To pass the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Course candidates must pass a practical examination of their skippering ability. The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate is granted by the Royal Yachting Association in conjunction with the Department of Transport and are amongst the world's most respected yachting qualifications.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Courses are conducted by our most experienced skippers - all fully qualified RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructors. During these 5 days courses your instructor will assess your ability and coach you in all the disciplines required to pass from mooring under sail, to “blind” navigation exercises.
Early in the week the instructor will give you an honest appraisal of your chances of success and will then address any weakness that may have been highlighted. During the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Course you will take command of the yacht on passages by day and night, and practice boat handling techniques under sail and power. Examiners expect a high standard of man overboard recovery so those drills are practiced intensively throughout the course. Other subjects covered include - passage planning and weather, preparation and safety at sea, maintenance, navigation, pilotage and knowledge of the international collision regulations. Before joining the course, students should have the pre-requisite experience outlined above, navigation theory to Yachtmaster / Coastal Skipper shore based level and a thorough knowledge of the collision regulations, particularly lights, shapes and sounds.
At the end of the week your instructor will give you a debrief and leave you feeling confident in your ability. Normally you will have been sailing with fellow candidates for 5 days and you will have a solid understanding your yacht and crew before the arrival of the examiner at the weekend. Each student is examined as they skipper the yacht on short passages and complete various demonstrations of skippering techniques. All our instructors have been through these exams themselves and will therefore do their utmost to prepare you for your exams so that you are relaxed and confident on the day. |
