There are two levels of Yachtmaster qualification that you can be assessed for:

• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competency
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency, which is one of the most prestigious sailing achievements to gain.

2025 Dates

• Prep Week 1: Monday 13^th to Friday 17^th January, Exam Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th January
• Prep Week 2: Monday 17^th to Friday 21^st February, Exam Saturday 22^nd and Sunday 23^rd February
• Prep Week 3: Monday 19^th to Friday 23^rd May, Exam Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th May
• Prep Week 4: Monday 13^th to Friday 17^th October, Exam Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th October
• Prep Week 5: Monday 17^th to Friday 21^st November, Exam Saturday 22^nd and Sunday 23^rd November

Pre-requisites

Pre-requisites common to both qualifications

Candidates need to have with them during the examination:

• A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher.
• An RYA First Aid Certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website.
• Photographic ID card or document, such as passport or driving license

Pre-requisite sea time (mileage and experience) for RYA Yachtmaster COASTAL Certificate of Competency

Documented minimum sea time¹ completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

• 30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 12 days at sea on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 30 days at sea on yachts under 500gt² if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held³;
• 2 days as skipper on a vessel less than 24m LOA;
• 800 miles, which may be reduced to 400 miles on vessels less than 24m LOA or substituted with 800 miles at sea on yachts under 500gt² if an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course completion certificate or an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence is held.
• 12 night hours

See: Information on qualifying passages.

¹ At least half the qualifying sea time should be gain in tidal waters.
² Contact training@rya.org.uk if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt.

• RYA Coastal Skipper Sail Practical course completion certificate ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time detailed above.
• Minimum Age – 17 years

Pre-requisite sea time (mileage and experience) for RYA Yachtmaster OFFSHORE Certificate of Competency

Documented minimum sea time¹ completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt² which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence³;
• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 3 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence³;
• 2500 miles on yachts up to 500gt², which may be reduced to 1250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence^3;
• 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper, which may be reduced to 3 passages  including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence^3.

See: Information on qualifying passages

¹ At least half the qualifying sea time should be gained in tidal waters and on vessels less than 24m LOA, and all seatime must be on vessels of the same discipline as the exam to be taken, i.e. sail or power.
² Contact training@rya.org.uk if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt.
³ For example, an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail wishing to be examined for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power

• Minimum Age – 18 years

Our preparation course is designed to ensure that those who choose to go forward and take the examination have the best possible chance of passing first time.  The intensive week is used to practise all manoeuvres both power and sail and also to hone all navigational skills by day and night.  There is a residential option if required.

To pass the practical exam, a skipper must display the capability to handle a yacht in all conditions and effectively skipper the boat avoiding all dangers and taking many variables into account.