RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory

This advanced course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage. This course involves astro-navigation, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids – it also includes time learning the practical application of a sextant.

Note: If you are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, completion of this shore-based course exempts you from the written exam.

Pre-course requirements

Age: 18 years

Hold a DoT Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate issued prior to 1973 or an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. An RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Certificate does not qualify.

A restricted (VHF only) Radio Operators Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate. A valid first aid certificate - click here for a list of acceptable first aid certificates

Ocean passage as skipper or mate of watch

The candidate must have been fully involved in the planning of the passage, including selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, storing spare gear, water and victuals and organising the watch-keeping routine

During the passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land while sailing a distance of at least 200 miles

All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam

Recommended reading

RYA Astro Navigation Handbook

Bring with you on the day

Sextant (these can be provided if you do not have one. We also sell the excellent Davis Mk15 sextant from stock)

Notepad and lined or graph paper

Course Details

Duration: 5 or 7 days (five days of shore-based theory training and an optional 1 or 2 days at sea taking sights)

Course start and finish time: 09.30 to 17.00

Location: Classroom at Calle de Sant Magi 74, Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca 07013

Course syllabus

The earth and the celestial sphere

Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea

Meridian altitudes

Sun, star and other sights

Ocean passage planning

Learn to use a sextant

Examination process

The Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate is awarded on successful completion of the examination

Cost: €695

Cost includes student pack, plotting equipment, course certificate and refreshments

Deposit: 50% (secures place but can be changed to another date)

Post Course

Following the successful completion of this course, and the submission of a sun-run-sun sight, compass check and details of your qualifying passage, you will be eligible to book an oral exam with an Ocean examiner to become qualified to skipper a yacht worldwide.