A Yachtmaster qualification is a certificate of competence of the ability to handle either a sailing boat or motor boat (as endorsed) in certain prescribed conditions. Three different titles are specified; Yachtmaster Coastal (previously - and in some countries still - called Coastal Skipper), Yachtmaster Offshore, and Yachtmaster Ocean which specify the level of competence required and the area of operation certified. Certification may be sought for commercial recognition or as a confirmation of attainment of skills. The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore qualification is widely accepted as part of the studies required for more advanced professional qualifications such as Officer of the Watch and Master 200. The original training scheme and certification was established and is maintained by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK and training to this scheme is carried out in many countries. Other countries such as Australia, have modified the scheme in partnership with the RYA so that it can be locally administered and operated by Yachting Australia.
Training The RYA set up a committee to govern its training activities in 1967 and the Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel was set up in 1971. Training is carried out in 58 countries and there are in excess of 25,000 RYA instructors across the world, (although many of these Instructors are not Yachtmaster Instructors but instruct in other disciplines (such as dinghy sailing, windsurfing and power-boating). More than 25,000 professionals are working on commercial vessels using RYA Certificates of Competence across 21 maritime flag states.
Certificates of Competence On behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the RYA administers the Yachtmaster Scheme, examines candidates and issues Certificates of Competence. RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence are recognised and respected worldwide.
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence With effect from 1 January 2010 the former "Coastal Skipper" qualification has been re-designated as "Yachtmaster Coastal". The Yachtmaster Coastal has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises no more than 60 nautical miles offshore in favourable conditions but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages.
Pre-Requisites To take the practical examination, candidates must be aged 17 years or over and require:
Radio Operator's Qualification - A Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate. First Aid - A valid First Aid Certificate from the RYA or by Police, Fire and Armed Services. Minimum seatime - Candidates must have logged at least 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 nautical miles and 12 night hours. For candidates who hold the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Practical Course this is reduced to 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 nautical miles and 12 night hours. Half the qualifying sea time must be conducted in tidal waters.
Exam The examination for Yachtmaster Coastal is practical and can be taken under sail or power and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. It lasts 6–10 hours for one candidate or 8–14 hours for two candidates, and is conducted in a boat between 7 and 24 m (23 and 79 ft) in length. The examination will include an assessment of the candidate's skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS (collision regulations), meteorology, and signals. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Yachtmaster Coastal level.
Commercial endorsement The Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence can, subject to an ENG 1 or ML5 medical fitness test, be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels up to 24 metres (79 ft) in length, operating in category 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters - that is up to 20 nautical miles from a safe haven. Additional requirements are completion of: (i) the RYA Basic Sea Survival course, or STCW Personal Survival Techniques; and (ii) the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities course.
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence The Yachtmaster Offshore is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 nautical miles from harbour.
Pre-Requisites To take the practical examination, candidates must be aged 18 years or over and require:
Radio Operator's Qualification - A Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate. First Aid - A valid First Aid Certificate from the RYA or by Police, Fire and Armed Services. Minimum seatime - Candidates must have logged at least 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2,500 nautical miles, including at least 5 passages over 60 nautical miles acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and two should involve overnight passages. Half the qualifying seamiles must have been conducted in tidal waters, and all qualifying sea miles must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
Exam The examination for Yachtmaster Offshore is practical and can be taken under sail or power and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. It lasts 8–12 hours for 1 candidate or 10–18 hours for 2 candidates, and is conducted in a boat between 7 and 24 m (23 and 79 ft) in length. The examination involves a demonstration of skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of ship construction, ballasting, radio, radar, collision regulations, meteorology and signals. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses except Yachtmaster Ocean.
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