What Is A Yacht Masters Certificate?

The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates the ability to handle either a sailing or motor boat under certain conditions. It is a well-known and highly respected qualification that is often sought after by aspiring skippers. The RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage within 150 miles from the harbor, while the RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on any length in all parts of the world.

To become a fully qualified Yachtmaster, one must pass an at-sea examination. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster certificates are considered the gold standard for leisure and commercial boating. This comprehensive guide provides essential steps to becoming a Yacht Master, including understanding the role, meeting prerequisites, and obtaining certification.

The IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Offshore certificate is a recreational certificate of competency to command sailing and power vessels up to 24 meters in. The holder of a Yachtmaster qualification can skipper a yacht, lead the crew, and deal with both plain sailing and emergencies. The Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate is for anyone who sails in coastal or protected waters, no more than 20 miles from the coast.

Practical exams can be taken under sail or power, and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore package is an advanced course for experienced seamen who have already acquired theoretical knowledge at Day Skipper standard.