Course preview · RYA YM Coastal Prep
Yachtmaster Coastal Preparation
An intensive practical prep course for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam, refining boat handling, passage planning and skippering judgement.
- Modules
- 13
- Lessons
- 39
- Materials
- 6
- Syllabus outcomes
- 20
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RYA syllabus
01 Passage planning and preparation2 topics · 4 outcomes
Passage planning2
- CCS.PP.1Plans a coastal passage allowing for tidal gates, weather and ports of refuge.
- CCS.PP.2Prepares the vessel, stores and documentation for the passage.
Skipper briefing2
- CCS.SB.1Briefs the crew on the plan, roles and decision points before departure.
- CCS.SB.2Adapts the plan and communicates changes as conditions evolve.
02 Navigation and pilotage2 topics · 4 outcomes
Pilotage2
- CCS.PI.1Prepares a concise pilotage plan for an unfamiliar harbour by day or night.
- CCS.PI.2Executes pilotage using transits, leading lines and clearing bearings.
Navigation techniques2
- CCS.NT.1Plots fixes, EPs and course-to-steer allowing for tidal stream.
- CCS.NT.2Cross-checks electronic navigation with independent observations.
03 Boat handling2 topics · 4 outcomes
Power handling2
- CCS.PH.1Berths and leaves in a variety of wind and tide combinations.
- CCS.PH.2Turns the yacht in her own length using prop walk and prop wash.
Sail handling2
- CCS.SH.1Sets, reefs and trims sails for coastal conditions.
- CCS.SH.2Handles sails during manoeuvres in confined waters.
04 Safety and emergencies2 topics · 4 outcomes
Man overboard2
- CCS.MO.1Directs MOB recovery under power with clear crew roles.
- CCS.MO.2Directs MOB recovery under sail.
Distress procedures2
- CCS.DP.1Composes and transmits a Mayday or Pan-Pan with required details.
- CCS.DP.2Coordinates with rescue services and directs the crew appropriately.
05 Skipper command2 topics · 4 outcomes
Command decisions2
- CCS.CD.1Makes timely command decisions with safety as the priority.
- CCS.CD.2Delegates clearly and maintains situational awareness.
Exam readiness2
- CCS.ER.1Demonstrates examiner-level skippering across passages, pilotage and boat handling.
- CCS.ER.2Receives feedback and identifies remaining development areas.
Course outline & materials
Titles only — materials open once you're enrolled on the course.
01 Preparation for sea and coastal passage planning3 lessons · 1 item
Plan and prepare a coastal passage of up to 60 miles as skipper.
- URLRYA: Yachtmaster Coastal explained🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
02 Boat handling under power3 lessons · 1 item
Handle a yacht under power confidently in wind and tide.
- URLUKHO: Tidal calculations guide🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
03 Berthing, mooring and rafting3 lessons · 0 items
Berth alongside, on a finger, bows-to and stern-to in wind and tide.
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
04 Anchoring in coastal waters3 lessons · 1 item
Choose, set and check an anchorage including for an overnight stay.
- URLRYA: Berthing and boat handling🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
05 Sail handling and boat handling under sail3 lessons · 0 items
Set, trim, reef and change sails efficiently in a range of conditions.
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
06 Pilotage into unfamiliar harbours3 lessons · 1 item
Prepare and execute a pilotage plan without relying on the chart plotter.
- URLMet Office: Marine forecasts🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
07 Navigation underway3 lessons · 1 item
Navigate a coastal passage by traditional means with electronics as a cross-check.
- URLRYA: Sea safety and emergencies🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
08 Man overboard recovery as skipper3 lessons · 0 items
Recover a man overboard under sail and power, by day and at night.
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
09 Meteorology and weather strategy3 lessons · 0 items
Use forecasts, synoptic charts and the barometer to plan and adapt a coastal passage.
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
10 Rules of the road and keeping a lookout3 lessons · 1 item
Apply the IRPCS correctly under way, day and night.
- URLRYA: Exam preparation advice🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
11 Deck work, maintenance and yacht systems3 lessons · 0 items
Carry out and delegate engine and systems checks and routine maintenance.
Briefing and theory
No materials listed
On-the-water practice
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check
No materials listed
12 Night cruising and watchkeeping3 lessons · 0 items
Run a yacht safely at night including entry to a strange harbour.
Briefing and theory
No materials listed
On-the-water practice
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check
No materials listed
13 Emergencies, skipper responsibilities and exam preparation3 lessons · 0 items
Handle fire, flooding, grounding, steering failure, medical emergency and towing.
Briefing and theory
No materials listed
On-the-water practice
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check
No materials listed