Yachtmaster – Preparation for Exam

RYA Yachtmaster is the only professional qualification that is accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is emulated throughout the world. This internationally recognised certificate is required by commercial yacht skippers on sailing and motor vessels under 24 metres and as entry to Mega yacht qualifications. Also, many recreational sailors take RYA Yachtmaster exams as a measure of their competence.

A Yachtmaster is “a yachtsman or woman competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage that can be completed without the use of astro navigation.” This means coastal and offshore passages within 150 miles of a safe harbour. These passages which are close to land or across shipping lanes are the most difficult, particularly if the weather is rough or the visibility poor.

This course is a preparation course for your final RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Examination. The examination is conducted by an independent examiner conducted non-stop over a day/night period.

Previous experience necessary: To take the RYA Yachtmaster exam you need a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate, a current Senior First Aid Certificate and a minimum sea time of 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles, 5 passages over 60 miles, including 2 over night and 2 as skipper. Remember that the examination is essentially a test of ability to take charge of a yacht, so your experience as skipper is most important.

This course assumes that you are completed the Yachtmaster Theory course or have equivalent knowledge.

It is an intensive course designed for experienced crew with sufficient on the water experience. This program is not for beginners.

What do I bring?
Wear clothes suitable for the day and rubber soled shoes, preferably with a white or light coloured sole. A cap, sunglasses, bottle of water and sun screen are also a good idea. You will also need a change of clothes, toilet kit, sleeping bag and any special medicine you may require packed in a flexible soft bag. We provide you with wet weather gear (with the exception of boots) if required.

How long is the course?
4 days live aboard.

What about meals?
Most meals are provided (except 2 meals ashore – dinner at pub or restaurant). If you have special dietary needs, please be sure to indicate this in advance when you register for the course.

For those looking for super yacht accreditation, the requirements are RYA Yachtmaster and STCW10 certificates. We do not teach the STCW10 courses. For information on STCW10 courses, please contact Gerry Fitzgerald at Offshore Maritime Training Centre in Brisbane, Queensland on 0428 749 166. Or call the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania on 03 6335 4711.