Yachtmaster Offshore - 5 Day Prep/Exam (RYA, USCG or other)

Previous experience required: 50 days sea time, 2500 miles, including 5 passages over 60 miles (2 as skipper) and including 2 of which have been over night passages. VHF radio operators licence and a recognised first aid certificate.

To attain the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence candidates must pass a practical examination of the skippering ability. A Yachtmaster is capable of skippering a yacht on longer offshore passages, they are more experienced than Coastal Skippers and can carry out the same things more smoothly and can perform at a high level in arduous conditions.

The 5 days prior to the exam is run along the same lines as the Coastal Skipper preparation. Your instructor will asses your skills and address any areas over weakness. A high level of boat handling under various conditions of wind and tide is required. Navigation skills should be at the level of Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper theory and a thorough knowledge of collision regulations is expected. Your instructor will tailor the course to suit your individual needs in order to prepare you for when the examiner steps on board.

During the exam you will be asked to skipper the yacht during a passage and carry out various demonstrations of your skippering and sailing ability.