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RYA Yachtmaster Motor Practical Prep & Exam - Offshore

Rya yachtmaster motor practical prep & exam in southampton (offshore): course summary.

• Course Duration: 5 days
• Course Location:  Saxon Wharf Marina, Southampton, SO14 5QF
• Course Cost: From £1495pp
• Previous Experienced Required:  Yes
• Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years old
• What The Course Includes: Tuition, moorings, waterproofs, breakfast, and more! 
• What You Will Learn: Practice the finer points of boat handling, planning, navigation and theory, and more. Then Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

The  RYA  Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence is a highly regarded qualification that is recognised worldwide. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal is a new pathway Certificate of Competency for an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on yachts less than 3000gt.

The RYA Yachtmaster offshore/coastal preparation and exam week consists of intensive revision, as well as expert instruction followed by the Yachtmaster Exam. The exam starts on the Friday, however it may include the weekend depending on the number of students.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

• Minimum age 18
• Completed the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory Course or have equivalent knowledge

Its highly recommended that you also have attended the RYA one day radar course, *RYA sea survival course  and RYA diesel engine course. 

*required to commercially endorse your RYA MCA certificate.

Yachtmaster coaster skippers will need:

• 30 days on board
• 12 night hours
• Two days as skipper all on vessels under 24m in length

Or if you have completed the RYA Coastal skipper course this is reduced to:

• 20 days on board
• 12 night hours and two days as skipper, all on vessels under 24m in length
• 12 night hours on yachts up to 3000gt
• Two days as skipper on vessels less than 24m.

Yachtmaster offshore candidates will need:

• Minimum of 50 days at sea
• Minimum of 2,500 miles logged
• At least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination
• At least 5 days experience as a skipper (acting as skipper for at least 2 of these passages including 2 as overnight passages)

A minimum of half the required mileage and passages must be completed in tidal waters and within 10 years of the exam.

Candidates must also hold a  valid first aid certificate  and GMDSS VHF licence to be eligible to be entered into the exam

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore preparation and exam week is an intensive bespoke, focused week of skills and drills putting everything together. You will practice the finer points of boat handling, planning, navigation and theory, as well as crew management and decision making, culminating with the Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

OUTLINE COURSE CONTENT

The RYA Yachtmaster Motor Practical Preparation and Exam consists of 2 stages:

• Monday – Friday AM (9.30AM onwards) is the practical exercises, as well as theory sessions, both day and night.
• Friday PM onwards is the Yachtmaster Offshore Examination.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COST?

• Monday – Friday AM practical exercises = £1495.00 per person
• Friday PM onwards Yachtmaster Offshore Examination = £241 (paid directly to the RYA, via the exam payment portal ) Yachtmaster Coastal examination fee = 208

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?

• Low student instructor ratio 
• All moorings
• Expert tuition and guidance after the course
• Onboard accommodation, can be provided £20pp pn
• Waterproofs
• On site parking available

NEXT STEPS AFTER YACHTMASTER MOTOR OFFSHORE

• RYA Cruising Instructor (Motor) Course

Book Your Yachtmaster Motor Practical Prep & Exam Here

Book online below, or call on 023 81 242159 .

If there are no courses listed below, please email us to enquire about availability:  [email protected].

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Jet ski club, boat charter, safety boat services.

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Maritime Training & Consultancy

Rya/mca yachtmaster coastal/offshore power.

An 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.

We provide 4 tailor-made training days to prepare you for the exam, which we give 1 days for following the course.

Please note this is a purely practical week on the motorboat followed by the exam, it does not include the RYA Yachtmaster Theory which is a separate course. 

Book on a Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Prep week below. Future dates are  available, please contact the office for details. 

Filter by category: Show All 5 Day Sail Course Advanced powerboat AEC Boat Maintenance cmhb Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory COSHH Day Skipper Motor Day Skipper Theory ECDIS ECS & Radar EDH Fire Fighting First Aid Food Safety HealthSafety HELM (operational) Helmsman Highfield Fire IMO 6.09 Intermediate Powerboat ISAF Manual Handling MCA MCA Master 200 MCA STCW 95 Mile Builder Other PB2 PDSD Plymouth Powerboat Instructor PSSR/PSA Radar Risk Assessment RYA RYA Diesel Engine RYA Powerboating RYA VHF/SRC Saturday Sail Security Small Ships Nav Radar Stability Stability Survival Tender Operator USV Weekend Sail Yachtmaster Yachtmaster Motor Yachtmaster Sail Dates

Price: £1100 Previous Experience: VHF/SRC Licence, valid and in-date First Aid (RYA, STCW or SeaFish) Coastal Seatime Requirements – 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours (this halves if you hold the Coastal Skipper course completion certificate). Half of the sea miles must be in tidal waters and on a vessel between 7-24 metres Offshore Seatime Requirements – 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles including 5 passages over 60 miles, 2 as skipper and 2 overnight. Half of the sea miles must be in tidal waters Assumed Knowledge: Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster Theory level and boat handling to Day Skipper level Duration: 4 Days (+ 1 day for the exam) Location:  Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, Devon UK

Course Content: There is no fixed syllabus for this course but we try to focus on areas that you need to work on, and that the examiners tend to look at during the exam. For example:

• Skippering Skills
• Boat Handling
• Safety Awareness
• Meteorology

Costs include lunch, snacks, tea & coffee, fuel and mooring fees etc.

Courses are non-residential so accommodation is required in one of the many hotels or guest houses nearby. We can provide a list of recommendations.

YOUR YACHTMASTER EXAM FEE IS NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PRICE.

What’s Next?

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

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Power

Rya/mca yachtmaster power overview:.

The Yachtmaster Power (Coastal and Offshore) Certificates of Competence Courses are run together. Whilst the syllabus for each is very similar, the Offshore candidate requires more logged sea time and will be pushed harder in the exam. If you’re unsure as to exactly which level you should aim for, we are happy for you to book the preparation course and decide part way through, once you have seen the kind of exercises involved. The external examiner will not know which exam you are each taking until he/she meets you.

RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER POWER AIMS:

Simple really! To work with you to ensure you pass your exam. The preparation time not only helps get you familiar with the boat, the operating area and the crew, but it also looks at exam techniques and polishes rusty skills.

RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER POWER COURSE DURATION:

Four day preparation course followed by an exam (making a five day package). The exam can last up to 36 hours. There will be several late finishes as night pilotage is part of the training and the exam.

RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER POWER PRE REQUISITES:

Yachtmaster coastal.

