Steps to achieving a Yachtmaster Ocean certification in the UK
Photo: Royal Yachting Association
In the UK, there are several steps to gaining an ocean sailboat skipper license, which is also known as the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification.
Here are the general steps:
1. Gain sailing experience: Before you can apply for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification, you need to have a significant amount of sailing experience. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recommends a minimum of 50 days at sea, 5 of which should be as skipper, and 2,500 miles logged. This experience should include offshore sailing and navigating across open water.
2. Complete the required courses: In addition to sailing experience, you must complete several RYA courses to qualify for the Yachtmaster Ocean certification. These include:
4. Pass the Yachtmaster Ocean theory exam: Once you have completed the required courses and obtained the necessary certifications, you must pass the Yachtmaster Ocean theory exam. This exam covers advanced navigation, meteorology, and oceanography.
5. Complete the Yachtmaster Ocean practical exam: The final step to obtaining your Yachtmaster Ocean certification is to pass the practical exam. This exam tests your skills in boat handling, navigation, and safety procedures. The exam includes a 600-mile non-stop passage, which must be completed within 96 hours.
Overall, obtaining a Yachtmaster Ocean certification in the UK requires significant sailing experience, completion of several RYA courses, and passing both a theory and practical exam. It is a rigorous process but is necessary for those who wish to skipper sailboats on offshore passages.
1. Gain sailing experience: Before you can apply for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification, you need to have a significant amount of sailing experience. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recommends a minimum of 50 days at sea, 5 of which should be as skipper, and 2,500 miles logged. This experience should include offshore sailing and navigating across open water.
2. Complete the required courses: In addition to sailing experience, you must complete several RYA courses to qualify for the Yachtmaster Ocean certification. These include:
- RYA Day Skipper: This course covers basic navigation, sailing techniques, and safety procedures.
- RYA Coastal Skipper: This course covers advanced navigation, seamanship, and sail trim.
- RYA Yachtmaster Offshore: This course covers advanced boat handling, coastal and offshore navigation, and safety procedures.
- RYA First Aid: This course covers first aid skills specific to boating accidents.
- RYA VHF Radio: This course covers the use of VHF radios for communication at sea.
- RYA Sea Survival: This course covers survival techniques and equipment for use in emergency situations at sea.
4. Pass the Yachtmaster Ocean theory exam: Once you have completed the required courses and obtained the necessary certifications, you must pass the Yachtmaster Ocean theory exam. This exam covers advanced navigation, meteorology, and oceanography.
5. Complete the Yachtmaster Ocean practical exam: The final step to obtaining your Yachtmaster Ocean certification is to pass the practical exam. This exam tests your skills in boat handling, navigation, and safety procedures. The exam includes a 600-mile non-stop passage, which must be completed within 96 hours.
Overall, obtaining a Yachtmaster Ocean certification in the UK requires significant sailing experience, completion of several RYA courses, and passing both a theory and practical exam. It is a rigorous process but is necessary for those who wish to skipper sailboats on offshore passages.
