Course and qualification

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Exam

AdvancedAfloat

About this course

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is tailored for those planning long-distance offshore passages. It delves into celestial navigation, advanced passage planning, and worldwide meteorology. This shore-based course is perfect for aspiring Yachtmasters and experienced sailors looking to expand their knowledge.

Prerequisites

Course knowledge and logged experience required

Documented sea time in the last 10 years, gained on sailing yachts appropriate to the exam: 50 days at sea, 5 days as skipper on vessels under 24m, 2,500 miles, and 5 passages over 60 miles including 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper. At least half the qualifying sea time should be in tidal waters and on vessels under 24m.

Alternative route: If the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power Certificate of Competence: 25 days at sea, 3 days as skipper, 1,250 miles, and 3 passages over 60 miles including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper.

Required certificates and documents

  • GMDSS-compliant Marine Radio Operator certificate such as RYA SRC or higher
  • Valid RYA First Aid certificate or accepted equivalent
  • Photographic identification
Sea miles
2,500 miles
Days at sea
50 days
Days as skipper
5 days
Qualifying passages
5

Check the official RYA prerequisite information (opens in a new tab)

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 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.

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    RYA First Aid Course

    RYA schemes:Inland WaterwaysMotor CruisingPersonal WatercraftPowerboatRYASail CruisingShorebasedSmall Boat Sailing

    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…

    No RYA minimum ageProviders may set their own age rules, especially for under-18s.
    Level:BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
    Format:Classroom
    Setting:Shorebased
    View course

Training providers

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