FAQ's: All About The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Course

How much will the Yachtmaster Ocean course cost including exam fees?

All in you should be looking at a maximum price of around £1,500, $2,350 or 1,900 Euros.

What will you get out of the training course?

You will be considered to be a skipper of very high standing with the competence to sail a yacht in any weather, anywhere in the world.

What are your limits on passing the course?

The only limits are the safety of the vessel and crew. Even the most experienced and best qualified sailors have limits.

Is it theory, practical or combined?

Both, it's combined practical and theory. You must do a theory course and then sail an ocean passage of a minimum of 600 miles as skipper. You will then do an oral exam discussing your ocean passage.

In which countries can you take it?

You can do the course anywhere in the world that offers RYA courses to this level. Click the search buton at the top of this page for available courses, then filter by your location.

What level of experience do you need before you begin?

You must hold a RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

How long does the course take?

The theory course takes five days. You must then do a minimum 600 mile passage as skipper. To attain this level of qualification, you can’t take the mickey as you will be found out! The oral exam takes two hours discussing the ins and outs of the qualifying passage you have done.  

What does the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean course involve?

The theory exam covers oceanic navigation, to include sextant work and astral navigation, but also oceanic passage planning, onboard meteorology and communications at sea.

You will then go to sea on an ocean voyage, leading your crew through whatever Neptune decides to throw at you.

Finally, you will have a two hour discussion showing all the minutiae of the passage plan as well as the passage itself.  

How do I progress after completing it?

This is the top yachting qualification. You can progress to sailing the seven seas with confidence knowing that you can handle almost any situation put before you.

Does this course give you international accreditation?

Yes. This accreditation automatically qualifies as an internationally recognised certificate of competence to sail anywhere in the world.

Where can I learn more about the Yachtmaster Ocean course?

Look at this section of the RYA website for further information or look around our website for more details of where you can do your theory and practical elements of the course.

Further resources can be found here.