RYA Yachtmaster Coastal & Offshore Theory — Yachting Directions

This is Yachting Directions' shorebased theory course for both RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore. It is taught face to face for at least 40 classroom hours over three weekends, at Mosman Bay Marina or Newport in Sydney, or at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, with classes of three to twelve students.

What you'll learn

The course takes navigation and seamanship theory to the standard expected for the Coastal Skipper practical course and the Yachtmaster practical exam. Compared with Day Skipper, the work is faster, more precise and planned for longer passages, often at night.

• Advanced chartwork: estimated positions and course-to-steer calculations over longer passages, allowing for tidal stream, leeway and compass error.
• Tidal calculations: heights and streams, the skills behind safe timing and depth checks.
• Passage planning and pilotage: building a full plan with almanacs and pilot publications, and pilotage plans for entering unfamiliar harbours.
• Electronic navigation: radar, AIS and GPS, used to support the chart rather than replace it, and navigating in restricted visibility.
• Compass: magnetic and gyro compasses and their errors.
• Meteorology: interpreting forecasts and weather patterns and making go or no-go decisions.
• Collision regulations (IRPCS), stability, safety and maintenance: plus customs regulations and battery management.

Good work at this level is accurate and fast, with a plan that includes alternatives if weather or crew change the situation.

How Yachting Directions runs it

Classes run eight hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays across three weekends, with the last day set aside for assessments. The included kit covers the RYA training almanac and charts for both hemispheres, a navigation handbook and exercises, a Yachtmaster logbook and syllabus, and a Portland plotter. Optional homework sessions run on weekday mornings on Zoom, and graduates receive 12 months of mentoring.

Who it suits

It suits Day Skipper holders stepping up to longer passages, and people aiming to work on boats. You need RYA Day Skipper or a Coxswain qualification to enrol. Yachting Directions says a Yachtmaster used commercially needs face-to-face theory, which this course provides, and that the certificate is endorsed by AMSA and the UK MCA for commercial use up to 200 tonnes and less than 24 metres. The RYA requires more for a commercial endorsement, such as the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities course, so confirm with the school.

Where it leads

The theory is a prerequisite for the Coastal Skipper practical and the Yachtmaster practical exam. Yachting Directions recommends Coastal Skipper practical followed by Yachtmaster exam preparation.

Full course guide

For the full RYA syllabus, read our RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory guide. The practical steps are covered in the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical and RYA Yachtmaster Preparation and Exam guides.