• MINIMUM AGE 18
• 30 days motor cruising (at least 50% on board vessels less than 80 grt and between 7 LWL and 24m LOA)
• 800 miles logged (at least 50% on board vessels less than 80 grt and between 7 LWL and 24m LOA)
• 12 night hours (at least 50% on board vessels less than 80 grt and between 7 LWL and 24m LOA)
• 2 days as skipper (at least 50% on board vessels less than 80 grt and between 7 LWL and 24m LOA)
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased
• RYA First Aid OR STCW Elementary First Aid
• RYA Short Range Certificate  or higher level GMDSS
• RYA Sea Survival Course  OR STCW Personal Survival Techniques (recommended for everyone, compulsory if you are seeking a MCA / RYA Commercial Endorsement)

* For holders of the RYA Coastal Skipper Course Completion Certificate,  Sea Time is reduced to 20 days, 400 miles, 12 night hours and 2 days as skipper.

YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE

• 50 days motor cruising (at least 50% on board vessels less than 80 grt and between 7 LWL and 24m LOA)
• 2,500 miles logged  (at least 50% on board vessels between less than 80 grt and between 7 LWL and 24m LOA)
• 5 passages of 60 miles or more (of which at least 3 were logged in tidal waters)
• 2 of those passages as skipper (of which at least 1 was logged in tidal waters)
• 2 of those passages being overnight (of which at least 1 was logged in tidal waters)

Qualifying passages and seatime should have been logged in the ten years preceding the exam, seatime that is more than ten years old does not qualify.

RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER POWER COURSE CONTENT:

The preparation part of the week is intended to act as a refresher on pilotage, boat handling, safety, skippering and passage planning. In particular, skills like blind navigation, electronic navigation (radar and GPS), night pilotage and MOB procedure are practiced. This is not the time to be learning these skills from scratch. During the exam, candidates will be set various skipper tasks to demonstrate their ability as a Yachtmaster. They can be asked questions on any part of the syllabus from all practical and shorebased courses up to Yachtmaster level.

RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER POWER COURSE RATIO & VESSEL:

The RYA set a maximum Motor Cruising ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor (5:1). Some UK centres reduce this to 4:1, but we go further, 3:1. This means you spend at least a third of the time on the wheel, with considerable opportunity to navigate and skipper. You will not sit through long periods of your course watching other candidates, “have a go.”

How do we do this? We run a sensible sized (8.5m) motor boat which can be operated safely by just 2 crew. If you want to train on a larger, twin engine motor yacht then we are probably the wrong school for you! Be aware, you are unlikely to be guaranteed such a good Student : Instructor ratio elsewhere! Click here for information about our training vessel(s).

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 5-days use of our motor cruiser
• 4-days of instruction
• Diesel and on board consumables
• Loan of a life jacket
• Lunch, tea/coffee and snacks onboard
• Two evening meals on board
• Free berthing at the home port
• Free parking (on street)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

• Evening meals ashore
• Wet weather gear (£5day to hire)
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Exam Fee (paid to the RYA)
• Overnight accommodation

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Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Course & Exam

Duration: 4 days plus 2 exam days

Time: 9am to 5pm plus 2 evenings plus evening study

Group Size: 4 per boat

Min Age: From 18

Price: £1500 inc VAT plus exam fees

• This course is aimed at
• BOOK NOW & DATES
• Work Commercially
• Try our quiz

Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Course & Exam - General

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence is, for many boaters, the ultimate qualification when working commercially, or for a leisure boater simply a confirmation of the level that you have attained in your boating. Passing the Yachtmaster Offshore CoC (‘the examination’) means that you are considered competent “to skipper a motor cruiser on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour”

Pre examination requirements

To be eligible to take the practical examination candidates must be aged 18 or over and require:

• A Radio Operator’s Qualification – A GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher grade of marine radio certificate.
• A valid first aid certificate. A list of acceptable first aid certificates can be found on the RYA website
• Seatime – 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles, at least 5 passages over 60 miles, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two of which have involved overnight passages. Five days experience as skipper. At least half the qualifying seatime must have been accrued in tidal waters.
• Whilst not an absolute prerequisite, it is advisable to have completed the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory course before attending.Your level of theory knowledge needs to be at this level and we are always very sceptical of potential attendees that say that they are at this level with no qualification to evidence it.

Qualifying passages for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore must be non-stop, by the shortest navigable route with no change of skipper.

Qualifying passages must be on vessels between 7m and 24m LOA and less than 80gt.

Qualifying seatime (days and miles) can either be 100% gained on vessels from 7m to 24m LOA (and less than 80gt) or can be gained from a mixture of craft with a limit that up to 50% of the qualifying seatime can be gained on vessels over 24m and less than 200gt or on a vessel of 200gt to 500gt.

If you are looking at your experience and struggling to crest the minimum requirements for the YM Offshore exam then we’d suggest that you either wait and get more experience or go for the YM Coastal exam instead.

Trainee skippers undertaking 60 mile passages are strongly advised to take a Coastal Skipper course first.

What the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence allows you to do?

Skipper a craft of up to 24m with up to 12 passengers up to 60/150 miles from a ‘safe haven’ day or night. (150 miles if undertaking a ENG1 medical lasting 2 years or 60 miles with a ML5 medical lasting 5 years). For those working commercially whilst 24m is referred to as the typical cut-off in fact you can use the Yachtmaster Offshore to work as a “Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt”

Instructor to Student Ratio

Maximum ratio 4 students to 1 Instructor on our craft.

Course Duration

By default we schedule the preparation courses run on our craft for 4 days with the exams starting on day 5 and running into day 6 if there are 3 or more attendees.

Exam Duration

The exam will last approximately 8 to 12 hours for one candidate and 10 to 18 hours for two candidates.

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence is an examination rather than a course and is conducted by a RYA Yachtmaster Examiner. The examination assesses the following areas:

• Ability as a Skipper to command a vessel, undertake comprehensive safety briefings and ensure a happy and safe crew
• Theory – theory needs to be to the standard of RYA Yachtmaster Theory and is assessed accordingly
• Boat handling – close quarter boat handling is assessed and you need to demonstrate a high degree of competence in marina situations and also when dealing with other tasks such as man overboard, handling a craft with one engine down.
• Pilotage and passage planning – you prepare a plan for execution at night and are assessed on the plan and your execution of it

If you satisfy the examiner that you are competent in the above areas then he/she will recommend you as a pass to the RYA. If not it is usually recorded as a fail and you receive a debrief and letter from the RYA detailing where you need to work to improve to help you pass a retake.

