Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
Advanced chartwork, offshore passage planning, weather systems, and celestial fundamentals for the offshore skipper.
Read the guide: What is an RYA Yachtmaster qualification?Syllabus Highlights
7 sections · 7 topics · 151 outcomes
Key topics & assessment areas
Prerequisite Knowledge
Before you book
Required RYA qualifications
- RYADay Skipper Theory
Level · advanced
Where we run it
Available locations
Fornells, Menorca
Menorca
RCMB, Barcelona
Barcelona
Enrollment
Enroll on Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
Enrolling creates your course record so you can follow the syllabus, access course materials, track competencies and book practical sessions when dates suit you.
Delivered by Mt Sail & Power. Questions before you start? sail@mtsail.com
Course Content
What you'll cover
01Position fixing & advanced chartwork
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts30 min
- Worked example60 min
- Self-check exercise90 min
02Tides, tidal heights & secondary ports
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts30 min
- Worked example60 min
- Self-check exercise90 min
03Tidal streams & course to steer
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts30 min
- Worked example60 min
- Self-check exercise90 min
04Tides interactive (archive)
0 lessonsOpenClose
All 15 interactive tides screens from the restored Shorebase courseware, with full narration — causes of tides, chart datum, rule of twelfths, tidal curves, secondary ports and tidal streams.
05Electronic navigation: GNSS, plotters & radar
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Watch — training videos
Decluttering charts for navigation
Strip a chart plotter display back to the information you actually need underway.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Relative motion on screen (RYA #DigitalFirst)
How relative motion works on radar and plotter displays, and how to tell whether a target is genuinely on a collision course with you.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Adjusting depth contours and the depth alarm
Set safety contours and depth alarms so the plotter warns you before you run out of water.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Chart and dashboard split screen
Combine chart and instrument data on one plotter screen.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Cursor range and bearing
Measure range and bearing from your boat or a waypoint using the plotter cursor.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Heading and COG vectors
Understand heading vs course over ground and how vector lines predict your track.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Navigation alarms
Set and manage arrival, anchor and off-course alarms on the plotter.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Rulers for bearing and position confirmation
Use on-screen rulers to confirm bearings and your position at a waypoint.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
True and relative vectors
Compare true and relative vector modes and when to use each.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
VRM and EBL for position monitoring
Use variable range markers and electronic bearing lines to monitor position and traffic.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
06Collision regulations in depth
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
07Lights, shapes & sound signals
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
08Buoyage & pilotage planning
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
09Meteorology: synoptic charts & forecasting
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
10Passage planning & strategy
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Watch — training videos
Route creation and editing
Build and check the passage route electronically.
Build, review and edit a route on the chart plotter.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Digital route planning (RYA #DigitalFirst)
An RYA Digital First session on planning a route on screen: building it leg by leg, checking each leg against the chart, and reviewing it before you rely on it.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
11Safety, emergencies & search and rescue
Video3 lessonsOpenClose
Watch — training videos
Man overboard crew training: Prevent, Practise, Prepare
RYA guidance on preventing a man overboard and preparing the whole crew to respond.
Video: Royal Yachting Association · Watch on YouTube
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
12Communications & distress procedures
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
13Yacht stability, maintenance & seamanship
3 lessonsOpenClose
Lessons (3)
- Theory & key concepts
- Worked example
- Self-check exercise
14Coastal theory interactive archive
0 lessonsOpenClose
Restored interactive coastal theory courseware, playable in the browser.
RYA Syllabus
Learning outcomes
01Position Fixing
1 outcomes
Advanced position fixing1
- 1.1Fixes position by multiple methods including cocked hats and running fixes
02Course Shaping and Plotting
1 outcomes
Currents & leeway1
- 2.1Plots course to steer allowing for tide, current and leeway
03Tidal Knowledge
1 outcomes
Complex tides1
- 3.1Calculates tidal heights and streams for secondary ports and non-standard ports
04Lights & Buoyage
1 outcomes
Night navigation1
- 4.1Identifies lights and IALA A buoys at night with confidence
05Passage Planning
1 outcomes
Offshore passages1
- 5.1Plans an offshore passage including contingency and safety management
06IRPCS
1 outcomes
Advanced application1
- 6.1Applies all IRPCS rules including restricted visibility
07Meteorology
1 outcomes
Synoptic charts1
- 7.1Interprets synoptic charts and forecasts weather at sea
Upcoming Sessions
Book your place
No sessions are currently scheduled. Contact us at sail@mtsail.com to request one.