The RYA Yachtmaster qualification is a prestigious and internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a high level of competence in sailing, navigation, and seamanship. It is awarded by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and can be obtained in two forms: Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get an RYA Yachtmaster qualification:
1. Meet the Prerequisites
Before you can take the Yachtmaster exam, you must meet certain prerequisites in terms of experience, qualifications, and skills.
For RYA Yachtmaster Coastal:
Sea Miles: You need at least 800 miles logged within the last 10 years, including:
30 hours on watch at night (3 passages over 60 nautical miles, with at least one overnight passage).
Experience: You should have experience navigating, handling the boat in different conditions, and leading watch on a sailing yacht or motorboat.
VHF/SRC License: A valid VHF radio operator’s certificate (Short Range Certificate).
First Aid Certificate: An RYA-approved first aid certificate or equivalent.
For RYA Yachtmaster Offshore:
Sea Miles: You need at least 2,500 miles logged within the last 10 years, including:
50 days at sea.
Five passages over 60 nautical miles, including two overnight passages and two as skipper.
Night Hours: At least 12 night hours on watch.
VHF/SRC License: A valid VHF radio operator’s certificate (Short Range Certificate).
First Aid Certificate: An RYA-approved first aid certificate or equivalent.
2. Gain the Necessary Experience
Skippering and Navigating: Log your sea miles by gaining experience as skipper and crew, focusing on passages over 60 nautical miles. Make sure you practice night sailing and navigation in different weather conditions.
Coastal and Offshore Passages: Experience in both coastal and offshore environments is essential. The focus is on managing the vessel, navigating in unfamiliar waters, and handling real-world situations like changing weather and watchkeeping.
Charter and Racing: Participate in yacht deliveries, charter work, or sailing races to accumulate the required sea miles.
3. Complete the Required Courses
RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course: This course covers the navigation theory and chartwork needed for the Yachtmaster exam, including:
Advanced navigation (using charts, tidal calculations, and position fixing).
Meteorology and weather forecasting.
Passage planning.
Collision regulations.
Safety procedures.
The theory course can be completed in a classroom setting or online and usually takes about 5-7 days.
RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Course (optional but recommended): This is a 5-day practical course designed to teach advanced boat handling, pilotage, and seamanship skills in preparation for the exam. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended as it helps prepare you for the practical challenges of the Yachtmaster exam.
4. Prepare for the Yachtmaster Exam
Practice Critical Skills: You’ll need to demonstrate advanced seamanship, navigation, and boat handling. Key skills include:
Mooring and anchoring: Handling a yacht in tight spaces.
Man overboard recovery: Executing a successful recovery in various conditions.
Passage planning: Planning and executing a safe passage, including contingency plans.
Night navigation: Confidence in navigating and managing the crew in low visibility conditions.
Mock Exams: Practice with mock exams or take preparatory courses to ensure you are confident in all areas of the syllabus.
5. Book and Take the Exam
Schedule the Exam: Book your practical exam through an RYA training center or an independent RYA examiner. The exam typically lasts 8-12 hours for Yachtmaster Coastal and 12-24 hours for Yachtmaster Offshore.
What to Expect During the Exam:
Passage Planning: You’ll be asked to plan and execute a passage, demonstrating your ability to navigate, calculate tides, and handle any issues that arise.
Practical Skills: You’ll be tested on your ability to handle the yacht, including docking, anchoring, man-overboard recovery, and navigating at night.
Crew Management: Leadership and communication with your crew will be observed, as you need to show you can manage the yacht and ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
6. Pass the Exam and Get Certified
Upon successfully passing the exam, you’ll be awarded the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, depending on which exam you completed.
With the Yachtmaster Offshore, you can apply for a Commercial Endorsement if you wish to work professionally as a skipper, which includes extra requirements like the RYA Sea Survival and ML5 Medical or ENG1 Medical certification.
7. Optional: Gain Further Qualifications
Yachtmaster Ocean: If you want to take your qualifications further, you can aim for the Yachtmaster Ocean certification, which allows you to skipper vessels across oceans. This requires additional experience, including a qualifying ocean passage and celestial navigation skills.
Benefits of an RYA Yachtmaster:
International Recognition: The Yachtmaster qualification is respected worldwide and can open doors to professional yachting jobs such as charter skipper, flotilla skipper, or delivery captain.
Higher Earning Potential: Yachtmaster-certified skippers can work professionally and often earn higher wages than non-qualified skippers.
Broader Sailing Opportunities: The certification allows you to command larger yachts in challenging waters, providing access to more adventurous and prestigious sailing opportunities.
With your experience and qualifications, aiming for the Yachtmaster Offshore certification would likely be a natural progression, especially if you intend to pursue more advanced professional or leadership roles in the sailing industry.