Passing this examination allows you to apply for a Commercial Endorsement if you also possess the following:

• RYA Sea Survival (1 day course) ~ or equivalent
• ML5 Medical ~ undertaken by your GP or ENG1 Medical ~ undertaken by a MCA Doctor.
• RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities Course

There is a fee payable to the RYA for the exam and the Commercial Endorsement.

How to achieve the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence

You can simply book an Examination and attend without possessing any RYA theory or practical qualifications (except First aid & VHF) and indeed some do choose this path. The majority of exam attendees will tend though to follow a logical path to the exam to ensure their skills are at the right level thus enhancing their chances of success. This path is typically something like:

Supporting courses

• RYA First Aid (1 day course)
• RYA VHF/Short Range Certificate (1 day or online course)
• RYA Sea Survival (1 day course)
• RYA Radar Course (1 day course)

These are taken in the run up at convenient times. The qualifications of some other bodies are accepted but not all – call/email to discuss.

Theory knowledge

As stated there is a need to ensure that your theory knowledge is at the level of the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course although there is no requirement to hold any qualification to prove this as you will be assessed at the exam. Without question the best way to ensure this has to be simply to undertake the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course, this is a 6 day (40+ hour) course and is certainly a logical and sound investment given your desire to succeed at the Yachtmaster Offshore exam. There are a couple of ways to achieve the required level of knowledge:

• RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course (classroom – 6 days)
• RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course (self study via online learning or correspondence)

We strongly advise, wherever possible, to undertake this in the classroom rather than online as the support of the instructor makes a real difference to the depth of understanding.

• Boat handling

As stated you need to be a very competent boat handler as this will be tested at the exam. No training in the world can beat hands on time at the helm and this is something you need to ensure that you get. It is very obvious to examiners those who are comfortable with the tasks they are given versus those that are really having to work hard at them. Whilst there is no requirement that you undertake any training ahead of the exam we would strongly recommend that you spend time with us on a Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation course. We suggest it is considered for the following reasons:

• It is an excellent work up to the exam itself and either works to give you additional practice and confirmation of your readiness for the exam or highlights those areas that you need to work on to develop.
• The Yachtmaster Instructor running the course will run some elements of the course in exam format ensuring you start to work in the way that best serves you in an exam.

The preparation course lasts 4 days.

What does the course cover?

We call the time we spend with you a course but perhaps it would be better to refer to it as a ‘brush up and polish’. It’s really important to understand that when you come to us you need to be at the level to enter the exam as there simply isn’t time to spend teaching subjects that the examiner may examine you on.

What we mean by this is that your theory knowledge should be at the level as if you have just completed the YM Theory course. If we were to give you all of the YM Theory test papers you should be able to achieve a strong pass. There is no expectation of perfection but equally if we need to teach you again how to do a course to steer then thats going to eat into time we need to invest in other areas. With regards to boat handling then of course you will probably not have handled our boat before but you need to be a really competent boat handler in open water and close quarters, if we asked you to respond to a MOB then we’d expect to see a really good reaction to this, immediate application of the required initial actions and a prompt and effect return to the casualty and recovery. What our instructor would be looking to do is tidy up what you do perhaps flagging the odd point that you have missed but fundamentally you need to be there already.

In terms of night navigation, predictably you need to be very at ease with this and what our focus will be on is further improving what you do and ensuring you are using all of the resources that an examiner would expect you to use in an effective and co-ordinated way.

In summary the prep time is about taking you through the areas that you will be examined on and practicing them so that as you roll into the exam it becomes something you are familiar with and feel reasonably relaxed about. What the time isn’t, as hopefully we have made clear, is a course to teach you lots of things you should already know.

What happens if during the prep week I think I’d be better off doing the YM Coastal?

The prep courses we run combine those preparing for YM Offshore and YM Coastal exams as the prep week is fundamentally the same irrespective of which of the exams you plan on undertaking so switching is no problem at all.

During the days leading up to the exam you can decide, in discussion with our Instructor, whether you wish to go or YM Coastal or YM Offshore. The reality is that there is not really any difference in terms of exam content but at Offshore level the examiner will expect to see a greater degree of ‘polish’ in terms of boat handling, overall competence etc. Of course the entry requirements for the exams are different with the Coastal exam requiring no ‘qualifying passages’ and less mileage.

Why choose Powerboat Training UK for your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation Course and examination?

Our location and teaching facilities ~ Poole Harbour is a truly amazing teaching location – so much so that the RNLI and the Royal Marines base their training operations here. Our classrooms are well resourced, professional, clean and tidy.

Our Instructors ~ We ensure that our instructors are teaching 100% ‘Best Practice’ and have a process whereby we constantly review their sessions to ensure that you get the most productive experience from your time with us. All teach because they love boating and we work with them to constantly ‘upskill’ their qualifications and experience.

Our history ~ We started the school over twenty years ago and have grown a reputation for delivering on our promises. Our clients range from individuals with their own craft to organisations such as Sunseeker, the RNLI and various Police forces and military organisations

We are also very proud to have written the RYA Powerboat Handbook and the RYA Advanced Powerboat Handbook for the RYA.

Our craft ~ Our main training vessel is a Rodman 1250 with twin Volvos using shaft drives. It is fitted with the very latest in Raymarine Cyclone radar and chartplotters. It is a perfect training boat for the motor cruising courses.

What is included in the course price? ~ When you undertake your Yachtmaster Offshore course and examination with us then the price you pay includes all fuel used, free use of waterproofs if required (often charged as an extra). The price includes VAT too – yet another common extra. You will need to pay the RYA exam fee in addition to the course fee.

Does the course price represent good value? ~ remember in life you pretty much get what you pay for. We have great facilities in large marinas offering a great all-round experience. Check out the other relevant pages on this website to see what we mean.

Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Course & Exam - The Course

The Yachtmaster Offshore preparation course runs over four days and focusses on checking that your skills are at the right level and then spends time practicing the core skills and improving them where necessary. Whilst it is called a ‘course’ please think of it as more like ‘polishing’ or ‘brushing up’ your existing skills rather than training you in things that you don’t know.

We run combined Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Coastal preparation courses. At the end of the 4 days you can decide which of the two exams you wish to go for.

The YM Preparation course will be run by a RYA Yachtmaster Instructor who over the four days will aim to cover each of the areas that will be addressed in the exam. The exam looks at your boat handling, your understanding of all aspects of boating and navigation (day and night) and particularly your ability to take command of and manage the vessel and crew.

