Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA’s Sail Cruising Logbook (code G158) available from APY. For more detials on the qualifying milage and passages click here. The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence exam will include an assessment of your 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 and may also be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and theory courses up to Yachtmaster™ Offshore level.
| Pre-exam Certification Requirements: | 1. GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher grade of marine radio certificate. 2. Valid First Aid Certificate. For detials on acceptable certificates see https://www.rya.org.uk/club-centre-support/training/qualifications/first-aid. 3. Navigation theory to at least RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster Theory Course standard. |
| Pre-exam Practical Requirements: | 50 days, 2,500 miles on a yacht up to 500gt (at least 50% of qualifying mileage must be completed on a vessel less than 24m).
5 passages over 60nm, including 2 as skipper and 2 overnight. All must have been completed on a vessel less than 24m LOA (for more details see https://www.rya.org.uk/training/certificates-of-competence/qualifying-passages) At least half the mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam. Well practiced in the full syllabus as detailed in the RYA’s Sail Cruising Logbook (code G15). |
| Pre-exam Training: | It is strongly recommended that all Yachtmaster exam candidates attend the 5 day pre-exam preparation course (see Yachtmaster Exam Preparation page). |
| Exam duration: | Practical exam 8-12 hours for 1 candidate, 10-18 hours for 2 candidates. No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in one 2 day session. |
| Minimum age: | 18 years old. |
| What’s Included: | Mooring fees, accommodation on-board. |
| What’s Not Included: | All meals, snacks and drinks. These are to be supplied by the exam candidate. |
| Maximum Candidates/Crew: | Max of 3 exam candidates and crew to make a total of 5 (minimum of 3 crew for 1 candidate and 2 crew for 2 candidates). |
| Cost: | The cost of flying in the examiner, their hotel and F&B is divided up amongst the candidates and charged at cost (approx. HKD4,000-HK$6,000) + RYA exam fee paid direct to RYA of GBP 231 (2023 price). There is no cost for the exam yacht hire if you attended one of our Yachtmaster Preparation courses. |
| Optional Cost: | If you need a Commercial Endorsement to a Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence (in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA’s codes of practice) there is an extra charge paid directly to the RYA on applicaiton. |
| Award: | RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence on passing the exam. |
Arrive RHKYC at 1000hrs and finishing at some time around 1600hrs the following day depending on the number of candidates.
Students require to bring the following (see FAQs for more detials):
- Lightweight sleeping bag or equivalent and pillow.
- Clothes suitable for 5 days sailing.
- Kit backed into a soft bag (no hard suitcase).
- Photo ID.
- Weather proof clothing suitable for the time of year.
- Footwear such as deck shoes or trainers with good grip.
We can supply the school yacht at the standard charter rate or you can use your own yacht but it must be between 7m (23ft) and 24m (78ft) LOA and be in sound, seaworthy condition, equipped to the standard set out in the RYA book Cruising Yacht Safety (code C8). The boat must be equipped with a full up to date set of charts and navigational publications and be efficiently crewed, as the examiner will not take part in the management or take any responsibility for the boat during the exam.
The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course.
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