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Irish National Sailing School

Yachtmaster Preparation and Exam

Overview

Course Name :
Yachtmaster Preparation and Exam
Duration :
5 Days + 2 Exam Days
Cost :
€875 + Additional Costs
Additional Costs :
RYA set Examiners Fee
- ÂŁ200 for Coastal
- ÂŁ231 for Offshore) +
- Examiners Expenses (roughly €30)

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

Bookings can only be made over the phone on 01 2844195 or by email to sailing@inss.ie as it’s important to chat with each candidate prior to undertaking the programme.

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 Competence3;
  • 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 Competence3.

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

Preparatory Course

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.

Please note the preparatory week is designed to fine tune skills, not to teach new ones.

  • Intricate Passage Planning
  • Preparation for Offshore Passages
  • Pilotage plans for entering into harbours and coves by day and night
  • In depth skippering including all responsibilities
  • Advanced Yacht Handling under power
  • Heavy weather sailing and preparation
  • Understanding how to abandon a vessel.

Our cancellation policy for this course can be viewed here.

Candidate Preparation

This programme culminates in a high-level examination of practical boat handling skills, theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to the circumstances you are in. The first things that we advise candidates to consider is whether their theoretical knowledge and skills are to the standard of the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course (syllabus outlined below). The Yachtmaster examinations do not require a you to have a theory course completion certificate as proof of competency, instead you’ll be expected to demonstrate it.

Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course Content

Position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge, use of almanacs and admiralty publications, electronic position finding equipment, taking and interpreting forecasts, plotting weather systems, weather predictions using a barometer.

Pre-Requisites

Candidates need to have with them during the examination:

Start Date: February 1, 2025
€120 per person
Attendees: 0/30
Start Date: February 1, 2025
€120 per person
Attendees: 0/30
Start Date: April 5, 2025
€270 per person
Attendees: 0/30
Start Date: April 5, 2025
€270 per person
Attendees: 1/30
Start Date: April 5, 2025
€270 per person
Attendees: 0/30
Start Date: April 5, 2025
€270 per person
Attendees: 0/30
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