During the course the Instructor will run sessions to help you to improve all of the tested areas and ensure that you are best placed to pass the exam. Some areas may simply be a refresher whereas others may brush up an area you have got a little rusty on, either way it is really key that you are at the right level for the exam before coming on this course as if there are areas that need material improvement then it is probable that you are not yet at the right level for the examination.

We are always keen to ensure that those that pay for a course are well suited to it and stand the greatest chance of passing so if you are unsure whether you are at the right level then please do not hesitate to call/email to discuss this.

Whilst for almost all candidates we undertake a preparation course, if required, we can simply facilitate the exam and can book the examiner for you, provide the craft and should you wish provide crew to ‘man’ the craft during your exam.

Your instructor will cover the following topics with you during the 4 days:

• General seamanship including maintenance
• Responsibilities as skipper

Meteorology

• Lights & Signals

Additionally we’ll ensure time is spent discussing how the exam is structured and what the expectations of the examiner are likely to be. Your Instructor will structure some sessions as the Examiner will do so to help you get into the way of approaching the exam.

Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Course & Exam - This course is aimed at

The Yachtmaster Offshore Examination appeals to a wide variety of individuals

• Leisure boaters keen to achieve the ultimate qualification available to them yet who have no intention of working commercially
• Those helming larger motor cruisers for corporate entertainment type work.
• Boat operators keen to work in the wind farm or renewables sector helming the support vessels operating out to their operating sites
• Those involved in construction or towing type craft and venturing offshore or on passage around the UK
• Military or Law enforcement operators operating craft and in locations necessitating the YM Offshore qualification
• Those seeking Boatmaster qualifcations can use the YM Offshore as a route to Boatmaster
• Superyacht crew aiming towards Master 200/500/3000 type qualifications

Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Course & Exam - Syllabus

Candidates will be given the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge or competence in many of the areas listed below. In each section the examiner will expect to see the candidate take full responsibility for the management of the vessel and crew.

In Yachtmaster Offshore exams the candidate will be expected to demonstrate competence based on broad experience whereas in the Yachtmaster Coastal exam the candidate will be expected to demonstrate understanding but may not have had the opportunity to practice all aspects of the syllabus under a range of different weather conditions.

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

Questions will be confined to the International Regulations and although candidates must be aware of the existence of Local Regulations, they will not be expected to memorise specific local regulations.

• General rules (1-3)
• Steering and sailing rules (4-19)
• Lights and shapes (20-31)
• Sound and light signals (32-37)
• Signals for vessels fishing in close proximity (Annex II)
• Distress signals (Annex IV)

Candidates will be expected to know what safety equipment should be carried on board a motor vessel, based either on the recommendations in the RYA Boat Safety Handbook (G103), the ISAF Special Regulations or the Codes of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Vessels. In particular, candidates must know the responsibilities of a skipper in relation to:

• The safety briefing
• Safety harnesses
• Lifejackets
• Distress signalling (flares and electronic means)
• Fire prevention and fighting
• Knowledge of rescue procedures.
• Helicopter rescue

Boat Handling

Candidates for RYA Yachtmaster Coastal examinations will be expected to answer questions or demonstrate ability in less complex situations only. Candidates for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore will be expected to answer questions or demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise:

• Coming to and weighing anchor in various conditions of wind and tide
• In all berthing and unberthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide
• Recovery of man overboard and being able to describe the effects of cold water shock and the aftercare requirements of a casualty who has been in the water
• Towing under open sea conditions and in confined areas
• Boat handling in confined areas
• Boat handling in heavy weather
• Helmsmanship
• Use of warps for securing in an alongside berth and for shifting berth or winding

General seamanship, including maintenance

• Properties, use and care of synthetic fibre ropes
• General deck-work at sea and in harbour
• Engine operations and routine checks and troubleshooting

Responsibilities of skipper

• Can skipper a motor cruiser and manage the crew
• Communication with crew
• Delegation of responsibility and watch-keeping organisation
• Preparing vessel for sea and for adverse weather
• Tactics for heavy weather and restricted visibility
• Emergency and distress situations
• Victualling for a cruise and feeding at sea
• Customs procedures
• Standards of behaviour and courtesy
• Charts, navigational publications and sources of navigational information
• Chartwork including position fixing and shaping course to allow for tidal stream and leeway
• Tide and tidal stream calculations
• Buoyage and visual aids to navigation
• Instruments including compasses, logs, echo sounders, radio navaids and chartwork instruments
• Passage planning and navigational tactics
• Pilotage techniques
• Navigational records
• Limits of navigation accuracy and margins of safety
• Lee shore dangers
• Use of electronic navigation aids for passage planning and passage navigation
• Use of waypoints and electronic routing
• General understanding of AIS
• Navigational techniques for reduced visibility
• Definition of terms
• Sources of weather forecasts
• Weather systems and local weather effects
• Interpretation of weather forecasts, barometric trends and visible phenomena
• Ability to make passage planning decisions based on forecast information
• Candidates for Yachtmaster Offshore and Coastal Skipper must hold the Restricted (VHF only) Certificate of Competence in radiotelephony or a higher grade of certificate in radiotelephony.

Yachtmaster Offshore Prep Course & Exam - Book Now

Thank you for your interest in this course.

Hopefully the dates that we have scheduled work well with your availability. If the dates don’t quite work then we are always keen to be as flexible as possible so please contact us and we’ll see what we can do.

We’re always really keen to chat to you when you’re booking a course as whilst we are happy to take bookings through this system for your convenience – nothing beats chatting about boats and courses!

Don’t forget too that if you are an individual or company/organisation booking a few people onto courses then we may be able to schedule dates around you. Equally, for bookings some time in the future we can usually juggle our course dates if what we have scheduled doesn’t quite work for you.

Get in touch

Where to find us...

Powerboat Training UK Ltd, The Slipway, Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

T: 01202 686666 E: [email protected]

Aquasafe Powerboat School, Lymington Yacht Haven, Kings Saltern Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3QD

T: 01590 678809 E: [email protected]

Marine Education, Port of Poole Marina, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ

T: 01202 406066 E: [email protected]

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Register your interest in this course

At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as full. However it may be that we are able to add additional people to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this date is of particular interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

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At the moment it is not possible to book places on this particular course as we have marked it as closed due to it being very close to the course running. However it may be that we are able to add you to this course or to add you to a reserve list in case someone already booked cannot attend. If this is is of interest to you please complete the form below and we will contact you to see what we can do to accommodate you.

