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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

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

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

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

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

The Yacht master offshore consists of two components:

• Yachtmaster Offshore Theory 
• Yachtmaster Offshore Practical 

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

Yachtmaster Offshore Requirements:

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

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

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

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

Yachtmaster Offshore Course Breakdown

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

Yachtmaster Offshore Theory:

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

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

Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Online

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

Yachtmaster Offshore Practical

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

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

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Exam:

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

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

Practical Exam Assessment:

The exam will include an assessment of:

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

Practical Exam Duration:

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

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate

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

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Commerical Endorsement

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

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

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore License

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

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Training School Locations

Brazil Sao Paulo

Croatia Split

Greece Corfu

South Africa Cape Town Langebaan

Spain Barcelona

Turkey Marmaris

United Kingdom England Ireland Scotland

West Indies Antigua

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Here are some links to download various forms and information sheets related to our courses and the RYA:

Corfu Sea School Joining Instructions

ICC Application Form

Yachtmaster Exam Application Form

RYA Yachtmaster Commercial Endorsement Form

ML5 Medical Form

Own Boat Safety Check List

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Yachtmaster Ocean Examination

Email: [email protected]»   Tel: +1 (268) 721 3456  

Application for Examination

There are criteria that must be met before examination will be considered. In all cases the independent examiner will want to see evidence – usually in the form of a personal logbook – that these have been met, and the supporting qualifications are in place.

The Examination Application Form ensures this is the case.

If there is any doubt regarding the acceptable level of qualifying experience, the examiner will point this out and give the candidate the opportunity to withdraw the application. All experience must have been gained within 10 years of examination.

See Syllabus »

Criteria and supporting Qualifications:

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shore based Course Completion Certificate.
• 600nm Non-Stop Passage ‎as skipper or mate of watch.

Form of Examination

• Oral examination of approximately 1½ hours with an assessment of astro navigation sights and results. Note 1

Examiner’s Responsibility

• It is the examiner’s task to give the candidate the opportunity to show that he/she is a competent Ocean Yachtmaster.
• At the end of the exam the candidate should feel, whatever the outcome, that he/she has had a full, fair, and searching test.

Examiner Availability

• We are unlikely to have an independent Yachtmaster Ocean examiner in Antigua. Please contact the RYA.

Examination Costs –

• GB£159 in 2015 (approximately US$250 ) paid to the RYA when the examination application is submitted to the examiner.
• We try to schedule examinations during the Antigua sailing season when we should have an examiner on island. However, we may have to bring in an examiner from overseas. In either case their travel costs are shared equally by the candidate(s).
• We feed and board the examiner so there are no subsistence costs.

Note 1 A written exam may be taken in lieu of an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shore based course completion certificate.

Yachtmaster Ocean Examiners

• Please contact the RYA for the current list of available examiners.
• Email: [email protected]
• 004423 8060 4100 from outside UK
• 023 8060 4100 within UK

  Email: [email protected]»

Miramar sailing is now owned by SECOND STAR SAILING !

Still proudly based on the stunning island of Antigua, with our beautiful office in Jolly Harbour Marina.

We’re continuing to do what we love most—offering top-notch RYA sailing and Powerboating courses, ADOMS Boatmaster training, all-female Women at the Helm courses, as well as fun Day Cruises and exciting Racing adventures!

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor – Everything You Need to Know

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor ticket is considered the most useful and credible of all motor cruising qualifications. Administered on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastgaurd Agency by the RYA the qualification is accepted as a worldwide standard. To gain an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor qualification you must sit a practical exam. 

What Does the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Allow You to Do?

Gaining an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor will allow you to work commercially on motor vessels not exceeding 200GT.

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor exam certifies that you are competent to skipper a motor yacht on any passage that is not more than 150nm from a harbour.

How Can You Sit an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Exam?

The exam can be organised via the RYA to be done on your own vessel or via an RYA training centre, to be done on an RYA training vessel. It should be noted, that to complete the exam on your own vessel, your vessel must be up to an appropriate safety standard.

Most RYA training centres offering the RYA Cruising Scheme offer some form of pre exam preparation or coaching for those looking to take an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor exam.

