RYA ADVANCED PRACTICAL COURSES

Course duration

5 days + exam time (see below)

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Minimum seatime 

Documented minimum sea time(1) completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years: 

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt(2) which may be reduced to 25 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence(3) in another discipline.  

• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA, which may be reduced to 3 days if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence(3); 

• 2500 miles on yachts up to 500gt(2), which may be reduced to 1250 miles if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence(3); 

• 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper, which may be reduced to 3 passages  including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper if the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence(3). 

See: Information on qualifying passages 

(1)At least half the qualifying sea time should be gained in tidal waters and on vessels less than 24m LOA, and all seatime must be on vessels of the same discipline as the exam to be taken, i.e. sail or power. 

(2)Contact training@rya.org.uk if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt. 

(3)For example, an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail wishing to be examined for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power 

 

Form of exam 

Practical

 

Minimum exam duration

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 a 2 day session

 

Minimum age 

18 at the time of the exam

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Required Certificates

• A GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator's Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate, or higher.

• An RYA First Aid Certificate or another valid first aid certificate, as detailed on the RYA website.

• Photographic ID card or document, such as passport or driving license