Yachtmaster Offshore (Full Package, RYA, USCG or other)

What is the RYA Yachtmaster Exam Preparation Package?

This intensive two-week course is designed for experienced skippers who already meet all the prerequisites required for the Yachtmaster exam (see below).

It’s important to understand that within the RYA Sail and Motor Cruising scheme, there is no standalone Yachtmaster course. Instead, we offer a Yachtmaster Exam Preparation Package that combines theory and practical training, ensuring you are fully prepared for the RYA Yachtmaster examination.

Who Should Take This Course?

? Competent Skippers – You should already be comfortable handling a yacht under sail or power in close-quarter situations and at sea.

? Advanced Navigation Knowledge – Your understanding should be at least, at the level of the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course, and you should have applied this in day and night passages.

? Meeting the Minimum Sea Time & Experience Requirements – You must already have the prerequisite sea miles and experience before booking the course (see below).

This two-week training programme will refine your skills, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and prepare you for the exam under the guidance of our experienced instructors.

Yachtmaster Exam Eligibility Criteria

To take the Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore exam, you must meet the following experience requirements:

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam Prerequisites

???? 30 days at sea

???? 800 miles logged on vessels under 24m LOA

???? 2 days as skipper on vessels under 24m LOA

???? 12 night hours

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam Prerequisites

???? 50 days at sea

???? 2,500 miles logged on yachts up to 500 GT

???? 5 passages over 60 miles, including:

• 2 overnight passages
• 2 as skipper
• ???? 5 days as skipper on vessels under 24m LOA

Additional Requirements for Both Exams

???? At least 50% of sea time must be gained in tidal waters

???? All qualifying sea time must have been gained within the last 10 years

???? All logged sea time must be on the same type of vessel as the exam you are taking (i.e., Sail or Power)

?? If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be permitted to take the exam. You will be required you to fill out a sea miles log, which must be submitted before the exam.

Course Structure & Schedule

???? Week 1 – Theory Training (6 Days)

• Takes place in our training centre
• Runs Monday to Saturday, starting at 08:30 each day
• Covers essential navigation, meteorology, and passage planning

? Week 2 – Practical Training (5 Days)

• Takes place onboard our training yacht
• Runs Monday to Friday (sometimes Sunday to Thursday)
• Focuses on boat handling, skippering techniques, and preparation for the practical exam

???? Exam Schedule:

• The practical exam will take place on Friday or Saturday (depending on the examiner’s availability and weather conditions).
• The exam can extend through to Monday, so do not book onward travel until you’ve spoken with us for final exam timings.

What’s Included in the Course Fee?

? 6-day Yachtmaster Theory Course (Includes course notes & materials)

? 5-day Yachtmaster Practical Preparation Training

? Use of the training yacht during the exam

? Fuel for the duration of the course and exam

Additional Costs (Not Included in Course Fee)

???? Exam Fees (Paid directly to the RYA):

• Yachtmaster Offshore: £256
• Yachtmaster Coastal: £221

? Examiner Expenses: Typically €150-€200 per student

???? Accommodation: Not included, but we are centrally located in Palma with plenty of nearby options

Additional Certification Requirements

You Will Also Need:

? Valid First Aid Certificate

? VHF/SRC Certificate

???? If you don’t have these, we can incorporate them into your package – please ask!

Commercial Endorsement (Optional)

If you plan to work on British-flagged commercial vessels, you will need a Commercial Endorsement in addition to your Yachtmaster certificate.

To obtain a Commercial Endorsement, you must complete:

1?? ENG1 or ML5 Medical Certificate

2?? STCW or RYA Sea Survival Certificate

3?? RYA Online PPR (Professional Practices & Responsibilities) Course

Once these are completed, you can apply for your Commercial Endorsement through the RYA. Processing takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Important Notice

???? Do NOT book this course if you do not meet the required sea time and experience.

???? The examiner will not allow you to take the exam if you do not meet the prerequisites.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact us before booking to confirm your suitability for the course.

???? Get in touch today to secure your place!

Course Structure

2 week package includes:n6 days theoryn5 days practical preparation weeknFollowed by the exam. (RYA exam fee £256 not included)

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