These courses are often referred to as ‘RYA Yachtmaster Prep’ courses. This is unique within the RYA training framework in that it does not have a fixed course syllabus, length or course completion certificate.

Who Can Do an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Exam?

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor exam is open to anyone who meets the minimum criteria, with all experience within the last 10 years.

• 18 years of age or older
• 50 days spent at sea
• 2500nm cruised, with at least 50% in tidal waters
• 5 days as skipper
• 5 passages of over 60nm, with at least 2 as skipper

If you have skippering experience but not the required days or passages, then the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor might be for you.

If you have the miles, but not the skippering experience, then again, the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor might be for you.

Additionally, exam candidates must also hold a relevant GMDSS VHF certification and an RYA First Aid certificate or recognised equivalent.

Can You Go Straight to the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Course and Exam?

You can indeed jump straight into the RYA Cruising Scheme at this stage, however, it is imperative that you understand the levels that are required of you, both in your knowledge and practical skills.

It is suggested that as a minimum you have completed (and passed) the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory course as the knowledge in here is both required for you to be at the level required, but will be formally tested during your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor exam, both orally and in practical applications.

What Do You Need to Know before Attending an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Course and Exam?

You, of course, need to be a suitably experienced skipper and this involves meeting the prerequisites mentioned above to be eligible. You should be able to handle your vessel competently in close quarters and at sea. You should be comfortable applying this in various day and night time passages.

As mentioned, it is strongly recommended to have completed the RYA Coastal and Yachtmaster Theory as the depth of knowledge gained from this shore based course will be tested throughout your exam. 

How Long Does an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Prep Course and Exam Take?

The exam can take anything from 8 hours to 2 days depending on how many candidates are being examined on one vessel at a time. Up to 4 candidates can sit the exam at once and this would last for a maximum of 48 hours if so.

An RYA Yachtmaster Prep course is generally four and a half days long and is usually directly followed by the practical exam.

Is There a Set Syllabus for the Prep Course?

No, this is the one time that while there is a recognised ‘course’, there is no syllabus. It is up to the experienced instructor on the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Prep course to tailor the learnings to your needs. This is more about refining your skills rather than teaching new ones.

You should be honest with yourself and your instructor in order for learnings throughout the week to be tailored to improve yourself on any weak areas that you may have.

What Should I Expect from a Prep Course?

These courses run as a standalone course and while there may be students on another course, generally everyone onboard is a candidate for an RYA Yachtmaster Exam. The courses should however be run with no more than 4 students on board.

The content will depend on the needs of all students and is aimed at fine-tuning existing skills rather than teaching new ones. This will involve a lot of night time cruising and navigation, carrying out challenging boat handling while using theory knowledge and ensuring general skippering skills are up to scratch.

There is a basic syllabus that is used to help shape the exam content, but in reality, you can be tested on anything from the RYA cruising scheme within the exam.

Before choosing the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Prep course you need to be honest with yourself and your own abilities. While on the course you need to take on the advice and guidance given by the instructor on what areas need work. If you speak to your instructor before the course, they can tailor the instruction to your needs.

What Should I Expect on an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Exam?

On the exam, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and competence. You will be expected to take full responsibility of your vessel and crew. The examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate competence and show your broad range of experience.

The exam will be an intensive experience and even when you are not the designated skipper, you will still be asked questions and observed and examined as a participant of the crew.

During the exam you will be asked to complete various tasks, ranging from leaving the dock, skippering a short passage, casualty recovery, night pilotage and even blind navigation. Additionally, you will be tested on theoretical aspects such as how to deal with an engine failure, knowledge of your vessel’s stability, meteorology and IRPCS.

As a potential RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor, these tasks are ones that should now be second nature to you and should take minimal time to plan while the theoretical knowledge should be able to roll off your tongue. 

What Is the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Exam Syllabus?

The following topics make up the basis for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor exam syllabus. IRPCS, safety, boat handling, seamanship, responsibility as skipper, navigation, meteorology and signals.

But, as mentioned above, anything from the whole RYA cruising syllabus scheme can be tested.

What Is the Cost of an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor Course and Exam?