Yachtmaster Power - Exam Prep Course

Practice your skills with an experienced instructor to prepare for the Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore exam.

Price £1,650 (inc VAT).  (RYA Exam fee not included in course price)

6 day course (exam starts on 5th day)

Accommodation can be provided onboard

Lunch, snacks and drinks provided

Commercial Endorsement available – Learn more

Free parking at Port Solent Marina

How to book a course

If you would like to book a Yachtmaster Power course with Portsmouth Marine Training you can use the online booking system at the bottom of the page, or feel free to give us a call on 02392 838885 or 07597 311612 and we can take your booking over the phone.

What are the aims of the Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Prep Course?

The Yachtmaster course helps you prepare for the MCA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence in motor cruising. You will practice the skills needed to skipper a motor cruiser or work vessel up to 200 tonnes and take responsibility for the vessel and crew for passages up to 150 miles offshore, day and night. To attain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, candidates must pass a practical examination of their skippering ability. A Yachtmaster should be capable of skippering a yacht on extended offshore passages by day and night.

What will you be learning?

An experienced Yachtmaster Instructor will prepare and polish your skills for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster exam. There will be revision of advanced skippering techniques, navigation and pilotage by day and night, and overall yacht management skills. You will also have time to practice close quarter handling, person overboard recovery and other skills as deemed necessary by the instructor. The exam will be conducted on the 5th and 6th day by an external examiner. The Yachtmaster exam fees are payable prior to the course online to the RYA.

What are the Yachtmaster Coastal Exam prerequisites?

A minimum of 800 miles logged sea time, practical boat handling experience to Day Skipper level, as well as a sound working knowledge of tidal navigation, preferably an RYA Yachtmaster Theory certificate. For further details of requirements, please see the RYA website.

What are the Yachtmaster Offshore Exam prerequisites?

A minimum of 2500 miles logged sea time, including at least 5 passages over 60 nm. You should have practical boat handling experience to Yachtmaster Coastal level, as well as a sound working knowledge of tidal navigation, and preferably an RYA Yachtmaster Theory certificate. For further details of requirements, please see the RYA website

As well as extensive boating experience, you will also need a VHF certificate and First Aid certificate to complete the exam. We would also recommend the RYA Sea Survival course, RYA Radar course and the RYA Yachtmaster Theory course .

Related course materials…

Buy rya yachtmaster handbook at the rya shop here.

Yachtmaster Power Theory and Practical

Combines both RYA Yachtmaster Theory and the practical prep week.The Course price included the £241 exam fee.

£2,460

• Yachtmaster power

Our two-week Yachtmaster Power Theory and Practical is an all-inclusive course combining the Yachtmaster Theory and the practical prep week.

This course is popular with experienced Superyacht Deckhands, crew from the commercial maritime sector, or those with RYA Yachtmaster sail looking to convert to Yachtmaster Power.

The RYA Yachtmaster qualification

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power Certificate of Competence allows the holder to skipper of a motorboat up to 24 meters in length, 150 miles from a safe haven. Add STCW Basic Safety Training , and you have a qualification to skipper a motorboat up to 200GT, which may be more than 24 meters.

Course Overview

Our two-week course starts with RYA Yachtmaster Theory. The advantage of the combined theory and practical course is the navigation is fresh in your memory, and you have all your notes to refer back to. We find that customers help and encourage each other and learn a lot more than if studying at home.

Week two is the practical prep week, with five days of practical training, putting the theory into practice as well as learning how to manage the yacht and its systems, mooring, as well as a whole host of other skills required to be a competent skipper. A day-by-day breakdown of what is covered can be found in the key facts below.

Course prerequisites

Customers joining for RYA Yachtmaster Theory would have completed RYA Day skipper theory before or have equivalent knowledge. We recognise that not all customers sit at a chart table every day, so before you join the course, we will provide some background reading.

You must have the prerequisite miles and experience for the practical prep, which you must document and provide to the examiner before you sit the Yachtmaster Offshore exam. Some essential requirements are:

• Completed 2500 miles in the last ten years.
• Within the 2,500 miles above, you have completed at least five passages (known as qualifying passages) of over 60 miles. You would have been acting as skipper for two of these passages.
• You must hold a valid First Aid certificate.   Please note that if you hold an STCW Elementary First Aid, it must have been issued in the last five years .
• Hold a GMDSS-compliant marine radio license, such as the RYA VHF short-range radio certificate.

We recommend you read our comprehensive guide on the Yachtmaster Offshore and Coastal exam requirements . If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us for further guidance.

The RYA Yachtmaster Exam

The Yachtmaster exam is conducted by an RYA examiner independent of Flying Fish. Your instructor will not be onboard for the duration of the exam. The RYA examiner will look at all areas of the Yachtmaster syllabus and assess each candidate’s practical and navigational skills. Your examiner will complete a report form detailing skills covered during the exam. 

The Yachtmaster exam will take between 24 and 36 hours to complete.

The Solent offers a great training ground with numerous ports, strong tides, and traffic. Training in the Solent will improve your knowledge of skippering a small motorboat. 

Flying Fish is based in Cowes, in the middle of the Solent; therefore, we can operate in almost any weather conditions.

There are a maximum of four customers on week 2, the prep week.

Before you join the course

• You must be 18 years old to sit the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam.
• Have completed a minimum of 2,500 miles before you sit the Yachtmaster offshore exam. At least half the sea time must be in tidal waters on a Motorboat between 7 and 24m in length .

Note: If you have been working on a Superyacht/a vessel over 24m, then at least 1,250 sea miles gained on the larger vessel can be used towards the 2,500 required.

Please click the link below for more details on recording your sea miles, converting from sail to power, and more.

Requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam  

For RYA Yachtmaster’s to work as professional skippers, you must apply for commercial endorsement through the RYA. If you plan to work in the maritime sector, please see our article on how to apply for Commercial endorsement .

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power certificate of competence allows the holder to skipper of a Motorboat up to 24 meters in length, 150 miles from a safe haven.

Add STCW Basic Safety Training , and you have a qualification to skipper motor boats up to 200GT, which may be more than 24 meters.

Not all candidates have the sea time or command experience for the RYA Yachtmaster  Offshore   Certificate .

Candidates with 800 miles logged choose the Yachtmaster  Coastal certificate . Furthermore, some skippers have no intention of going offshore and want to stick to coastal waters.

