For some time, I had wanted to obtain the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence with the Commercial Endorsement, which would open new doors for me in the world of professional yachting. Finally, in 2020, I took the plunge and, between lockdowns, I managed to obtain it. Here’s some useful information and advice, including for purchasing study books.
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) offers various practical and theoretical courses with different levels of competence.
It’s not my goal to list them all in this article: we will look at what the Yachtmaster Offshore is and how to obtain it in the simplest way.
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certifies the captain’s competence for navigation up to 150 nautical miles from a safe haven with a vessel of maximum 24 meters LOA and 200gt.
To obtain it, you need to meet the following prerequisites:
Age: minimum 18 years old
Radio certificate: Short Range Certificate or higher
First aid certificate: RYA First Aid Certificate, STCW First Aid or some international certificates
Minimum sea experience: you need to document the time spent at sea (in our case on a sailboat) in the last 10 years. This must include:
- 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt
- 5 days as skipper on vessels up to 24m LOA
- 2500 nautical miles on yachts up to 500gt, of which half on vessels of maximum 24m LOA
- 5 passages over 60 nautical miles, of which 2 overnight and 2 as skipper
- At least half of the time spent at sea must be in tidal waters
The Preparation
A premise: although the RYA offers courses and a training path to be ready for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam, there is no obligation to attend them and you can register as a private candidate and even with your own boat.
But let’s start from my situation, which I think is very similar to most of those who are considering taking this path.
I decide to obtain the certificate after 8 years of having the Swiss unlimited offshore license and after having sailed more than 20,000 nautical miles around the world as Captain or First Mate. My biggest fear is not being able to pass the exam due to the language: the exam is indeed conducted strictly in English and you must be able to give orders and communicate with your crew. I know a bit of English, but I lack the sailing terms.
Normally, if there is no language problem and you have experience similar to mine, it is possible to obtain the certificate by taking the 5-day preparation course. In my case, I asked to add another 5 days to practice with the language and command in English. And in the end, it was the right choice: in 10 days I managed to memorize those important words to manage the crew in English.
It should be noted that the examiner is not there to judge language skills, but rather sailing knowledge, mastery, conduct, and crew management on board.
Some Useful Study Materials
Apart from the practical handling of a vessel, there are purely theoretical subjects that one cannot escape and must dedicate time to study. Among these, in my opinion, the most challenging to study are the COLREGs. There’s no way around it: whether in practical situations or oral questions, the COLREGs must be known by heart. It is therefore important to study with material that is easy to understand and comprehensive: for this reason, I strongly recommend using the book “A Seaman’s Guide to the Rule of the Road“.
Another study aid, to be taken as a game perhaps when on the boat or at the bar with other friends who are studying together, are these cards.
Finally, an interesting and compact book, useful for studying, but also as a pocket “manual” to keep on board is the “Reeds Skipper’s handbook for sail and power“.
How the Yachtmaster Offshore Exam is Conducted
The exam involves at least 8 hours for each candidate, during which practical exercises will be carried out (both during the day and at night), as well as a theoretical part with questions on meteorology, COLREGs, the engine, safety equipment, and safety measures.
Returning to the practical part, this includes:
- Normal sailing navigation, during the day and at night
- Blind navigation (under motor) with only the aid of a nautical chart, depth sounder, Breton plotter, clock, and a calculator. The helmsman can be given speed to maintain and course.
- Man overboard and recovery. If not specified, you can choose whether to do it under sail or motor.
- Interpretation of lights and day signals, right of way, practical application of COLREGs
- Night navigation with exercise to pick up a buoy (if not specified otherwise, also under motor)
- Entering and leaving port, mooring and unmooring
- Preparation and instruction of your own crew
Some important points:
- You cannot ask the examiner for confirmation or opinions on actions you want to take
- You cannot ask them to participate in maneuvers on board
- The examiner is English and typically loves tea and biscuits, so remember to ask those present who would like something to drink. This is also part of the captain’s duties: always having a fit, relaxed, and efficient crew.
- The examiner wants to see a captain who is decisive and confident in their actions. There is no room for hesitation or insecurity.
- The examiner wants to see that you prepare a navigation plan, which will be used for navigation in the cockpit. Continuously going down to the chart table will be penalizing.
- In the navigation plan, include the conspicuous points that will be useful for taking bearings during navigation.
- Normally during navigation, it is not possible to use the chartplotter and only nautical charts are used.
The “Commercial Endorsement”
The “commercial endorsement” is required to work on board vessels flying the English or Commonwealth flag subject to the “MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels”.
To apply for it, you need to submit:
- The original RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate
- The “Professional Practices and Responsibilities” certificate is a mandatory course for those applying for commercial endorsement and is conducted online. It explains the duties and responsibilities towards crew, passengers, and other vessels at sea, with all the related civil and criminal liabilities.
- The original “ENG1 medical fitness” or other recognized certificate (check on the RYA website)
- a copy of the “RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate” or “STCW Personal Survival Techniques”
If you have completed the full STCW course, this will be listed on the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate - a copy of the recognized SRC certificate
- a passport-sized photo
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