Yachtmaster
Encyclopedia
A Yachtmaster qualification is a certificate of competence of the ability to handle either a sailing boat or motor boat (as endorsed) in certain prescribed conditions. Three different titles are specified; Yachtmaster Coastal (previously - and in some countries still - called Coastal Skipper), Yachtmaster Offshore, and Yachtmaster Ocean which specify the level of competence required and the area of operation certified.
Certification may be sought for commercial recognition or as a confirmation of attainment of skills.
The original training scheme and certification was established and is maintained by the Royal Yachting Association
(RYA) in the UK and training to this scheme is carried out in many countries. Other countries such as Australia
, have modified the scheme in partnership with the RYA so that it can be locally administered and operated by Yachting Australia.
(MCA), the RYA administers the Yachtmaster Scheme, examines candidates and issues Certificates of Competence. RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence are recognised and respected worldwide.
The Yachtmaster Coastal has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises no more than 20 nautical mile
s offshore in favourable conditions but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages.
The examination will include an assessment of the candidate's 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 as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Yachtmaster Coastal level.
The examination involves a demonstration of skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship
, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of ship construction, ballasting, radio, radar, collision regulations, meteorology and signals. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses except Yachtmaster Ocean.
The Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work as a Master on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters - that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven, or Master Category 5 operating up to 200 nautical miles offshore, depending upon country.
STCW endorsement
The Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test and 4 additional courses
be given the STCW
endorsement that allows the holder to work under non-UK maritime authorities.
The Yachtmaster Ocean is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world.
Oral - The candidate must provide the examiner with an account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage. He/she must also provide navigational records showing that he/she navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a minimum: planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.
During the oral test the candidate may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, astro navigation
, worldwide meteorology
, crew management, yacht
preparation, maintenance and repairs.
Written - The written examination includes questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology. Candidates who hold the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course, a Royal Navy Ocean Navigation Certificate or an MCA Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer are exempt from the written examination.
Due to the level of competence required, the Yachtmaster Ocean exam is a particularly tough and demanding test of a skipper's ability.
The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work as a Master on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels of up to 200gt in all waters around the world with no legal restrictions on how far he may sail from land. This is known as an unrestricted, worldwide certificate.
STCW endorsement
The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test and 4 additional courses
be given the STCW endorsement that allows the holder to work under non-UK maritime authorities.
The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right, but is also a pre-requisite for the MCA's Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.
Certification may be sought for commercial recognition or as a confirmation of attainment of skills.
The original training scheme and certification was established and is maintained by the Royal Yachting Association
Royal Yachting Association
The Royal Yachting Association is the national governing body for certain watersports in the United Kingdom. Activities it covers include:* Sailing* Windsurfing* Motor cruising* Sportsboats* Personal watercraft* Powerboat racing...
(RYA) in the UK and training to this scheme is carried out in many countries. Other countries such as Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, have modified the scheme in partnership with the RYA so that it can be locally administered and operated by Yachting Australia.
Training
The RYA set up a committee to govern its training activities in 1967 and the Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel was set up in 1971. Training is carried out in more than 23 countries and there are 18,000 RYA instructors across the world. It is estimated that 13,000 professionals are working on commercial vessels using RYA Certificates of Competence.Certificates of Competence
On behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard AgencyMaritime and Coastguard Agency
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is a UK executive agency working to prevent the loss of lives at sea and is responsible for implementing British and International maritime law and safety policy.This involves coordinating search and rescue at sea through Her Majesty's Coastguard , ensuring that...
(MCA), the RYA administers the Yachtmaster Scheme, examines candidates and issues Certificates of Competence. RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence are recognised and respected worldwide.
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
With effect from 1 January 2010 the former "Coastal Skipper" qualification has been re-designated as "Yachtmaster Coastal".The Yachtmaster Coastal has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises no more than 20 nautical mile
Nautical mile
The nautical mile is a unit of length that is about one minute of arc of latitude along any meridian, but is approximately one minute of arc of longitude only at the equator...
s offshore in favourable conditions but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages.
Exam
The examination for Yachtmaster Coastal is practical and can be taken under sail or power and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. It lasts 6–10 hours for 1 candidate or 8–14 hours for 2 candidates, and is conducted in a boat between 7 m (23 ft) and 24 m (78 ft) in length.The examination will include an assessment of the candidate's 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 as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Yachtmaster Coastal level.
Pre-Requisites
To take the practical examination, candidates must be aged 17 years or over and require:- Radio Operator's Qualification - A Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate.
- First Aid - A valid First Aid Certificate from the RYA or by Police, Fire and Armed Services.
- Minimum seatime - Candidates must have logged at least 30 days, 2 days as skipper, 800 nautical miles and 12 night hours. For candidates who hold the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of the RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Practical Course this is reduced to 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 nautical miles and 12 night hours. Half the qualifying sea time must be conducted in tidal waters.
