A person holding a RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean qualification is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world. Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA’s Sail Cruising Logbook (code G15) which we can supply.
The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean exam is a two part exam (oral and written) where you will be tested on your knowledge of ocean passage making including planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management, yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs. You will also be questioned on your sights taken at sea during an ocean passage.
Those who have passed the RYA/MCA Ocean Theory course are exempt from the written test.
For an idea of how the exam will be run, take a look at our Notes for Examiners.
Exam Booking
We don’t offer this oral exam (usually only available in the UK or Australia)
Exam Details
| Pre-exam Certification Requirements: | Hold a RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence or Officer of the Watch (Yachts 3000gt) issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. |
| Pre-exam Practical Requirements: | Ocean passage as skipper or mate of watch. The candidate was fully involved in the planning of the passage, including selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, storing spare gear, water and victuals and organizing the watch-keeping routine.
During the passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land while sailing a distance of at least 200 miles. Please see the definition of a passage in the Itinerary tabbed section below. All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam. The candidate will be required to send to the examiner evidence of completion of a qualifying passage (for definition see G15) and the planning, reduction and plotting of a set of sights consisting of at least a sun run meridian altitude and a compass check by the azimuth of the sun, moon, star or a planet, to reach the examiner at least two days before the exam. |
| Pre-exam Theory Requirements: | Well practiced in the full syllabus as detailed in the RYA’s Sail Cruising Logbook (code G15).Navigation theory to RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course standard. |
| Exam duration: | Approximately 1½hr for the oral exam and 1¾hr written paper.
Those who have completed the Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course are exempt from the written exam. |
| Minimum age: | 18 years old |
| What’s Included: | Exam moderator and exam room |
| Cost: | RYA Exam Fee GBP191 (2025) |
| Award: | RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence. |
Definition of a Passage:
- Qualifying passages for Yachtmaster Ocean and Offshore should be non stop by the shortest navigable route with no change of skipper. Passages such as recognised races which may not comply exactly with these requirements may be submitted to the RYA for approval before the voyage.
- Trainee skippers undertaking 60 mile passages are strongly advised to obtain a Coastal Skipper qualification first.
- For Ocean passages the following definition will apply. “Throughout the passage the candidate must have acted in a responsible capacity either in sole charge of a watch or as a skipper”.
- Ocean candidates may take their sights on a shorter passage than the qualifying passage. The examiner will determine whether the candidate is competent at astro navigation.
Examiners are responsible for establishing the level of a candidate’s competence during the exam.
Where a candidate’s qualifying mileage is doubtful examiners will question the candidate carefully.
Passage planning documentation.
Sights taken on passage.