
Course and qualification
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor Exam
About this course
The Youth Sailing Scheme – Start Sailing Stage 2 builds on the basics introduced in Stage 1. Young sailors refine their steering and sail control skills and learn to handle a dinghy in slightly more challenging conditions. The course emphasizes safety, confidence, and independence, making it a fun and educational next step for budding sailors.
Prerequisites
Course knowledge and logged experience required
Documented sea time in the last 10 years, gained on motor yachts appropriate to the exam: 30 days at sea on a vessel under 24m, 2 days as skipper on a vessel under 24m, 800 miles, and 12 night hours. At least half the qualifying sea time should be in tidal waters.
Alternative route: With an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Motor course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail Certificate of Competence: 12 days at sea and 400 miles on vessels under 24m, or the published substitution on yachts under 500gt.
Required certificates and documents
- GMDSS-compliant Marine Radio Operator certificate such as RYA SRC or higher
- Valid RYA First Aid certificate or accepted equivalent
- Coastal Skipper Practical certificate only when claiming reduced sea time
- Photographic identification
- Sea miles
- 800 miles
- Days at sea
- 30 days
- Night hours
- 12 hours
- Days as skipper
- 2 days
Check the official RYA prerequisite information (opens in a new tab)
Recommended course progression
We have not assessed your existing qualifications, knowledge or experience yet, so every step is shown as still to do.
View your course roadmap8 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.
Logged experience, sea time and required documents are assessed separately and are not completed by taking these courses alone.
- Step 1 · To doBeginnerAfloat
RYA Start Motor Cruising
You’ll cover personal safety and seamanship, how to deal with emergency situations, coming alongside, picking up a mooring and basic boat handling. And with children as young as eight-years-old able…
Minimum age: 8View course - Step 2 · To doBeginnerIntermediateAfloat
RYA Helmsman Practical Course
This two-day course covers basic boat handling, helmsmanship, safety and basic engine maintenance. It aims to teach boat handling & safety within a defined area. It is specific to the…
Minimum age: 12View course - Step 3 · To doBeginnerIntermediateClassroomOnline
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…
NoneView course - Step 4 · To doIntermediateAfloat
RYA Day Skipper Practical Motor Cruising
This four-day course gives you the chance to take charge on short passages under instruction. You will concentrate on pilotage boat handling seamanship and navigation. This course can also help…
Minimum age: 16View course - Step 5 · To doIntermediateAdvancedClassroomOnline
Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
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…
View course - Step 6 · To doAdvancedAfloat
RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Motor Cruising Course
This course aims to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a motor cruiser of at least 7m LOA safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night.…
Minimum age: 17View course - Step 7 · To doBeginnerIntermediateAdvancedClassroomOnline
RYA Marine Radio SRC Course and Exam
If you have a VHF radio onboard your boat, or even carry a handheld VHF whilst kayaking or paddle-boarding, you need to hold an operator’s licence. A radio is an…
Minimum age: 16View course - Step 8 · To doBeginnerIntermediateAdvancedClassroom
RYA First Aid Course
Accidents happen when you least expect them. Thankfully serious incidents onboard are rare but getting to grips with basic first aid will ensure that everyone’s in good hands. Administering first…
NoneView course
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