As ever, many schools differ in price. We would recommend that you take a look around at the various options and find what suits your needs the best. Cheapest is not often better.

This can range from knowing if you will have to share a cabin while onboard to whether food and berthing charges are included to how many other students you will be sharing your week with.

The exam fee is usually not included, which is currently £231.

Where Should I Do My RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor?

As always there are many thoughts and pros on cons on this, and as a potential RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor you should consider yourself experienced enough to sit the exam anywhere. However, if you choose to sit the exam in an area that you are familiar with then you will take a little bit of the stress out of learning a new area and start with a small advantage of having that all important local knowledge at your disposal.

What Happens If I Struggle on thePrep Course?

Your instructor should be able to update you on your ability levels throughout the course. They will be highly experienced and it is suggested that you listen to their advice given.

If you are learning something for the first time you should consider if you are ready for the exam. Talk to your instructor and they will be able to guide you on if you are ready for the exam, if they would advise further training or if they recommend that you aim for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor exam instead.

What Is the Pass Mark for the Exam?

There is no pass mark as such and the examiner will be looking to see that you are a competent and complete skipper, capable of looking after both your vessel and crew in a safe manner.

Every exam is different and no examiner will be setting out to fail any candidates, but they must ensure and check that each candidate is able to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and skills in a safe and timely manner.

If you were to fail to reach the levels of an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor certificate of competence then the examiner will give you a thorough debrief complete with action points to work on before you have another attempt at the exam. 

What Comes After RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor?

After completion of the exam, you will have gained the highly sought after RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor certificate of competence and you can get this commercially endorsed by adding a sea survival certification, a personal medical and a PPR course, all of which, along with your GMDSS VHF and First Aid should be sent off to the RYA for certification upgrade. This will now allow the holder to skipper a vessel commercially, so long as it is less than 200 gross tonnes, up to 150nm from a harbour.

The next step is of course to get out on the water and to keep learning, keep gaining experience and keep improving on the skills and knowledge learned so far. No skipper is the finished article and we should all keep seeking to improve.

Within the RYA cruising scheme, there are a couple more steps that are possible. This is to progress and upgrade your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Motor certificate of competence to an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Motor certificate of competence.

To do this there is 3 main steps, first, you will need to complete an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course, where you will learn about astro navigation, ocean meteorology and ocean navigation,   join the waiting list for our ocean theory course here . Next, is to complete an ocean qualifying passage that meets the necessary requirements. Finally, you will then need to complete another exam, this time an oral exam, where you will discuss your ocean qualifying passage and general ocean skippering skills.

On successful completion of this, you will be awared the highest accolade within the RYA cruising scheme, the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Motor certificate of competence.

One other direction of travel is to become an RYA Cruising Instructor for Motor. To do this, you will first want to consolidate your skippering skills and knowledge then look to come back and start off with an RYA Cruising Instructor course. On this course, RYA Instructor Trainers will assess and guide you through what is required and expected to work as an RYA Cruising Instructor for Motor. 

Releated Posts

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory – Everything You Need to Know

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail – Everything You Need to Know

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Late notice spaces available for selected courses - click here for details

RYA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track

Price: from £10,500 (£1,000 deposit to secure your space)

Location: Starts from our base at Premier Gosport Marina, and visits different ports around the Solent and adjacent waters

Duration: 18 Weeks

The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track course takes you from limited or zero sailing experience all the way up to a fully qualified RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ , with all the required practical, theory courses, mile-building and sailing experience you’ll need to help get you qualified*.

Developed by some of the best RYA Yachtmaster Instructors and world-leading Marine industry experts, our Yachtmaster Fast Track scheme is far more comprehensive and better value than the competition – Compare what we offer against others!

Why go elsewhere? Book your place on our next RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track course!

Booking details

Please select your preferred start date below.

• Monday 9th September 2024 (0 spaces)
• Monday 3rd February 2025 (4 spaces)

Course Information

Joining Instructions: Please click here for course joining instructions

The RYA Yachtmaster Exam application fee isn’t included in the above cost. Please click here to print-off the RYA Yachtmaster exam application form :

Recommended Reading: RYA Day Skipper Handbook Sail (G71), RYA Yacht Sailing Techniques (G94), RYA Yachtmaster™ scheme and syllabus (G158), Commodore Yachting programme syllabus

Course Prerequisites: None required, although some sailing experience is preferred.

