart symbols and abbreviations
• Know how to obtain and use weekly Notices to Mariners to correct charts
• Research high and low water times and predict heights and/or intermediate times for standard and secondary ports
• Find and predict tidal range and rate from charted tidal reference points, and tidal current atlases

2. Meteorology

• Know the sources of weather information
• Interprete weather forecasts, including knowledge of the characteristics of various weather conditions
• Use and interpret information obtained from on-board weather indications

3. Maintain a safe navigation watch

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of marine navigation monitoring, including anchor monitoring; such as STCW Code A-VIII and ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
• Understand the use of bridge equipment including echo sounder and Navtex
• Be familiar with steering control systems, including autopilot and operation from manual to automatic control and vice versa
• Maintain navigation records
• Know the circumstances under which the captain should be called to the bridge
• Know the principles of handing over and relieving the bridge watch

4. International regulations for preventing collisions at sea (ColRegs)

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of ColRegs including the requirements: to proceed at a safe speed, keep an eye out for and recognize lights and shapes, and fog signals for all classes of vessels, recognize audible maneuvering signals and light signals. Recognize a developing collision situation by compass, radar or visual reference
• State the measures to be taken during the day and at night to avoid collisions. Describe precautions to be taken when navigating in or near areas of reduced visibility; evaluate the probability of a radar-only collision of a vessel and the steps to be taken to avoid a collision. Describe the requirements for navigating in or near traffic separation schemes. Describe the need to navigate in narrow channels
• Respond to emergencies, operational safety and pollution control

5. Distress signals and communication

• State the conditions under which distress signals may be used; understand the different types of distress signals, actions to be taken upon receipt, and obligations to assist
• Know the proper use of pyrotechnics, EPIRBS and SARTS, including the appropriate circumstances for their use
• Understand proper distress communication procedures, including the terms Mayday, PanPan and Safety messages
• Emergency communication with GMDSS regulations

6. Vessel manoeuvres

• Know the steps to prepare for departure, tasks before going to sea, docking, entering a dock, berthing alongside docks, piers or other vessels; stowing to buoys
• Know how to use and maintain mooring lines and associated equipment
• Know how to use the rudder, steer the ship, know the effects of propellers on the ship’s direction, the effects of wind and current, stopping, going astern and turning short
• Act in the event of a failure of the deck, telegraph or steering gear control, including emergency steering arrangements
• Know anchoring procedures
• Understand precautions to be taken when using winches and windlasses
• Understand the precautions to be taken when mooring and unmooring

7. Responses to emergencies

Be able to respond to emergencies by adapting the posture according to the different scenarios:

• Initial actions as follows: man overboard, collision, grounding, flooding or major mechanical damage, initial damage assessment and control, marine environmental protection
• Fire prevention, use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus, shutdown and isolation of facilities and equipment, evacuation and breathing apparatus, fire and safety plans
• Operation and maintenance of rescue apparatus and equipment, including immersion suits and thermal protection aids, pyrotechnics, and ammunition launching devices
• Launching of liferafts and rescue boats; proper rigging of liferaft hydrostatic release units
• Basic principles of survival

8. Pollution Prevention Requirements

• Know good pollution prevention practices in ports and at sea, as well as measures to be taken to prevent pollution during bunkering
• Know how to respond to pollution incidents in ports and at sea
• Know the basics of waste management and disposal of waste and oil residues

9. Vessel Navigability

• Understand the fundamentals of watertight integrity and closing all openings, including hatches, access hatches and watertight doors
• Understand the difference between good stability and poor stability, and recognize the warning signs of the latter
• Increasing and decreasing weights
• Low freeboard
• Clogged deck clearances and scuppers
• Loose tanks
• Preparing for weather, ensuring and maintaining watertightness

10. Business and Law

• Understand the content and application of the applicable codes, namely the “Small Vessel Commercial Code 1” and the Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3) 2
• Be familiar with the Code of Safe Work Practices for Merchant Mariners 3, its content and practical application
• Know the requirements for drills and exercises, including fire, emergency and abandon ship drills
• Understand the legal requirement to insure a seaworthy vessel
• Know the basics of salvage laws
• Understand the requirements for safe manning, hours of work and watchkeeping
• Identify the circumstances under which a vessel requires a crew agreement

3. Ask for a visa recognition to work in France

Once the Master 200 GT is obtained, the holder can apply for a visa recognition from the competent authority.  

The visa recognition attests to the seaman’s competences to perform functions equivalent to his or her certificate in foreign countries.

