Yachtmaster Offshore (Full Package, RYA, USCG or other)

Our RYA Yachtmaster Power Theory and practical is an all-inclusive course if you want to combine both the RYA Yachtmaster Theory and practical certificates of competence. Popular with Superyacht crew and those looking to work as a commercial skipper.

This course is ideal for Superyacht crew who are looking to take the next stage towards lead Deckhand, Bosun.

Yachtmaster Offshore is the most popular route. Superyacht crew who are looking to progress to lead deckhand or Bosun are usually required to hold Yachtmaster Offshore. The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore is a prerequisite for the Efficient Deckhand course and a requirement for Officer of the Watch.

The sea time requirements for the Yachtmaster offshore can be found in the Useful Information section.

Course Structure

Monday – Friday: Arrive for a course briefing at 10:00 am. The RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course starts after the briefing. We will check you into your accommodation around 16:30 pm. We cover all aspects of navigation, meteorology, passage planning, pilotage, IRPCS, secondary ports, and tidal navigation exercises.

Saturday: You will sit two exams during the day, chart work, and IRPCS. You will be awarded the RYA Yachtmaster Theory certificate on successful completion.

Sunday: Day off.

Monday: 10:00 am Join the boat in Cowes. Introduction to the boat and safety producers onboard. Engineering, engines, control systems, and what to look out for. Boat handling. Marina berthing. MOB and recovery at sea

Tuesday: Engine checks/safety brief. Navigational exercises in the Solent. Anchoring. Picking up mooring buoys. MOB and recovery. Marina berthing. Night-time navigational exercises.

Wednesday: Engine checks/safety brief. Marina berthing/confined space boat handling. Single engine berthing. Picking up mooring buoys. Navigational exercises day-time. Collision regs/quiz/use of radar. Night-time navigational exercises.

Thursday: Engine checks/safety brief. Navigational exercises in the Solent. Picking up mooring buoys. Marina berthing/confined space exercises. Single engine berthing.

Friday: Engine checks/safety brief. Navigational exercises in the Solent. Boat handling exercises/single-engine berthing. MOB and recovery. Revision of the Yachtmaster syllabus. Friday afternoon, the RYA examiner arrives.

Saturday/Sunday: The Yachtmaster exam.

The examiner will join the boat, and your instructor will step off. The Yachtmaster Power exam will last between 12 and 48 hours depending on the number of candidates being examined, a maximum of 4 in any 2-day session. The exam will take place within the Solent. The examiner will ask each candidate to perform a series of practical and navigational exercises based on the weather and tidal conditions of the day.

Useful Information

If you choose our self-catering accommodation option, then our crew houses in Cowes are comfortable and centrally located. Just a 2-minute walk to the town and our training centre, this will take the stress out of finding your own accommodation. Accomodation is £640

Course inclusions: RYA Yachtmaster theory packs, almanacs, and certification. All training, fuel, and berthing fees included. 100 miles logged. £231 Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal exam fee is not included.

To sit the Yachtmaster Offshore Power exam, you are required to hold: 50 days and 2,500 sea miles. 5 passages of over 60 miles, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages. 2 of 5 passages above would have involved overnight passages. At least 5 days acting as skipper. All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam. Logbook/evidence of sea time and passages required. A GMDSS short-range VHF radio certificate. Valid First Aid Certificate. You must be 18 years of age or older. Please be aware that at least 50% of your qualifying mileage (1,250 miles) must have been completed in a vessel less than 24 meters.