Our RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course includes 40 hours minimum of classroom theory time plus the final written paper.

Good knowledge of the English language and navigation terms is highly recommended both to fully appreciate and understand the materials in the course and for the oral exam with the RYA examiner. During the class we introduce and explain concepts such as the use and care of the sextant, theory and calculations to derive position through astronomical navigation, global meteorology, passage planning for routes over 600 nautical miles (from establishing watches and provisioning to high seas emergencies), satellite communication systems and on board management. This course tends to be focused towards (semi) professional students, as it can be used as a prerequisite toward the MCA/Master 200.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is the same for both motor boats and sailboats.

Prerequisites for this course:

Although there are no formal prerequisites to attend the course and take the written exam, we strongly recommend you have knowledge to the level of RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory.

NOTE: TO QUALIFY TO SIT THE RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Oral Exam for the Certificate of Competence, you MUST have the following:

Have completed a qualifying passage on board a sailing or motor yacht up to 500gt which meets the following criteria: (please contact us with any questions regarding the validity of your qualifying passage!)

• 600M including at least 200M more than 50 miles from land or charted objects capable of being used for navigation;
• Duration of at least 96 hours;
• The candidate must have taken a full part in the planning and preparation of the passage, including: navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment; storing with spare gear, fuel, water and victuals.
• Throughout the passage, the candidate must have acted in a responsible capacity, either in sole charge of a watch or as skipper.
• Candidates must have successfully navigated a yacht at sea by astro navigation. As a minimum this should include the planning, reduction, and plotting of a sun-run-meridian altitude or sun-run-sun sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.

The minimum qualifying passage must have been accrued within 10 years of the examination date.

• Hold an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence, or
• MCA issued Certificate of Competence as officer in charge of a navigational watch (OOW), Yachts less than 3000gt, unlimited area, Reg II/1