RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Preparation Programme
At the core of our RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Preparation Programme is an intensive astronavigation course, comprising approximately 50 hours of structured theory, covering celestial navigation, global meteorology, and ocean passage planning. This provides candidates with the ability to navigate independently offshore using both traditional and modern techniques.
What distinguishes the programme is its strong emphasis on practical application alongside theory. Candidates take part in two dedicated training phases—one ashore and one at sea—where they apply astronavigation methods in real conditions, including taking celestial sights and interpreting results in a live environment.
The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean™ Qualification
The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence is the highest level of recreational and small commercial skippering qualification issued by the Royal Yachting Association. It certifies that a skipper is capable of undertaking ocean passages worldwide, including navigating far offshore, beyond the limits of terrestrial navigation aids.
Unlike the Coastal and Offshore levels, the Yachtmaster Ocean focuses heavily on astronavigation—the ability to determine a vessel’s position using celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, planets, and stars.
The distinguishing factors of our Preparation Scheme are:
Prerequisites
The Yachtmaster Ocean exam is conducted by an independent RYA examiner. Interested candidates must fulfil the prerequisites to take the exam, as shown below:
Qualifying passage – to be prepared by the candidate
Candidates need to have completed a qualifying passage on board a sailing or motor yacht up to 500gt which meets the following criteria:
| Nautical Miles: | 600M including at least 200M more than 50 miles from land or charted objects capable of being used for navigation |
| Duration: | At least 96 hours |
| Notes: | The candidate must have taken a full part in the planning and preparation of the passage, including: navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment; storing with spare gear, fuel, water and victuals. |
Astronavigation passage – included in the programme
Candidates must have successfully navigated a yacht at sea by astro navigation. As a minimum this should include the planning, reduction, and plotting of a sun-run-meridian altitude or sun-run-sun sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.
Additional Qualifications required
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail or Motor)
Programme Details
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Theory
- The earth and the celestial sphere
- Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea
- Meridian altitudes
- Sun, star and other sights
- Ocean passage planning and passage making
- The PZX triangle
- Measurement of time
- Compass checking
- Satellite Navigation Systems
- Great circle sailing
- Communications