Commercial endorsement
The Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters - that is up to 20 nautical miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight.RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
The Yachtmaster Offshore is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 nautical miles from harbour.Exam
The examination for Yachtmaster Offshore is practical and can be taken under sail or power and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. It lasts 8–12 hours for 1 candidate or 10–18 hours for 2 candidates, and is conducted in a boat between 7 m (23 ft) and 24 m (78 ft) in length.The examination involves a demonstration of skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship
Seamanship
Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.It involves a knowledge of a variety of topics and development of specialised skills including: navigation and international maritime law; weather, meteorology and forecasting; watchstanding; ship-handling and small boat handling; operation of deck...
, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of ship construction, ballasting, radio, radar, collision regulations, meteorology and signals. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses except Yachtmaster Ocean.
Pre-Requisites
To take the practical examination, candidates must be aged 18 years or over and require:- Radio Operator's Qualification - A Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate or a GMDSSGlobal Maritime Distress Safety SystemThe Global Maritime Distress and Safety System is an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft....
Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate. - First Aid - A valid First Aid Certificate from the RYA or by Police, Fire and Armed Services.
- Minimum seatime - Candidates must have logged at least 50 days, 5 days as skipper, 2,500 nautical miles, including at least 5 passages over 60 nautical miles acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and two should involve overnight passages. Half the qualifying seatime must have been conducted in tidal waters, and all qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
Commercial endorsement
Standard commercial endorsementThe Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work as a Master on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters - that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven, or Master Category 5 operating up to 200 nautical miles offshore, depending upon country.
STCW endorsement
The Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test and 4 additional courses
- Personal Survival techniques (RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCWSTCWThe International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers , 1978 sets qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships. STCW was adopted in 1978 by conference at the International Maritime Organization in...
A-V1/1-1) - Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-V1/1-4)
- Elementary first aid (STCW A-V1/1-3)
- Fire fighting and fire prevention (STCW A-V1/1-2)
be given the STCW
STCW
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers , 1978 sets qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships. STCW was adopted in 1978 by conference at the International Maritime Organization in...
endorsement that allows the holder to work under non-UK maritime authorities.
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence
Exam
The Yachtmaster Ocean examination consists of an oral and a written test of the candidate's knowledge of ocean passage making including planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management, yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs. The candidate will also be questioned on the sights taken at sea during an ocean passage.Oral - The candidate must provide the examiner with an account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage. He/she must also provide navigational records showing that he/she navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a minimum: planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.
During the oral test the candidate may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, astro navigation
Navigation
Navigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks...
, worldwide meteorology
Meteorology
Meteorology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere. Studies in the field stretch back millennia, though significant progress in meteorology did not occur until the 18th century. The 19th century saw breakthroughs occur after observing networks developed across several countries...
, crew management, yacht
Yacht
A yacht is a recreational boat or ship. The term originated from the Dutch Jacht meaning "hunt". It was originally defined as a light fast sailing vessel used by the Dutch navy to pursue pirates and other transgressors around and into the shallow waters of the Low Countries...
preparation, maintenance and repairs.
Written - The written examination includes questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology. Candidates who hold the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course, a Royal Navy Ocean Navigation Certificate or an MCA Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer are exempt from the written examination.
Pre-Requisites
To take the examination, candidates are required to:- Previous certification - Hold an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
- Minimum seatime - Have completed, as skipper or mate of watch, a qualifying ocean passage. The candidate must have been 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 organising the watch-keeping routine. A minimum non-stop distance of 600 nautical miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for 96 hours, and the yacht must have been more than 50 nautical miles from land while sailing a distance of at least 200 nautical miles. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
Due to the level of competence required, the Yachtmaster Ocean exam is a particularly tough and demanding test of a skipper's ability.
Commercial endorsement
Standard commercial endorsementThe Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test be given a standard commercial endorsement that allows the holder to work as a Master on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels of up to 200gt in all waters around the world with no legal restrictions on how far he may sail from land. This is known as an unrestricted, worldwide certificate.
STCW endorsement
The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can subject to a medical fitness test and 4 additional courses
- Personal Survival techniques (RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW A-V1/1-1)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-V1/1-4)
- Elementary first aid (STCW A-V1/1-3)
- Fire fighting and fire prevention (STCW A-V1/1-2)
be given the STCW endorsement that allows the holder to work under non-UK maritime authorities.
The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right, but is also a pre-requisite for the MCA's Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.
Also check
- International Certificates for Operators of Pleasure CraftsInternational Certificates for Operators of Pleasure CraftsThis article consists information about International licences to operate pleasere crafts. For ICC click International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft....
- International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft