RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Exam

Duration: 2 Days

Course Aim: RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or RYA/MCA Yactmaster Offshore

Minimum Standard: Please see pre-entry requirements listed below

This is a direct-entry examination for experienced sailors who wish to gain RYA/MCA Certificate of Competence as either a Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate competence up to relevant level.

Please ensure that you are totally conversant with the practical and theoretical syllabus laid in RYA/ G15 logbook and take a careful look at the practical skills required

The examination will take between 6-12 hours. During the remainder of the weekend you will be expected to act as crew for the other candidates.

The sailing area will include the North Wales coastline, Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsular depending upon weather conditions. Please note that all harbour fees will be covered by Plas Menai.

Pre-entry Requirements

Certain pre-entry requirements are expected to be fulfilled prior to attending the exam.

  • 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. First Aid qualifications held by the Police, Fire and Armed Services are also acceptable.
  • Sea-time: Yachtmaster Coastal – 800 miles logged within 10 years prior to examination, 30 days living on board, 2 days as skipper and 12 night hours. For holders of the Coastal Skipper Practical Course Completion Certificate the sea-time is reduced to: 400 miles, 20 days living on board, 12 night hours, 2 days as skipper.
  • Sea-time: Yachtmaster Offshore – 2500 miles, 50 days, including at least 5 passages over 60 miles, acting as skipper for at least 2 of these passages and including 2 which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper.

Examination Fees

An examination fee is payable direct to the RYA (please bring a cheque with you made payable to the RYA.)

  • Yachtmaster Coastal Examination Fee: £168.00
  • Yachtmaster Offshore Examination Fee: £194.00

Please check the RYA website for up-to-date exam fees.

Certification: Both the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Exam require a passport photograph. Please remember to bring a photograph with you, otherwise we will not be able to issue your certificate.

Commercial Endorsement

Both the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Exam certificates can be commercially endorsed. Candiates wishing to have their certificate commercially endorsed must fulfill certain requirements, and bring the necessary paperwork with them.

  • A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival Certificate or Personal Survival Techniques STCW95
  • Original ML5 Medical Report Form and Certificate or ENG1
  • Passport Photograph
  • Endorsement Fee of £32.00 made payable to the RYA
  • Completed Commercial Endorsement Application Form

The Yacht

The yacht you will be staying onboard, is commercially coded by RYA/MCA as category 2 compliant, which is 60 miles from a safe haven and is able to carry 6 people including the Skipper. Facilities include on-board heating, hot water and a fridge and it is equipped with Radar and GPS. The yacht has a big boat feel, wheel steering and a powerful mast head rig.

Meals Onboard

The yacht will be stocked for at least three meals a day, including snacks and drinks. If you wish to, you may bring a bottle of something to enjoy in the evenings, when you are moored up. We can cater for any special dietary requirements but please inform our bookings team before arrival, to ensure that the correct food is taken on board.

Kit and Clothing

Plas Menai will provide waterproofs and lifejackets, however you are very welcome to bring your own if you wish.