Planning a voyage

RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course

taught 'live' via Zoom

This course has several names which can be confusing! That's because it covers the recommended level of theory knowledge for both the Coastal Skipper practical course & exam and the Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam. It includes tidal calculations and passage planning over greater distances offshore by day and night. 

Make sure you learn all the the basics of navigation on your day skipper theory course first; eg EP, CTS, tidal heights & tidal streams. This course is then your next step in learning how to navigate.

Please note: you don't have to complete the Day Skipper practical course before learning more about navigation on this more advanced Yachtmaster theory course.

Note: To reduce the chances of your course being disrupted by Covid, we will continue teaching 'live' via zoom. Please contact us for more information about how this works. If necessary we can arrange a test call with you. 

New Yachtmaster Course

If you did the Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Offshore theory course years ago you might want to consider refreshing your knowledge with the new course.  There's more emphasis on electronic navigation and passage planning though the standard yachtmaster topics below are still included in the course.

  • More precise secondary port calculations to anchor safely anywhere
  • Passage planning for longer trips - a must for cruising safely here in the North West
  • Full knowledge of the collision regulations
  • Three assessment papers; passage planning, chartwork & collregs.

Doing a Yachtmaster theory course with Bay Sea School offers a broader learning experience than a self-study distance-learning course. John Parlane is a Yachtmaster Instructor & Examiner with over 20 years cruising experience on his own yacht which he uses to add practical context to the various theory topics.  

The course cost includes the RYA course pack and certificate.  You'll need to provide your own course plotter & dividers.

2022 Online Course via Zoom Start Time Places Left

Every Sunday from 6th November to 11th December

9am - 5pm

11

Private courses & 1:1 tuition can be arranged but the cost will be considerably more. Contact us for more details.

Click here for course joining instructions

What the RYA say about this course

"The Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster shorebased course is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates aiming to achieve the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate.  The syllabus makes some provision for the revision of subjects covered in the Day Skipper course but those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course in the time available.

The assumed level of knowledge before starting this course is the RYA Day Skipper shorebased course.

Students are required to have a full knowledge of the 'International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea' before completion of the shorebased course for Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore.  There is, however, insufficient time available in the course to teach the subject fully.  The RYA book 'International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea' (G2) is a useful book for the study of the regulations."  See the link below to get your copy now!