Yachtmaster Offshore - 5 Day Prep/Exam (RYA, USCG or other)

The MCA/RYA Yachtmaster™ qualification is recognised and respected worldwide with candidates demonstrating a wide breadth of existing knowledge. The preparation part of the course provides enables you to get ready for your exam by covering refresher training in a number of key areas. The course culminates in an exam with an external RYA examiner.

There are two versions of the qualification, depending on the type of sailing you intend to do. A commercially-endorsed Yachtmaster™ Coastal can use their knowledge to undertake commercial coastal passages up to 60 miles from a safe haven. A commercially-endorsed Yachtmaster™ Offshore can skipper a commercial vessel up to 150 miles from a safe haven as well as considering other options such as becoming an instructor or progressing to the MCA merchant scheme. Both qualifications cover commercial work on board vessels up to 300 gross tonnes, carrying up to 12 passengers.

The preparation section of the Yachtmaster™ Coastal course is 5 days. The exam is up to 2 days (depending on the number of students) and usually runs immediately after the preparation days. Passing your Yachtmaster™ exam, Coastal or Offshore alike, is a fantastic achievement; whether you plan to use the qualification for commercial purposes or will continue to sail simply for the fun of it.

Course Structure

•Responsibilities of skipper

•Close quarters boat handling

•Hoisting, reefing and dropping sails

•Tacking, gybing and efficient sail trim

•Berthing and anchoring

•Rules of the road and signals

•Safety, plus man overboard

•General seamanship, including maintenance

•Navigation

•Meteorology

Useful Information

Pre-Course Experience:

50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.