This course should be taken by individuals who are looking to enter the marine industry commercially. With a high level of experience in helping potential skippers gain miles and experience for over 20 years, BH Marine will enable you to fully experience a full range of teaching and vessels to aid your professional qualification. Shorebased course.

 

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.

 

As with the Day Skipper shorebased course, the RYA’s specially designed chart plotter software will be used during the course to give you a realistic taste of modern electronic navigation.

 

Students in the southern hemisphere can take advantage of the southern hemisphere version of our training materials, ensuring that your course is relevant to you.

 

The course is taught over 40 hours with three exam papers. It can be covered as a series of short sessions, as an intensive week-long course, or by distance learning.

 

Course topics include:

• position fixing

• course shaping and plotting

• tidal knowledge

• use of almanacs and admiralty publications

• electronic position finding equipment

• taking and interpreting forecasts

• plotting weather systems

• weather predictions using a barometer and by observation

• collision regulations

• customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

• Examination prerequisites

 

Documented minimum sea time1 completed on a seagoing sailing or motor yacht (as appropriate) in the last 10 years:

 

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt2;

• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA;

• 2500 miles on yachts up to 500gt2, half of which must be on vessels less than 24m LOA;

• 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper.

 

1 At least half the qualifying sea time should be gained in tidal waters.

 

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

 

Certification requirements

 

• 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.