To pass the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical
Course candidates must pass a practical examination of their
skippering ability. The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate
is granted by the Royal Yachting Association in conjunction
with the Department of Transport and are amongst the world's
most respected yachting qualifications.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Courses are conducted
by our most experienced skippers - all fully qualified RYA
Yachtmaster Offshore Instructors. During these 5 days courses
your instructor will assess your ability and coach you in
all the disciplines required to pass from mooring under sail,
to “blind” navigation exercises.
Early in the week the instructor will give you an honest
appraisal of your chances of success and will then address
any weakness that may have been highlighted. During the RYA
Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Course you will take command
of the yacht on passages by day and night, and practice boat
handling techniques under sail and power. Examiners expect
a high standard of man overboard recovery so those drills
are practiced intensively throughout the course. Other subjects
covered include - passage planning and weather, preparation
and safety at sea, maintenance, navigation, pilotage and knowledge
of the international collision regulations. Before joining
the course, students should have the pre-requisite experience
outlined above, navigation theory to Yachtmaster
/ Coastal Skipper shore based level and a thorough knowledge
of the collision regulations, particularly lights, shapes
and sounds.
At the end of the week your instructor will give you a debrief
and leave you feeling confident in your ability. Normally
you will have been sailing with fellow candidates for 5 days
and you will have a solid understanding your yacht and crew
before the arrival of the examiner at the weekend. Each student
is examined as they skipper the yacht on short passages and
complete various demonstrations of skippering techniques.
All our instructors have been through these exams themselves
and will therefore do their utmost to prepare you for your
exams so that you are relaxed and confident on the day.
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