Minimum Age: 18+

Holiday & Skippers Insurance: We would advise ALL our customers to ensure they have suitable holiday & Skippers insurance in-place. Yachtsman’s insurance is available from a variety of souces like Topsail Insurance and can cover things like cancellations and personal effects cover.

This course is an investment in yourself. We will take you from a raw student to RYA Yachtmaster™ within an 18 week programme syllabu s.

With the skills learnt on the programme you will have a great, foundation ready to start your professional career.

Read more about what we offer on our RYA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track programme that other centres don’t, here .

Who is the course for:

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track programme is designed for anyone who wants to make the sea their choice of career, and is dedicated and determined enough to invest heavily in themselves over a defined timeframe.

This course will to take your sailing to the next level with a highly respected and well-recognised professional qualification at the end.

It’s well advised that you have undertaken some sailing recently and have completed at least 100 sea miles.

This course is demanding and requires a lot of input, effort and dedication from you.  We will give you all the support and guidance you need in order to help you achieve the ultimate end-goal that is the award of an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ qualification.

What we cover on the course:

This 18 week RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track programme will take you from a raw student to RYA Yachtmaster™, and will cover a variety of courses and sailing exercises during your time with us.

By the end of the programme you will have hopefully achieved the end-goal in that you will be an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ with a great professional sailing career ahead of you.

The courses and events you’ll undertake on the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track programme are:

• RYA Competent Crew (Twice!)
• RYA Day Skipper Theory
• RYA Day Skipper Practical (Twice!)
• RYA SRC/VHF
• RYA First Aid at Sea
• RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal Theory (Twice!)
• RYA Yachtmaster™ Preparation (Twice!)
• RYA Yachtmaster Exam (Exam fees at students own cost)
• Self-sailing weeks & mile-building time (Yacht charter – No instructor on board)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Diesel engine maintenance
• Yacht maintenance
• Plus various internal courses and teaching sessions

Check out what we offer against other providers – We provide the most comprehensive package in the industry, giving you better value for money.

We put you through selected training courses twice, reinforcing your learning experience without putting you under pressure to get it right first time around.

Accommodation is also included for the full 18 weeks, even during shore-time courses*

We even provide you with a full set of new wet-weather kit to take away with you upon completion of the course.

Why go anywhere else?

*Subject to boat availability

Course formats & details:

Courses run in a single format:

• 18 weeks duration

The final programme and series of courses, training time and self-experience sessions will be scheduled and agreed upon commencement. Take a look at our RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track programme syllabus .

Taken over a continuous 18 week period with allotted breaks for self-learning, self-sailing and revision time, this course demands dedication and hard work. The course syllabus is intensive yet achievable, and is structured to give you the best chance of success.*

If you want further information for our RYA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track programme , take a look at our detailed syllabus .

*Qualification subject to the student demonstrating a satisfactory level of performance on the RYA Yachtmaster exam to the examiners satisfaction. Passing this course is not guaranteed.

Our Principal says this about the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Fastrack Course:

Ok so this is the big one, this is your gateway entry into a professional career in sailing, and all the places it’ll take you.

This programme will fully immerse you in the world of sailing, and will push you to your limits, demanding maximum effort from you at all times. It’s not an undertaking for anyone who thinks it’ll be easy, so prepare yourself for what will  be a very demanding yet ultimately extremely satisfying investment in yourself!

Working closely with our team, you will be taught a number of different techniques and skills. You’ll build an incredible depth of knowledge and confidence that will take you forwards into your new career.

You will be sharing accommodation with your fellow students so will have to work together as a team and be adults about accommodation and sleeping arrangements.

We’ll start you off with the basics, and will encourage, guide and drive you until you’ve mastered them all. You’ll have ample self-learning slots which will include time aboard one of our fleet yachts for some quality self-sailing. This will help build confidence in skippering and crew management, amongst other skills.

