RYA Yachtmaster Power Coastal/Offshore Prep.

Each and every preparation course that we run will differ as we coach you to your full potential. Your instructor will dissect your current skillset and coach you to improve and polish these skills ready for your Certificate of Competence (CoC) exam.

Your instructor will develop your knowledge in the key subject areas such as boat handling and use of engines, pilotage, passage planning and passage making, use of radar, meteorology, collision regulations (IRPCS), tides, and distress at sea.

The Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Prep course runs over 4 days plus 1 day for the exam, typically starting on a Monday. During this time your instructor will be preparing and practicing exam theory and skills, before the examiner boards the vessel on the Friday morning.

In preparation for your exam, you will be asked to appraise and plan a longer distance passage (which you will not be required to execute). Your examiner will expect you to explain your plan, considering the route, hazards, tidal gates to name a few. Time during the course will be spent on developing this but some study in your own time will be required.

 

Please note that this course is non-residential.

 

Included:

• 4 days use of our vessel

• Diesel and berthing fees

• Use of a lifejacket for the course

What to bring:

• All the usual skippering equipment (pencils, erasers, notepads etc)

• Wet weather gear - we have a limited supply available.

• Any medication

• Passport photo

• Copy of Certificates/Logbook.

 

Exam Requirements

 

The exam fee is not included in the course fee, this can either be paid directly to the RYA via their online exam payment system or you can choose to add the exam fee to your basket when you register for the course.

 

Required Certificates

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

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

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

 

 

Documented minimum sea time(1) completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years: 

Coastal

• 30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 12 days at sea on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 30 days at sea on yachts under 500gt(2) if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence in another discipline is held(3); 

• 2 days as skipper on a vessel less than 24m LOA; 

• 800 miles, which may be reduced to 400 miles on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 800 miles at sea on yachts under 500gt(2) if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence in another discipline is held(3);

 

Offshore

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt(2) which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence(3) in another discipline.  

• 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 Competence(3); 

• 2500 miles on yachts up to 500gt(2), which may be reduced to 1250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence(3); 

• 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 Competence(3). 

 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 

 

Minimum Exam Duration: 8-12 hours for 1 candidate, 10-18 hours for 2 candidates. No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in a 2 day session.

 

Minimum Age: 18 at the time of the exam