Described as the intermediate-level skippering course, the RYA Yachtmaster certification is designed to build on the learning gained in the RYA Day Skipper qualification and develop your skills and knowledge further.
But what exactly is the RYA Yachtmaster and what is included?
Why choose the RYA Yachtmaster?
The RYA Yachtmaster course is designed for skippers who have already completed the RYA Day Skipper courses – both theory and practical – and have skippering experience in:
- Familiar waters by day
- Knowledge of lights needed for night cruising
After the course, students who have passed the RYA Yachtmaster course will have the theory knowledge needed to complete coastal and offshore passages by day and night, giving them more scope to skipper professionally without going too far from home.
It also gives them the background needed to complete the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Offshore practical course – which is the practical qualification of the same level as this theory certification.
Skippers looking to become qualified to sail across the seas will additionally gain the background they need to complete the RYA Ocean theory and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean practical courses in the future.
What is included in the RYA Yachtmaster certification?
The RYA Yachtmaster course includes modules that are designed to build on prior knowledge from the RYA Day Skipper course and will develop not only their skills and knowledge but their confidence too.
It is designed to briefly touch on the Day Skipper subjects, so don’t worry if it has been a while since you studied for your RYA Day Skipper qualification, and moves on to cover skills, such as navigation, pilotage, and meteorology, in greater depth.
This includes the following modules:
- Pilotage
- Definitions of position, time, speed, and distance
- Course to steer
- The use of charts and other publications
- The Collision Regulations
- The compass – including deviation allowance and swinging the compass
- Visual and electronic aids to navigation
- Passage planning
- Meteorology, including interpreting surface pressure charts
- Tidal theory, heights – inc. secondary ports – and streams, including interpolation of drift
- Safety and protection of the environment
- Estimated position
- A free radar course
If you are unsure about any of these topics, don’t worry – the RYA Yachtmaster course includes expert support from qualified and experienced instructors 24/7, 365 days a year, and lifetime access to training materials once you graduate.
Find providers for online RYA Yachtmaster training
When choosing a provider for your online RYA theory courses, including the RYA Yachtmaster, it is important that you select an organisation that is trusted, well-established in the market, and offers RYA-certified courses that meet the 40-hour minimum course study time.
This will allow you to be sure that you are getting trustworthy qualifications for your money and gives you the confidence you need to proceed with your purchase.