If you own a motorboat, have no intention of going offshore, and are looking for a qualification that provides confidence, we recommend the Yachtmaster Coastal route.

This course is suitable for RYA Yachtmaster Coastal.

Fish Tales is a Fairline Phantom 40′. She has two Volvo Penta 370 HP diesel engines. She is a shaft-driven boat with a bow and stern thruster to help with maneuvers.

Fish Tales has two 12″ Garmin 8600 series plotters, a 24″ Garmin HD Radar, and an engine and rear-facing camera. All the instruments connect to a TV in the saloon so the entire crew can visualize the navigation exercise.

She is a comfortable, well-equipped boat with heating, a generator, and all the safety equipment you would expect to find on a CAT 2-coded vessel.

If you choose to stay with us, you will stay in one of our self-catering crew houses in Cowes, which are comfortable and centrally located.  There is plenty of space to complete homework and chat through the day with others on the course. Our accommodation is a 5-minute walk from the town and our training centre.

All customers booked onto our Yachtmaster Theory and Practical Prep courses has their own room.

• RYA Yachtmaster theory packs, almanacs, and certification
• All training, fuel, and berthing fees included
• 100 miles logged

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

Tuesday to Friday – cover all aspects of navigation, meteorology, passage planning, pilotage, IRPCS, secondary ports, and tidal navigation exercises.

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

• 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
• Engine checks/safety brief
• Navigational exercises in the Solent
• Picking up mooring buoys
• MOB and recovery
• Night-time navigational exercises
• Marina berthing/confined space boat handling
• Single engine berthing
• Navigational exercises day-time
• Collision regs/quiz/use of radar
• Marina berthing/confined space exercises
• Boat handling exercises/single-engine berthing
• 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.

What our previous customers have to say

What an absolute honour and pleasure it was being a part of Flying Fish family for the 2 weeks I completed with them! From the professional, helpful and attentive staff to fun, laughter and memories.

Staff are amazing and so kind! Great course and great accommodation. Lovely location and an all round great friendly atmosphere.

Book Yachtmaster Power Theory and Practical today!

The Course price included the £241 exam fee.

Would you like to spread the course fees over time? Consider our finance option. For further information, click here .

• Choose an option
• 25th Nov 24

Accommodation 2 weeks

Single room in shared accommodation.

Accommodation is sold out for the dates you have selected, please contact us to discuss your options

Hold your space for 48hrs

Still not sure.

From training to career advise we’ll be happy to sit down and give you the guidance you need!

Have you completed your VHF course?

STCW Elementary First Aid Certificates may need to be refreshed if more than 5 years old

RYA VHF Radio Course

Stcw elementary first aid course.

Call us: +44 (0)1326 211311

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Exam Preparation Training

At Falmouth School of Sailing, we offer exam preparation courses which help you hone your practical skills to prepare for taking the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore examinations.

At this stage, you will have already completed the qualifying miles needed for each qualification, so the focus of our preparation weeks are to make sure that you are confident and fully prepared in each area of the syllabus. Your instructor will work closely with you and your fellow students to ensure that your individual areas of concern and revision are covered.

Our courses are usually run over five days typically beginning at 17.00 on Sunday, with the examination stage starting on Friday afternoon, and finishing on Saturday.

All of Falmouth School of Sailing’s RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore preparation weeks and exams take place in Falmouth, Cornwall. The range of sheltered cruising waters of the Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary provide a perfect training and testing area.

Your practical examination will be taken by an independent local RYA examiner who will test you on boat handling, man overboard procedures, passage planning, crew handling, blind pilotage and knowledge of lights and signals amongst other things.

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore qualifications will unlock the door to bare-boat charter worldwide, provide an entrance into the yacht industry, if commercially endorsed and give you a wealth of experience as a skipper.

Accommodation is provided on board the yacht during the course and lunch will be provided every day throughout the course duration. Evening meals will be provided for all but 1 of the nights. This allows one night for you to dine out with your fellow crew members (this meal will be at your own expense). Dinner is always an important meal after a busy day on the water. We encourage the cooking roles to be shared out equally amongst the boat, making it a team effort. We will always try our best to cater for individual dietary requirements wherever possible, however, at times offerings may be limited due to catering for multiple dietary requirements in a confined space.

Yachtmaster Coastal Pre-Examination Requirements

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

• 30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 12 days at sea on vessels less that 24m LOA, or substituted with 30 days at sea on yachts under 500gt if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held.
• Two days as skipper on a vessel less than 24m LOA.
• 800 miles, which can be reduced to 400 miles on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 800 miles at sea on yachts under 500gt is an RYA Coastal Skipper practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held.
• 12 night hours.

For information on qualifying passages please visit www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/qualifying-passages

Minimum Exam duration: 6-10 hours for one candidate. 8-14 hours for two candidates.

Minimum Age : 17 at the time of exam.

Yachtmaster Offshore Pre-Examination Requirements

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

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• Five days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to three days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• 2,5000 miles on yachts up to 500gt, which may be reduced to 1,250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• Five passages over 60 miles long, which must include two overnight passages and two as skipper, which may be reduced to three passages including one overnight and one as a skipper if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

For information on qualifying passages, please visit: www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/qualifying-passages .

Minimum Exam duration:  8-12hours for one candidate. 10-18 hours for two candidates. No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in one two-day session.

Minimum Age : 18 at the time of exam.

For both the levels of examination, candidates will also need:

• A passport sized photo
• A VHF/DSC certificate
• A recognised First Aid certificate
• The appropriate exam fee payable to the RYA

Costs & Dates

*Exam fee is not included please see fees below.

Duration: 5 Days plus examination (7 days)

From: Sunday 1700 – Sunday 12:00

RYA Exam Fees: 

Yachtmaster Coastal £223

Yachtmaster Offshore £256

2024 Course Dates:

Sunday 7th – Sunday 14th April Sunday 12th – Sunday 19th May Sunday 9th – Sunday 16th June Sunday 4th – Sunday 11th August

Please contact the office to discuss further dates and availability.

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RYA YACHTMASTER THEORY £315

RYA Yachtmaster Theory

Also sometimes knows as "coastal skipper/yachtmaster theory".