From budgeting for food, to thinking about how to cook on the boat, the whole show will be a success or failure based on your decisions, truly providing an ongoing learning experience you can move forwards with.

You will be completely hands-on with the maintance and upkeep of the Yachts you are on, if somethings breaks you will be fixing it with the maintance team, or maybe at sea with your crew. Either way, you’ll need to grasp and fully understand those skills and theories in order to succeed.

All the above may sound daunting, but remember you’ve got the Premier sea school backing you all the way. Our dedicated and experienced team will guide, inform, coach and help you all the way.*

To read more about what we offer that other sea schools don’t, and how we give you the best experience and training available, why not take a look at our RYA Yachtmaster™ Fast Track syllabus .

*Qualification is subject to the student demonstrating the required level of competence to the examiner in the RYA Yachtmaster exam. Passing this course is not guaranteed.

Customer reviews

A fantastic weekend of sailing, almost 130 NM in all, with a relaxed, but fully engaging skipper. Great set up and brilliant on the admin. Thanks Stef, Tom et al!

I did a weeks coastal skipper course getting ready for my yacht master and I have to say it was one of the best training weeks I’ve had - our training instructor was superb, exactly the sort of person that you want. He could inspire, provide discipline and impart knowledge as well as let you learn through your own mistakes. Tom and Steph run an excellent operation there and I highly recommend it. They’re flexible and very helpful when it comes to your journey into being a qualified sailor.

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• Certificates of Competence

RYA Certificates of Competence

Prove your ability and experience as a skipper with an rya certificate of competence.

Available at Advanced Powerboat and RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal, Offshore and Ocean level, RYA Certificates of Competence are well known qualifications that are highly respected worldwide.

Unlike other RYA qualifications, Certificates of Competence are not issued following a formal training course but are achieved by successfully completing an exam testing your skill, knowledge and experience.

So whether you’re a recreational boater looking to put your skills to the test, or need a professional qualification and commercial endorsement to work on the water, find out everything you need to know below.

The pinnacle of yachting qualifications. Find out what it takes to become an RYA Yachtmaster.

Provided you have sufficient experience, seatime and the required certificates, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge.

The RYA training schemes will take you all the way from beginner to exam level. As well as the required certification, there are a number of other RYA courses you might find useful.

With the backing of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) we ensure RYA qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world.

We are constantly monitoring and improving our courses and exams. Find out more about how we measure exam feedback to ensure the highest levels of satisfaction and confidence.

• How to Pass Your Yachtmaster Exam

How To Pass Your Yachtmaster Exam

The exam assess both your theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as your skippering technique. You can choose to be examiner to either Coastal or Offshore standard – both are valid Yachtmaster standards, but the pre-requisites vary.

Safe & Capable

Both Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Coastal candidates will need to demonstrate that they are safe, knowledgable and capable skippers, can sail a boat confidently in unfamiliar waters and enter and leave an unfamiliar harbour/marina.

Taking your RYA/MCA Yachtmaster exam can be a daunting experience, but here are Vortec Marine’s Top 5 tips to help you pass.

1.  Have the Qualifying Miles properly logged

No-one likes paper work, and if you are rumaging amongst tatty scraps of paper you are not creating the right impression.  Make sure you have logged evidence of your sailing experience which shows that you meet (or exceed) the pre-requisites.

(see our Yachtmaster webpage for details of the pre-requisites)

The RYA logbook is designed for this purpose, but a tidy table with the dates, yacht type, route, weather, mileage and your role (crew / skipper) will be quite acceptable.

If you are struggling to demonstrate enough qualifying sea-time for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, you should apply for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal.  Make sure you have completed your application form, have passport photos, First Aid and VHF certificates and a cheque for the exam fee (payable to the RYA) ready.

2.  Ensure your theory and navigational skills are up to date and fresh

Before your exam, make sure you are familiar with the IRPCS and can recognise even the most obscure lights, day shapes, sound signals and navigational markers.  

Practice your tidal calculations and secondary port adjustments. During the exam, you won’t have time to be sat at the nav table trying to remember how to work out at what time there will be sufficient clearance for a secondary port.  You will be allowed time to plan your route, but you will also be expected to be keeping an eye on your crew on deck.

