RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and/or Offshore Prep

1. Position

• Dead reckoning

• Satellite-derived position

• Use of waypoints

• Radar fixes

• Techniques of visual fixing

• Fixes using a mixture of position lines

• Relative accuracy of different methods of position fixing

• Area of uncertainty

2. The magnetic compass

• Allowance for variation

• Change of variation with time and position

• Causes of deviation

• Swing for deviation (but not correction)

• Allowance for deviation

• Different types of compasses

3. Tides

• Causes of tide - spring & neaps

• Tide tables - sources

• Tidal levels and datum

• Standard and secondary ports

• Tide anomalies (Solent, etc)

4. Tidal Streams

• Sources of tidal information

• Tidal stream information in sailing directions and Yachtsmen's Almanacs

• Allowance for tidal streams in computing a course to steer

• Tide rips, overfalls and races

• Tidal observation buoys, beacons etc.

5. Buoyage

• IALA system buoyage in Region A

• Limitations of buoys as navigational aids

6. Lights

• Characteristics

• Ranges - visual, luminous and nominal

• Rising and dipping distances

• Lights lists

7. Pilotage

• Harbour regulations and control signals

• Methods of pre-planning

• Clearing lines

• Use of soundings

• Transits and leading lines

8. GPS and Chart Plotters

• Principles of operation and limitations of use

• Raster an vector charts

• Datum

• Importance of confirmation of position by an independent source and keeping a separate record of position

• Importance of paper charts

9. Echo sounders

• Principles of operation and limitations of use

10. Deck Log

• Importance of log as yachts official document

• Layout of log, hourly and occasional entries

11. Logs (speed and distance measuring)

• Principles of operation and limitations of use

12. Meteorology 

• Basic terms - Beaufort scale, air masses, cloud types, weather patterns associated with pressure and frontal systems, sources of weather forecasts, ability to interpret a shipping forecast, weather fax and weather satellite information, land and sea breezes, sea fog, Uses of barometer as a forecasting aid

13. Rules of the road

• A sound knowledge of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, except annexes 1 & 3

14. Safety at sea

• Personal safety, use of lifejacket, safety harnesses and lifelines

• Fire prevention and fire fighting

• Distress signals 

• Coastguard and Boat Safety Scheme

• Preparation for heavy weather

• Life rafts and helicopter rescue

• Understanding of capabilities of vessel and basic knowledge of stability

15. Navigation in restricted visibility

• Precautions to be taken in fog

• Limitations to safe navigation imposed by fog

• Navigation in poor visibility

16. Passage Planning

• Preparation of charts and notebook for route planning and making, and  use at sea

• Customs regulations as they apply to yachts

• Routine for navigating in coastal waters

• Strategy for course laying

• Use of waypoints and routes

• Use of weather forecast information for passage planning strategy 

• Sources of local and national regulations

Yachtmaster Coastal

• 30 days at sea 

• 2 days as skipper

• 800 miles 

• 12 night hours

• Marine radio certificate (GMDSS)

• Valid 1st aid certificate 

Yachtmaster Offshore

• 50 days at sea

• 5 days as skipper

• 2500 miles 

• 5 passages over 60 miles (including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper)

Included: Overnight onboard accommodation & bedding in single bunks if required, fuel, berthing costs, use of wet weather gear & lifejacket, breakfast lunch & snacks on board (evening meal on night passages only) 

What to bring with you: All the usual skippering equipment (pencils, erasers, notebook etc), soft soled shoes, wet weather gear (contact us if you haven't got any), light wellies or waterproof shoes, clothes for the duration of the course, any medication, passport photo, phone charger, copy of certificates/logbook, Printed Personalised Application Form - emailed to you once exam fee is paid.

• Cash/card for evening meals 

• Notepad and pen

• Soft soled shoes

• Wet weather gear (contact us if you haven't got any)

• Light wellies or waterproof shoes

• Clothes for the duration of the course

• Any medication

• Phone charger