An advanced course for experienced skippers studying towards formal certification to command vessels up to 200GRT or to apply for a MCA Master 200 Oral Examination

• 14-day unconditional money-back guarantee
• 25% off for 2 or more bookings
• 12 months access
• 24*7 Instructor Support  (from UK and Thailand)
• Student Pack (2 charts, training almanac & course handbook)
• RYA chart-plotter software
• 15 fully-narrated lessons (not just the animations) including including realistic 3D graphics and embedded quizzes with instant feedback
• 15 self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers
• 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
• Downloadable US Chart 1 (5011 equivalent) + 48 other downloadable or linked resources 
• Radar & AIS Training
• Mock Exams with automatic feedback
• 4 Final Online Exams with detailed instructor feedback and unlimited attempts. You can arrange your own invigilator. See  exam guidance  for more information.
• Unlimited free exam resits
• RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course Completion Certificate to support your practical course, professional qualification or MCA Master 200 Oral Exam
• Download lessons to run offline on iPads, iPhones and Android Devices
• 2 Years further access to training materials once you’ve completed the course
• UK Delivery by First Class Post. Worldwide delivery by DHL Express (+£20)
• Top quality Portland Plotter and brass chart dividers, £28
• Additional 6 months, £50 or 12 months, £80

RYA Yachtmaster Theory Syllabus

• 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

25%+ off for multiple bookings

Studying with friends or family is fun and tends to get better results

Order 2 or more courses and get a whopping 25% off every course. Not everybody has to study the same course.

otherwise complete this form to register

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Yachtmaster Power Theory, Practical and Exam

£2,200  GBP

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.

What is a Yachtmaster certificate of competence?

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power certificate of competence allows the holder to skipper of a Motor Yacht, up to 24 meters in length, 150 miles from a safe haven. Add STCW Basic Safety Training and you have a qualification to skipper Motor boats up to 200GT, which may be more than 24 meters in length.

There are two routes through to the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

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 prerequisites section below.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal

Not all candidates have the sea time or command experience for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. Candidates with 800 miles logged choose the Yachtmaster Coastal certificate. Furthermore, some skippers have no intention of going offshore and want to stick to coastal waters.

If you own your own Motorboat and are looking for a qualification that provides confidence then we recommend the Yachtmaster Coastal route

Where to stay

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

• RYA Yachtmaster theory packs, almanacs, and certification
• All training, fuel, and berthing fees included
• 100 miles logged
• £224 Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal exam fee is not included.

Entry Requirements

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.

For a more comprehensive look at what certificates, sea time and skippered passages are required then take a look at: https://www.flyingfishonline.com/useful-stuff/rya-yachtmaster-offshore-requirements/

This course is available on the following days: (please check the availability with the training school)

• 29 April 2024
• 13 May 2024
• 27 May 2024
• 17 June 2024
• 15 July 2024
• 12 August 2024
• 09 September 2024
• 23 September 2024
• 14 October 2024
• 28 October 2024
• 11 November 2024
• 25 November 2024

Flying Fish UK

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124 High Street Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7AY United Kingdom

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Fast Track Yachtmaster Professional Sail Training Course

The Hamble School of Yachting fast track Professional Sail Training (PST) course is designed to progress an inexperienced sailor to a fully qualified professional standard.

Hamble School of Yachting follows the globally recognised RYA certification programme that takes students to commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore level - the gold standard in sailing qualifications. The PST course is also a great option for anyone looking for a life-changing experience; either following retirement, during a gap year, sabbatical or taking leisure sailing to the next level.

PST Brochure

Why Hamble?

SETTING QUALITY FOUNDATIONS

Whether you’re looking to embark on a career in the sailing industry, taking a break from work or looking for a new challenge of long-distance sailing in retirement, it is important to set solid foundations for your journey ahead.

Hamble School of Yachting has a reputation in the industry for the high quality of sailors that come from its courses which provides a valuable head-start when seeking employment.

HIGH CALIBRE INSTRUCTORS Hamble School of Yachting employs only the best teaching staff. All instructors are hand-picked for their ability to communicate, their knowledge and sense of humour! Instructors receive ongoing professional development from the Hamble School of Yachting via a programme delivered by the Chief Instructor. Very few schools adopt this policy.

STRICT INTAKE LIMIT Hamble School of Yachting can offer a choice of different yachts on which to sail and a dedicated teaching block equipped with the latest computer and audio visual technology.

Numbers of students on the PST course are strictly limited to an absolute maximum of ten on each intake. This allows incredibly high quality supervision and monitoring of training and enables students to get much more out of that vital contact time with each instructor.

THE VERY BEST PROGRAMME The programme is purposefully organised in such a way that each week has a clear and dedicated set of goals.

Students are debriefed after each task, and at the end of each week, by the instructor and

Chief Instructor. This enables the school to identify student strengths and weaknesses at a very early stage and ensure a personal action plan is put into place to build up skills accordingly.

AN ALL-ROUND EDUCATION Hamble School of Yachting does not try to enrol its students on a ticket collecting exercise for a bewildering array of different courses. This course is focused and carefully designed to turn out high quality sailors with a good degree of all-round seamanship skills.

The school believes there is no substitute for hands on experience and students spend 72 days of the total 98 days tuition at sea learning the skills of their trade. The weeks spent on practical sailing are carefully divided between skipper development and mileage building to destinations in the English Channel, and “drills and skills” weeks closer to home.

THE HAMBLE TOUCHES Hamble School of Yachting is so committed to delivering the best possible experience that it invites prospective PST students to join the team for a weekend of sailing, free of charge. This gives the opportunity for students to meet school’s friendly faces, see how the school operates and chat to the brilliant instructors about their ambitions. It also allows the team to ensure the course is right for the student. For those with more experience it might be suitable to start at module two or three and this will be assessed over the weekend.

Course Dates

For more details about the course and the options open to you, please download a PDF copy of our PST brochure. If you have problems downloading the brochure or would prefer a hard copy please feel free to call us.

If you would like any help at all or would like to discuss the possibilities further, please call Chris Rushton or any of the friendly team here at Hamble School of Yachting with any questions you might have. We would welcome you to the school at anytime to give you a chance to look around and enable us to discuss your requirements further. We all look forward to meeting you.

[email protected]

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RYA Online Courses

Rya yachtmaster online course.

£ 315.00

Description

The RYA Yachtmaster online theory course is an advanced  course that builds on the knowledge gained on the shorebased Day Skipper course. The course is aimed at sailors and motor boaters who are looking to undertake more complex passages, perhaps offshore or at night. This course is a must for those looking to work towards taking the RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

The RYA Online Yachtmaster course costs £315.00 and includes the RYA Course pack which contains: 2 Full size Training charts, a Training Almanac and Shorbased notes that will act as an Aide-mémoire throught the online course

***NEW***  When you purchase this course you will also gain full access to our new Online  Diesel Engine  course.

The Yachtmaster online course is an intensive programme covering advanced navigation techniques. It includes position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, secondary port calculations, navigation in restricted visibility, Admiralty publications and electronic position finding equipment.

