Course and qualification

Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory

RYA schemes:Motor Cruising Shorebased Powerboat

Level:IntermediateAdvanced

Format:ClassroomOnline

Setting:Shorebased

About this course

The RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course is an advanced shore-based program for experienced sailors. Topics include complex navigation, advanced meteorology, and passage planning in tidal waters. Participants also learn about collision regulations and safety protocols for offshore passages. This course is essential for those preparing for the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

Course fundamentals

Minimum age	None (contact individual centres for under 16s).
Duration	40 hours plus exam time
Course content	Some revision of the Day Skipper shorebased course plus more advanced skills in offshore & coastal navigation by day & night, pilotage & meteorology. 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, and weather predictions using a barometer.
Certificate or qualification	Three assessment papers are taken as part of the course with a pass mark criteria for each one.

Prerequisites

Knowledge or skills to a stated level

Knowledge to the level of Day Skipper Shorebased.

Recommended course progression

Starting from the beginning

We have not assessed your existing qualifications, knowledge or experience yet, so every step is shown as still to do.

View your course roadmap4 steps · Starts from the beginning

Follow these courses in order to build the course knowledge or certificates described above.

Once you tell us what you already know or hold, we can recognise equivalent knowledge or skills and adjust this route.

Step 1 · To do
RYA Start Yachting Course
RYA schemes:RYA Sail Cruising
RYA Start Yachting Course
This practical course is a great way to get a feel for sailing and will teach you the fundamentals of how to steer a yacht under power, raise the sails,…
No RYA minimum ageRecommended age8 and overProviders may set their own age rules, especially for under-18s.
Level:Beginner
Setting:Afloat
View course
Step 2 · To do
RYA Competent Crew Practical Course
RYA schemes:RYA Sail Cruising
RYA Competent Crew Practical Course
RYA Competent Crew is the essential starting point for your RYA training. The course introduces absolute beginners to the delights of sailing aboard a cruising yacht. Making it ideal for…
No RYA minimum ageRecommended age12 and overProviders may set their own age rules, especially for under-18s.
Level:Beginner
Setting:Afloat
View course
Step 3 · To do
RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
RYA schemes:Motor Cruising Shorebased Powerboat RYA Sail Cruising
RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
RYA Day Skipper Theory is a theory-based course aimed at prospective yacht skippers and inexperienced crew looking to boost their knowledge and skillset. The course itself offers a comprehensive introduction…
No RYA minimum ageProviders may set their own age rules, especially for under-18s.
Level:BeginnerIntermediate
Format:ClassroomOnline
Setting:Shorebased
View course
Step 4 · To do
RYA Day Skipper Practical Sailing course
RYA schemes:RYA Sail Cruising
RYA Day Skipper Practical Sailing course
Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be able to safely take charge of a 30-45ft sail cruising yacht and its crew on day trips in familiar waters. The Day Skipper…
Minimum age16 and over
Level:Intermediate
Setting:Afloat
View course