A. How to apply for a visa recognition?

To obtain a visa recognition, you must put together a file with the following documents:

• The CERFA for visa application , duly completed and signed,
• A copy of your valid seaman’s certificates, approved by the administration of the country of issue (here the Master 200 GT), with the STCW reference of the title,
• A medical check-up, issued within the last 2 years by a doctor authorized by the country of issue of the certificate or by a French seamen’s doctor,
• An identity photo.

B. To whom should the application for a visa recognition be addressed?

The request for a visa recognition must be made by the seaman or the owner of the ship under the French flag on which the sailor, holder of the certificate concerned, is embarked.

This request should be sent to the “employment – maritime training” department of the DIRM (Direction InterRégionale de la Mer) of a DDTM (Direction Départementale des Territoires de la Mer) of the maritime coastline on which the vessel is operating (DIRM-Mediterranean, for example, if the vessel on which the sailor is embarked is operated in one of the departments of the Mediterranean coastline).

C. Working in France with a visa recognition

Once the application has been validated and the visa recognition obtained, the French authorities certify that the foreign title held by the seaman corresponds to an equivalent level of function in French regulations.

By issuing this visa, France authorizes the holder to work under the French flag for a limited period of 5 years. If the recognized title expires earlier, the visa recognition will also expire.

The renewal of the visa recognition must be explicitly requested.

Note 1: Obtaining a visa recognition does not entitle the holder to the issuance of the equivalent French title and the related rights under French law. (e.g.: obligation to hold a French title for access to higher education).

Note 2: Obtaining a visa recognition is not sufficient for a foreign sailor to be able to command a French vessel. For this specific function, the foreign sailor must also be evaluated by a national jury. This national jury, presided over by the DIRM in its “commercial” formation, will examine the officer’s knowledge of the French language and national maritime regulations.

In summary, to work in France or under the French flag, the holder of a Yachtmaster STCW Endorsed must:

✅ Obtain the Master 200 GT by validating the Master 200 GT oral exam ✅ Once the Master 200 GT is obtained, apply for a visa recognition from the competent authority. ✅ When the visa recognition is issued to the seaman, he can then practice for 5 years in France.

Not too much of a headache? If you are interested in this article, we recommend you to suscribe to our newsletter special seamen to stay informed!

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How to renew your Yachtmaster

All Yachtmaster Commercial Endorsement certificates must be renewed every 5 years, and for this you must be in possession or justify the following aspects:

• The  shipments  of the last 5 years, dates and data of the companies for which you have worked. At least 150 days navigated should be justified.
• Medical Certificate  (ENG1) .
• ID  photo
• Course  ‘Professional Practices & Responsibilities  (PPR)’. It is a RYA course that can be done online and is priced at € 50.
• Original Certificate  that you want to renew

** If you can’t justify the required maritime service, but you can show that, for at least half of the five-year period, you have worked on tasks closely associated with the management and operation of one or more appropriate types of boats, you can renew your certificate. **

Here you are the  Revalidation Form . We can help you, any question contact us: [email protected]

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About the RYA

Deep Blue Sea Training

Yachtmaster information.

Certification may be sought for commercial recognition or as a confirmation of attainment of skills.

The original training scheme and certification was established and is maintained by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK and training to this scheme is carried out in many countries. Other countries such as Australia, have modified the scheme in partnership with the RYA so that it can be locally administered and operated by Yachting Australia.

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The RYA set up a committee to govern its training activities in 1967 and the Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel was set up in 1971. Training is carried out in more than 23 countries and there are 18,000 RYA instructors across the world. It is estimated that 13,000 professionals are working on commercial vessels using RYA Certificates of Competence.

Certificates of Competence

On behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the RYA administers the Yachtmaster Scheme, examines candidates and issues Certificates of Competence. RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence are recognised and respected worldwide.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence

With effect from 1 January 2010 the former "Coastal Skipper" qualification has been re-designated as "Yachtmaster Coastal".

The Yachtmaster Coastal has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises no more than 60 nautical miles offshore in favourable conditions but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages.

Pre-Requisites

To take the practical examination, candidates must be aged 17 years or over and require:

• Radio Operator's Qualification - A Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate - Further information
• First Aid - A valid First Aid Certificate from the RYA or by Police, Fire and Armed Services - Further information
• Minimum seatime - Candidates must have logged at least 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 nautical miles and 12 night hours. For candidates who hold the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Practical Course this is reduced to 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 nautical miles and 12 night hours. Half the qualifying sea time must be conducted in tidal waters.