The meteorology tuition within the course includes the taking and interpretation of forecasts, plotting of weather systems and weather prediction. Students are shown how to use this information when planning and executing passage plans. The International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea are dealt with in detail and you will also learn more about yacht stability and safety offshore.

Students will need to have a valid RYA Day Skipper theory certificate or equivalent and have thoroughly revised the Collision Regulations before taking the course.

YACHTMASTER QUALIFICATION WITH AN RYA APPROVED COURSE

The animated lessons are not matched in any other Yachtmaster online course. They are designed to make learning interesting and questions easy.

Assessment methods within the courses ensure student training is  E valuated,  V alidated and  R ecorded.

The majority of Yachtmaster Online courses are mainly narrated videos and slideshows and to be honest, you may as well buy a book.

Our Yachtmaster online courses are fully animated lessons with an optional voice over so you get the best of everything.

Click here for a  Free Trial

You will receive RYA Certification on satisfactory completion of the course.

The RYA Yachtmaster online course is provided by Navathome, a RYA Recognised Training Centre specialising in online training, and includes: a course pack consisting of training charts, exercises pack, Yachtmaster shorebased booklet,  and your certificate, which is normally priced at £40.00. Plus, a Training Almanac normally priced at £7.49 (Day Skipper/Yachtmaster).

By clicking a payment button you are agreeing to Navathome’s terms and conditions available  here .

To Purchase your course just click your preferred payment method below.

The RYA Online Yachtmaster course normally costs £315

YACHTMASTER ONLINE COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:

• 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 and by observation
• collision regulations
• customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

There is a six-month initial access period to the online theory course. In the unlikely event that you will need an extension, there is an option to extend as many times as you like until you pass your assessment. The cost of administrating each 6-month extension, beyond the initial 6 months, is £30.

This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate.

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.

As with the Day Skipper shorebased course, the RYA’s specially designed chart plotter software will be used during the course to give you a realistic taste of modern electronic navigation.

Those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course.

1. Position

• Dead reckoning and estimated position
• Satellite-derived position
• Use of waypoints to fix position
• Radar fixes
• Techniques of visual fixing
• Fixes using a mixture of position lines
• Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing
• Area of uncertainty

2. The magnetic compass

• Allowance for variation
• Change of variation with time and position
• Causes of deviation
• Swing for deviation (but not correction)
• Allowance for deviation
• Different types of compass
• Causes of tide – Springs and Neaps
• Tide tables – sources
• Tidal levels and datum
• Standard and secondary ports
• Tide anomalies (Solent, etc.)

4. Tidal Streams

• Sources of tidal information
• Tidal stream information in sailing directions and Yachtsmen’s Almanacs
• Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer
• Tide rips, overfalls and races
• Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.
• IALA system buoyage in Region A
• Limitations of buoys as navigational aids
• Characteristics
• Ranges – visual, luminous and nominal
• Rising and dipping distances
• Light lists

7. Pilotage

• Harbour regulations and control signals
• Methods of pre-planning
• Clearing lines
• Use of soundings
• Transits and leading lines

8. GPS and chart plotters

• Principles of operation and limitations of use
• Raster and vector charts
• Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source and keeping a separate record of position
• Importance of paper charts

9. Echo sounders

10. logs (speed and distance measuring).

• Principles of operation limitations of use

11. Deck log

• Importance of log as yacht’s official document
• Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries

12. Meteorology

• Basic terms, the Beaufort scale b. Air masses c. Cloud types d. Weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems e. Sources of weather forecasts f. Ability to interpret a shipping forecast, weatherfax and weather satellite information g. Land and sea breezes h. Sea fog i. Use of barometer as a forecasting aid

13. Rules of the Road

• A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, except Annexes 1 and 3

14. Safety at Sea

• Personal safety, use of lifejackets, safety harnesses and lifelines
• Fire prevention and fire fighting
• Distress signals
• Coastguard and Boat Safety Scheme
• Preparation for heavy weather
• Liferafts and helicopter rescue
• Understanding of capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability

15. Navigation in restricted visibility

• Precautions to be taken in fog
• Limitations to safe navigation imposed by fog
• Navigation in poor visibility

16. Passage planning

• Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and making, and use at sea
• Customs regulations as they apply to yachts
• Routine for navigating in coastal waters
• Strategy for course laying
• Use of waypoints and routes
• Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy
• Sources of local and national regulations

Packs will be delivered for free to destinations within most of the mainland United Kingdom.

We cannot deliver to a PO Box address. A physical address will be required in all circumstances.

A valid contact telephone number for the student will also need to be provided at the time of making the booking.

Packs to Russia must go to a Business address.

Sailtrain will not accept responsibility for Packs sent to Marinas, or C/O addresses. If the pack goes missing after it has been signed for, replacement packs will only be provided at the students expense.

Details of any special delivery requirements should be provided in the notes section of your Booking form.

The shipment of packs to the following countries not shown above will incur the below indicated additional charge:

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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.”

Get free careers advice

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#SeaChangeStories

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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Need help finding the right course for you?

Speak to an advisor on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email us

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam

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

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

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

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

Boats used for exams

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

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

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

Before you book your exam please check that you:

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

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

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

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

Useful links

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

• Certificates of Competence
• Yachtmaster conversions

Converting between sail and power

Holders of the RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence in a particular discipline (sail or power) are eligible for a “discount” in terms of the mileage and sea time that is required for the exam in the other discipline.

The exam that will be undertaken by the candidate is a full exam, however the fact that the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence in one discipline, means that we can accepted a reduced amount of mileage and sea time in the discipline for which they will now be examined.

The seatime shown below must be in the discipline in which you are to be examined (sail or power). All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

Yachtmaster Coastal

• Minimum of 400 miles
• 12 days living on board
• 2 days as skipper
• 12 night hours

Yachtmaster Offshore

• Minimum of 1250 miles
• 25 days living on board
• 3 days as skipper
• 3 passages over 60 miles including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper

It is essential that candidates for any exam be fully conversant with the entire syllabus relating to the relevant type of vessel (sail or motor) and that they have adequate experience to be confident in the capacity of skipper of that type of craft. 

Note: As of 1st July 2021 shortened conversion exams from sail to power and power to sail are no longer available.