IYT Coastal Yachtmaster — Liquid Edge

IYT Yachtmaster Coastal is the most advanced course offered by Liquid Edge Sailing School in Balmain. It leads to the International Yacht Training (IYT) Yachtmaster Coastal certificate, which qualifies holders to skipper a vessel up to 24 metres (78 feet) in coastal waters up to 60 nautical miles offshore, in moderate wind and sea conditions. The program combines three days of theory with a six-day liveaboard practical and exam that includes a passage of 100 nautical miles or more along the NSW coast.

What you'll learn

At this level the skipper is responsible for planning and running a coastal passage, including overnight. The theory component is the IYT Navigation Master Certificate.

• Chartwork and position fixing. Dead reckoning, estimated positions and fixes from bearings and electronics, and knowing how much to trust each.
• Tides and currents. Working out set and drift and allowing for them, so your course over the ground takes you where you intend.
• Pilotage, including at night. Entering harbours and following channels using buoys, lights and leading marks.
• Collision regulations. Applying the rules confidently, including reading other vessels' lights after dark.
• Meteorology and heavy weather. Reading forecasts and preparing the boat and crew before conditions deteriorate.
• Passage planning and seamanship. Planning a coastal passage, plus advanced sail handling, reefing, sail changes, anchoring and boat handling.

How Liquid Edge runs it

The three theory days are followed by a six-day liveaboard practical, which includes a trip of 100 or more nautical miles along the NSW coast. The exam takes place on board and combines oral questions with a practical assessment. Candidates show their skills in handling, docking and anchoring and can be questioned on any part of the syllabus or their past sailing experience. The school notes that completing the course does not guarantee the certificate. Candidates must meet the required standard.

Who it suits and prerequisites

This is for experienced sailors ready to take charge of a yacht on coastal passages. Entry requirements are:

• ICC-level skills, such as the IYT International Bareboat Skipper and ICC modules
• A VHF marine radio licence
• 30 days and 800 nautical miles at sea, including 2 days as watch leader or skipper
• 12 hours on watch at night while underway

Where it leads

Yachtmaster Coastal is a skipper qualification for coastal cruising and deliveries within its limits. Beyond it, the IYT pathway continues to offshore-level Yachtmaster qualifications.

Full course guide

For the full syllabus and standard, see the IYT Yachtmaster Coastal guide. The radio prerequisite is covered in the Marine Radio SROCP guide.