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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep and Exam

At Prometheus Sailing, we offer RYA courses designed to help develop essential skippering techniques and build real confidence at sea. Completing the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore prep course opens the door to opportunities as a professional skipper and career progressions as a sailing professional.

Complete the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification to take the next step in your sailing career.

Why Take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep and Exam Course With Us?

This intensive seven-day course prepares you thoroughly for the Yachtmaster Offshore practical qualification. During the course, you’ll develop and refine your skippering ability to handle challenging passages by day and night, including:

  • Passage planning

  • Boat handling

    • Under sail and power

    • In adverse weather conditions

  • Navigation theory

  • Passage preparation

  • Pilotage techniques  

  • Emergency procedures

Course Details: RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep and Exam

This course prepares you for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence, a globally recognised qualification that enables you to work commercially, with the appropriate endorsements. 

The programme is designed to boost your confidence in handling challenging offshore passages and to ensure you meet the exacting standards required by the RYA examiner. 

Yachtmaster™ Offshore exam pre-requisites

  • 50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages.
  • 5 days experience as skipper.
  • At least half this mileage and passages must be conducted in tidal waters.
  • All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
  • A GMDSS Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher grade of marine radio certificate.
  • A valid first aid certificate

 

 

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation 

The first five days of this seven-day course involve yachtmaster exam preparation. Working with an instructor, you’ll focus on:

  1. Strengthening the knowledge, understanding and techniques required to pass the assessment

  2. Refining any of your skills that do not yet meet the required exam standard.

  3. Ensuring your sailing practice is safe, efficient and well-structured.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Examination

On days six and seven, you’ll complete your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam. The RYA examiner will assess your skippering skills, your competence in handling challenging passages and your use of charts for navigation. 

The practical exam syllabus includes:

  • Skippering techniques and leadership

  • Decision-making and command skills

  • Passage planning

  • Yacht handling

  • Safety awareness and knowledge

  • General seamanship

  • Navigation competence

  • Overboard recovery

  • Thorough knowledge of:

    • International collision regulations

    • Meteorology

    • Distress signals

Cost

  • Off-peak (1st November – 31st March): £810pp

  • Peak Season (1st April – 31st October): £850pp

Additional Important Information

The Yachtmaster Offshore exam costs £266* and must be paid before the exam through the RYA online payment system.

On the day of your exam, please bring:

  • Exam fee

  • Photo ID

  • Two passport-sized photographs

* Exam fee correct at time of publishing and subject to change without prior notice. Check the RYA website for any potential changes.

The exam typically lasts between 8 and 12 hours for one candidate. For two candidates, it usually takes 10 to 18 hours.

Next available course dates

23-30th October 2026 

20-27th November 2026

22-29th January 2027

12-19th February 2027

19-26th March 2027

 

 

What’s Included

The course includes: 

  • 7 nights onboard the yacht 

  • Instructor 

  • Breakfast  

  • Lunch 

  • 2 evening meals

  • Soft drinks and snacks 

  • Wet weather gear 

  • Safety equipment

  • Fuel, gas and engine hours

 

 

 

Commercial Endorsement Requirements

To become commercially endorsed, you must hold:

  • RYA Sea Survival certificate

  • ML5 medical certificate

  • First aid certificate

  • Radio Operator’s Licence

  • Sea survival and medical certificate

 

 

 

 

 

Gain hands-on offshore experience, master yacht handling and log qualifying miles under expert guidance. Book your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep and Exam course now.