Course preview · RYA YM Offshore Prep
Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation
A demanding skipper-level prep course for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore oral and practical exam.
- Modules
- 13
- Lessons
- 39
- Materials
- 6
- Syllabus outcomes
- 20
Ready to join this course?
This preview lists titles only. Enrol on the course page to open every lesson, material and quiz, and to track your progress.
Sign in and enrol to unlock the full content.
RYA syllabus
01 Offshore passage planning2 topics · 4 outcomes
Offshore route planning2
- YOS.OP.1Plans a multi-day offshore passage with weather routing and fuel budget.
- YOS.OP.2Selects ports of refuge and decision points along the route.
Contingency planning2
- YOS.CP.1Defines abort criteria and communicates them to the crew.
- YOS.CP.2Revises the plan when forecasts or conditions change.
02 Heavy weather and seamanship2 topics · 4 outcomes
Heavy weather tactics2
- YOS.HW.1Selects appropriate sail plan and tactics for forecast severe weather.
- YOS.HW.2Directs the crew through heaving-to, running off or lying a-hull.
Crew welfare2
- YOS.CW.1Maintains crew warmth, dryness, food and rest in bad weather.
- YOS.CW.2Recognises and responds to fatigue and seasickness.
03 Navigation and traffic2 topics · 4 outcomes
Offshore navigation2
- YOS.ON.1Maintains an accurate offshore log and chart plot.
- YOS.ON.2Cross-checks electronic position with independent observations.
Shipping and TSS2
- YOS.ST.1Plans routes through or around Traffic Separation Schemes.
- YOS.ST.2Identifies vessel type and action from lights, shapes and AIS.
04 Emergency leadership2 topics · 4 outcomes
Emergency response2
- YOS.ER.1Directs the crew through offshore emergency drills.
- YOS.ER.2Implements damage control and medical emergency procedures.
SAR coordination2
- YOS.SR.1Composes clear distress and urgency calls with all required information.
- YOS.SR.2Coordinates with rescue services and prepares for evacuation if needed.
05 Command and systems2 topics · 4 outcomes
Command leadership2
- YOS.CL.1Exercises calm, decisive command throughout the passage.
- YOS.CL.2Briefs, delegates and debriefs the crew effectively.
Systems and maintenance2
- YOS.SM.1Understands engine, electrical, steering and rigging systems.
- YOS.SM.2Carries out basic troubleshooting and temporary repairs at sea.
Course outline & materials
Titles only — materials open once you're enrolled on the course.
01 Preparation for sea and offshore passage planning3 lessons · 1 item
Plan and prepare a multi-day offshore passage to the standard an examiner expects.
- URLNOAA Ocean Prediction Center🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
02 Boat handling under power in confined spaces3 lessons · 1 item
Handle a yacht under power in wind and tide to the Yachtmaster standard, ahead and astern.
- URLRYA: Heavy weather sailing🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
03 Berthing, mooring and rafting in tide and wind3 lessons · 1 item
Berth alongside, on a finger, bows-to and stern-to in wind and tide.
- URLMCA: Search and Rescue🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
04 Anchoring offshore and overnight3 lessons · 1 item
Choose, set and check an anchorage for an overnight stay in changing conditions.
- URLUS Naval Observatory: Celestial data🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
05 Sail handling, heavy weather and boat handling under sail3 lessons · 0 items
Set, reef and change sails offshore, at night and shorthanded.
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
06 Pilotage by day and night3 lessons · 1 item
Prepare and execute a pilotage plan into an unfamiliar harbour without relying on the plotter.
- URLIMO: COLREGs🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
07 Navigation offshore, electronic aids and blind navigation3 lessons · 0 items
Navigate offshore by traditional and electronic means, cross-checking each against the other.
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
08 Man overboard recovery under sail and power3 lessons · 0 items
Recover a man overboard under both 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 strategy offshore3 lessons · 0 items
Interpret synoptic charts, GRIB files and forecasts to build a weather strategy for a passage.
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
10 Collision regulations, watchkeeping and traffic separation3 lessons · 1 item
Apply the IRPCS correctly under way, by day and night, including in restricted visibility.
- URLRYA: Yachtmaster Offshore exam🔒
Theory60 min
No materials listed
Worked example90 min
No materials listed
Self-check30 min
No materials listed
11 Yacht systems, maintenance and engineering offshore3 lessons · 0 items
Carry out and delegate daily and passage engine and systems checks.
Briefing and theory
No materials listed
On-the-water practice
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check
No materials listed
12 Night passages, watchkeeping and crew management3 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, SAR and the exam itself3 lessons · 0 items
Handle fire, flooding, grounding, dismasting, steering failure, medical emergency and abandonment.
Briefing and theory
No materials listed
On-the-water practice
No materials listed
Debrief and self-check
No materials listed