The examination for Yachtmaster Coastal is practical and can be taken under sail or power and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. It lasts 6–10 hours for one candidate or 8–14 hours for two candidates, and is conducted in a boat between 7 m (23 ft) and 24 m (78 ft) in length.

The examination will include an assessment of the candidate's skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS (collision regulations), meteorology and signals. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Yachtmaster Coastal level.

Commercial endorsement

The Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence can, subject to an ENG 1 or ML5 medical fitness test, be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters - that is up to 20 nautical miles from a safe haven. Additional requirements are completion of: (i) the RYA Basic Sea Survival course, or STCW Personal Survival Techniques; and (ii) the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities course.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence

The Yachtmaster Offshore is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 nautical miles from harbour.

To take the practical examination, candidates must be aged 18 years or over and require:

• Radio Operator's Qualification - A Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate.
• First Aid - A valid First Aid Certificate from the RYA or by Police, Fire and Armed Services.
• Minimum seatime - Candidates must have logged at least 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2,500 nautical miles, including at least 5 passages over 60 nautical miles acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and two should involve overnight passages. Half the qualifying seamiles must have been conducted in tidal waters, and all qualifying sea miles must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

The examination for Yachtmaster Offshore is practical and can be taken under sail or power and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. It lasts 8–12 hours for 1 candidate or 10–18 hours for 2 candidates, and is conducted in a boat between 7 m (23 ft) and 24 m (78 ft) in length.

The examination involves a demonstration of skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of ship construction, ballasting, radio, radar, collision regulations, meteorology and signals. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses except Yachtmaster Ocean.

Standard commercial endorsement - The Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can, subject to an ML5 medical fitness test, be given a standard commercial endorsement which allows the holder to work as a Master on board vessels sailing under the British flag subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters - that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven, or Master Category 5 operating up to 200 nautical miles offshore, depending upon country. Additional requirements are completion of: (i) the RYA Basic Sea Survival course, or STCW Personal Survival Techniques; and (ii) the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities course.

STCW endorsement - The Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can subject to an ENG 1 medical fitness test and four additional courses

• Personal Survival techniques (RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW A-V1/1-1)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-V1/1-4)
• Elementary first aid (STCW A-V1/1-3)
• Fire fighting and fire prevention (STCW A-V1/1-2)

be given the STCW endorsement that allows the holder to work under non-UK maritime authorities

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

The Yachtmaster Ocean is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world.

To take the examination, candidates are required to:

• Previous certification - Hold an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• Minimum seatime - Have completed, as skipper or mate of watch, a qualifying ocean passage. The candidate must have been fully involved in the planning of the passage, including selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, storing spare gear, water and victuals and organising the watch-keeping routine. A minimum non-stop distance of 600 nautical miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for 96 hours, and the yacht must have been more than 50 nautical miles from land while sailing a distance of at least 200 nautical miles. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

Due to the level of competence required, the Yachtmaster Ocean exam is a particularly tough and demanding test of a skipper's ability.

The Yachtmaster Ocean examination consists of an oral and a written test of the candidate's knowledge of ocean passage making including planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management, yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs. The candidate will also be questioned on the sights taken at sea during an ocean passage.

Oral - The candidate must provide the examiner with an account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage. He/she must also provide navigational records showing that he/she navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a bare 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 may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, astro navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management, yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

Written - The written examination includes questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology. Candidates who hold the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course, a Royal Navy Ocean Navigation Certificate or an MCA Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer are exempt from the written examination.

Standard commercial endorsement - The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can, subject to an ENG 1 medical fitness test, be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work as a Master on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels of up to 200gt in all waters around the world with no legal restrictions on how far he may sail from land. This is known as an unrestricted, worldwide certificate. Additional requirements are completion of: (i) the RYA Basic Sea Survival course, or STCW Personal Survival Techniques; and (ii) the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities course.

STCW endorsement - If commercially endorsed, the Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can, subject to completion of four additional courses listed below, be given the STCW endorsement that allows the holder to work under non-UK maritime authorities:

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right, but is also a pre-requisite for the MCA's Master 200, Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

About Deep Blue Sea Training

Deep Blue Sea Training are an established and accredited RYA training centre in Palma de Mallorca, Spain providing RYA courses for leisure and recreational sailors as well as professional seafarers.

Professional Yacht Crew

If you currently work, or are hoping to work in the yachting industry you need appropriate training and qualifications. For sail, motor, power and personal watercraft, the Royal Yachting Association of Great Britain (RYA) has a wide range of highly respected qualifications that are internationally recognised and many of which can be commercially endorsed for those working in the maritime sector.

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