10 days of Theory & Sailing Prep + Exam
The Yachtmaster Offshore Intensive prepares experienced sailors for the Yachtmaster Offshore Exam. This preparation course is held over a period of 10 consecutive days, to cover the entire Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Theory and practical syllabus.
During the course we review your existing sailing experience while developing additional skills to manage the vessel using RYA principles and practices to the appropriate level of competence. Areas covered include but are not limited to: sailing of the vessel in different weather conditions, Man Over Board exercises, safety and emergency procedures, leadership and management of the crew, provisioning, navigation exercises such as blind navigation and passage planning, a review of the functioning of the diesel engine, and other situations one might encounter as a skipper.
As a combined course we constantly review theoretical concepts such the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea, communications, navigation and terminology.
The practical element of the course is limited to a maximum of 4 students on board per each instructor – both for safety and to allow more time for exercises and manoeuvres and personalized attention from the instructor for each student. This course, as all RYA courses, is held in English.
The theory course will be held from Monday 24 February at 9:00am to Saturday 29 February at 5:00pm.
After the 6 day theory period, there will be a 4 day intensive practical commencing the evening of Sunday 1 March until midday Friday 6 March. This is then followed by the practical Yachtmaster Offshore Exam over the weekend of 6-9 March we will have arranged with the external RYA Examiner. For details on the exam, see below.
The exams are held at sea and last a minimum of 8-12 hours per Yachtmaster Offshorecandidate with a maximum of 4 candidates over two days. The exams verify the competence, skills and experience of the candidate, the ability of the candidate to truly skipper the vessel in varied situations, as well as general knowledge and specific knowledge such as meteorology and IRPCS. Yachtmaster Offshore and Coastal Exams are held in English.
The RYA examiner usually will request a complete passage plan to be prepared by the candidate, which will be presented and explained during the exam. The data and details of the passage plan are communicated to the candidate prior to the exam, usually the week prior to the exam.
The RYA examiner will verify the candidate’s forms, logbook and certificates, and collect payment for the exam fees – £210 for Yachtmaster Offshore Exam. These payments are made directly to the RYA via the examiner the day of the test, via debit or credit card, POS, or proof of wire transfer.
The list price for the Yachtmaster Offshore Practical course and Exam includes: 10 days on board in shared accommodations, provisioning for the first day on board and breakfasts (see details depending on the course), planned mooring fees, fuel, RYA certified instructor, all safety gear, access to all relevant teaching materials, certificates. The price also includes the use of the vessel during the exam, and the presence of the RYA examiner.
Prerequisites for the Yachtmaster Offshore Exam:
- 2,500 Nautical Miles of which 1,250 in tidal waters
- 5 passages of more than 60 miles of which 2 as skipper
- 2 nighttime passages
- 50 days at sea
- SRC/VHF Radio Certification-
- First Aid Certification within the last two years