RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
Prep Week and Exam

• Salty HQ, Cowes (A short walk from transport links)

• Town Quay Marina, Southampton

• 7 Days

Documented minimum sea time1 completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt2 which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence3;

• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 3 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence3;

• 2500 miles on yachts up to 500gt2, which may be reduced to 1250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence3;

• 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper, which may be reduced to 3 passages  including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence3.

See: Information on qualifying passages

1 At least half the qualifying sea time should be gained in tidal waters and on vessels less than 24m LOA, and all seatime must be on vessels of the same discipline as the exam to be taken, i.e. sail or power.

2 Contact training@rya.org.uk if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt.

3 For example, an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail wishing to be examined for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power.

​

• A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator's Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.

• An RYA First Aid Certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website.

• RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate (either Sail or Power, as appropriate) ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time detailed above.

• Photographic ID card or document, such as passport or driving license

• Passage planning

• Preparation for sea

• Pilotage

• Passage making

• Ability as skipper

• Yacht handling under power

• Yacht handling under sail

• Adverse weather conditions

• Emergency situations

• RYA Instructor

• Shared accommodation on board (only same gender cabin sharing) 

• If you do not wish to stay on board please let us know and we can advise you on whether or not we will likely be returning to Cowes

• Food when on board

• Safety equipment, including lifejackets

• Home berthing fees 

• Boat running costs

• Able to skipper a yacht on offshore passages by day and night

• Exam fees (Exam fees are pade payable to the RYA, circa £225)

• Dinner when ashore

• Clothing - Wet weather gear can be hired for £30 for the week 

• Travel 

• Personal Insurance

• Berthing fees when away from home berth

• The Yachtmaster Coastal certificate does not expire

• The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal qualification can be used to obtain an Commercial Endorsement by sending the certificate to the RYA with an application form. Contact for details.

• https://www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/yachtmaster-offshore

• For more information please do not hesitate to contact us

• See dates below

• If you do not see a date that suits you just get in touch as we will do our best to accommodate you