The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, when commercially endorsed is an MCA approved 200 ton Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence. It is the generally accepted entry level professional yachting certificate around the world.

There is no formal training course leading up to the Yachtmaster exam, the Yachtmaster exam is an evaluation of competence. However those with the required seatime and pre requisites, who have not previously taken RYA courses will find it useful to complete a “prep’ week prior to the exam.

Throughout the year we will be offering 5 day prep weeks followed by a Yachtmaster Exam exam, for those with suitable seatime.

Upcoming Course Dates:

March 19th – 23rd / YM Exam March 24th – 25th 2012 2 Spaces

May 30th – June 3st / YM Exam June 4th – 5th 2012

To attain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore candidates you must pass a practical examination of skippering ability. A Yachtmaster is capable of skippering a yacht on extended offshore passages by day or night. You will essentially be a much more experienced Coastal Skipper and can do the same things more smoothly, for longer periods and in more arduous conditions.

Early in the week we will assess your strengths and weaknesses and coach you in the areas required to pass the examination however these are generally the areas that applicants need improving;

Man overboard techniques
Passage planning
Close quarters handling
Skippering techniques
Navigation in restricted visibility
Pilotage
IRPCS

You will be debriefed as the week progresses and ensure that you get time to work on those weaker areas. Before joining the course, you should have the pre-requisite sea-time, navigation theory to the RYA Yachtmaster-Coastal Theory level and a full knowledge of the Collision Regulations.

Further information on “How to pass your Yachtmaster Exam”

Further information on Booking your Yachtmaster Exam

1. SEA-TIME - 50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying sea-time must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

Please be advised this is an absolute minimum requirement.

2. VHF – ROC (M) with DSC

3. Valid First Aid and CPR qualification – CPR within one year

The following are not pre-requisites but are additional requirements should you wish to have your certificate commercially endorsed:

1. Transport Canada Medical Certificate

A list of Designated Marine Medical Examiners in Canada

2. Sea Survival Course – The recommended minimum level of safety training is the MED A1/A2.  However to ensure recognition internationally we recommend you take the STCW 95 Safety Training, offered at most marine training institutions across Canada.

Our standard booking policies apply to all customers: Booking Policy