3.  Use the prep week to become familiar with the boat as well as the sailing area

During the Yacht master exam you will be expected to know how to handle the boat under both power and sail, including berthing or manoeuvring the boat in a confined space. Use the prep week to become familiar with the yacht’s prop kick, her turning circle, how quickly she responds and how much throttle you need to use. You should also know if the depth reading is adjusted for the keel, how to set up or calibrate the instruments, where the battery switches are etc.

You will make short passages during the exam and will need to know your position reasonably accurately at any time.  Use the prep week to familiarise yourself with helpful transits and useful fix-points.  You should also make sure that the charts you are using have all the recent Notice to Mariners updates applied so you don’t get caught out by any navigational marks which might have moved.

Whilst the pre-exam prep week is optional, it is highly recommended as it increases your confidence on board which will help you relax and focus on your skippering technique.

 4.  Be Tidy and Organised

Having the fenders at the same height, ropes nicely coiled and sail properly flaked doesn’t just look nice and tidy, but it shows a seamanlike respect for the yacht.

If a skipper doesn’t seem to care about the sails or the odd scratch on the hull, the examiner will start to wonder what else they don’t care about – like safety equipment.

A tidy boat is also a safe boat, ensuring everything is stowed properly prevents accidents and damage. 

5.  Don’t try to show off, but do make sure the examiner can see your thought processes

Just because you can lasso a mooring cleat from 10 meters does’t mean you should! There is no need to over complicate manoeuvres to show off – using the right sail and controlling boat speed, whilst ensuring your crew know what you expect from them will impress the examiner far more.

Equally, you may have practiced a manoeuvre with the same crew in the prep week and you all know what to do – but the examiner doesn’t know that, so make sure the examiner can see that you do have a plan, possibly re-iterating it to your crew for the examiners benefit.

Finally, try to relax and enjoy the experience!

If you are ready to take your rya/mca yachtmaster exam  please contact vortec marine on 01489 854850 or contact us  for our course options and availability..

Apply for an ICC

OUR CURRENT TURNAROUND TIME FROM THE DATE YOUR APPLICATION IS RECEIVED IS APPROXIMATELY 21 WORKING DAYS

Apply online

To apply for an ICC you must be:

• age 16 or over
• physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft

Completing the online application for an ICC

If you are applying for your first ICC issued by the RYA or requesting a replacement for a lost ICC you will need:

• A digital copy (photograph or scan) of your passport or a national ID card showing your nationality If you do not have a passport or a national ID card showing your nationality you can only apply to the RYA for an ICC using the paper application form.
• A digital copy of a document which confirms your habitual residential address as detailed in ICC-2 Notes: Evidencing identity and eligibility . Collectively these documents must verify your identity (name, address, date of birth, photograph) and your nationality.
• Evidence of your competence for each of the categories you request are validated on your ICC
• A photograph in portrait orientation Note: you can only upload pdf or jpg files of less than 5MB.

If you are renewing or updating the details on your ICC you will need:

• Your current / expiring ICC
• Documents which verify any changes to the information printed on your current / expiring ICC, as detailed in ICC-2 Notes: Evidencing identity and eligibility .
• Evidence of your competence for any additional categories you would like to be validated on your new ICC.
• A photograph in portrait orientation Note: you can only upload pdf or jpg files of less than 5MB.

If your application is successful your ICC will be sent by post to your residential address. Sending the ICC to the address printed on the certificate is part of the RYA’s verification process for the issue of the certificate. The ICC will not be posted to any address other than the one printed on the certificate.

If you are an experienced boater but you don’t have evidence of competence you will need to take an ICC assessment . 

MyRYA account required

You must create or login to your own MyRYA account to apply for an ICC online. The MyRYA account must be specific to the applicant. You cannot use your MyRYA account to apply for an ICC for anyone else including a family member. 

You must log in to your personal MyRYA account to apply or renew an ICC.

Apply using a paper form

The ICC application form and supporting documents are updated from time to time - Please ensure you are usin g the current version of the form as published in the table above. Your application may be rejected by the RYA if it is submitted on an out of date form or on the basis of out of date information.