Yachtmaster

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A Yachtmaster qualification is a certificate of competence of the ability to handle either a sailing boat or motor boat (as endorsed) in certain prescribed conditions. Three different titles are specified; Yachtmaster Inshore (also called in some countries Coastal Skipper), Yachtmaster Offshore, and Yachtmaster Ocean which specify the area of operation covered. ^[1]

Certification may be sought either for recognition commercially or as a means for confirmation of attainment of skills. The original training scheme and certification was established by the Royal Yachting Association in the UK although training to this scheme is carried out in many countries. Other countries such as Australia have modified the scheme to suit their conditions and operate under the auspices of the Yachting Australia ^[2] and offer their own schemes or RYA certifications.

Modern Sailing Yacht

1 Training
2 Yachtmaster Ocean
3 Yachtmaster Offshore
4 Yachtmaster Inshore
5 Day Skipper
6 References
7 External Links

[edit] Training

The RYA set up a committee to govern its training activities in 1967 while the Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel was set up in 1971. Training in more than 23 countries with 18,000 RYA instructors across the world. And 11,000 professionals working on commercial vessels using RYA Certificates of Competence

[edit] Yachtmaster Ocean

The Yachtmaster Ocean qualification testing includes a written test of knowledge of ocean passage making including planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management, yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs. Also knowledge of sights to be taken at sea during an ocean passage, prequalification includes holding a Yachtmaster Offshore certification and certified practical experience, including a 600 n mile qualifying passage.

[edit] Yachtmaster Offshore

The Yachtmaster Offshore certification involves demonstration of skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of ship construction, ballasting, radio, radar, collision regulations, meteorology and signals. Prerequisites include minimum log book certified sea time, days and nights at sea, specified mileages covered, time skippered, certificates in radio operation and safety. The Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence can be used commercially in its own right. In order to work on board a commercial craft subject to certain codes it will need to be commercially endorsed. A holder is then authorised as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters - that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven, or Master Category 5 operating up to 200nm offshore, depending upon country. The practical examination will typically take 12 hours but may involve several days at sea under examination in charge of a yacht with novice crew.

[edit] Yachtmaster Inshore

Yachtmaster Inshore (Coastal Skipper) certification involves assessment of skippering skills to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS (collision regulations), meteorology and signals. Boat handling to the standard of the Day Skipper practical course and navigation to the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shore based course is required and knowledge of safety, passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling and emergency situations. Prerequisite in the UK is log book sea time of 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 n miles, 8 night hours. When commercially endorsed a holder can then work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters - that is up to 20 miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight.

[edit] Day Skipper

A Day Skipper is certified to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. With assessment of basic navigation and helmsmanship, pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation. Prerequisite is log book certification of sea time of 5 days, 100 n miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht.