Complete your Coastal Skipper theory course at home and in your own time.

About the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course

The RYA Yachtmaster qualification is the gold standard of skipper training, and is highly respected worldwide. Anyone seeking to become an RYA Coastal Skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper, or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Skipper, is required to have broad theoretical knowledge and a high level of practical skill.

With a strong emphasis on passage making, this e-learning course will build upon your existing knowledge and experience to prepare you for longer passages at sea. You will be trained to take a ‘Yachtmaster’ approach to planning and implementation on your boating adventures.

To study this course you need the knowledge attained from the Day Skipper Theory Course, or have an experienced background in cruising or offshore racing. This course is not suitable for beginners – it is aimed at candidates wishing to navigate coastal and offshore passages.

The structure of learning has been developed with decades of experience delivering Yachtmaster tuition worldwide. You will learn how to apply a high standard of seamanship and navigation skills whenever you go to sea, whether that is onboard a sailing yacht or motor cruiser. 

COURSE TOPICS

Navigation - master your skills to navigate using electronic charting, paper charts, routing software and instruments you will find on vessels, ranging from traditional cruisers to top level racing boats!

Weather and meteorology - learn in detail, where weather forecasts come from so you can confidently compare weather predictions and models. Be prepared to make the best possible passage planning decisions for your boat and crew.

Tides and currents - learn how to properly interpret tides and currents anywhere using an abundance of tide forecast information. As a Yachtmaster, you will be required to locate and interpret local information in locations around the world. 

Collision avoidance - professional and recreational skippers need to know the rules of the road! This course will guide you through a clear and logical method to learn the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS). 

Pilotage - develop your confidence in the use of pilotage charts, chart plotters, pilotage books, maps and other modern tools available to navigators. You will learn how to explore and navigate new locations in daylight and darkness. 

Voyage planning - Unravel the complexities of multi-day and international passages with guidance on course laying, customs procedures, weather routing, long range communications, and much more. Passage planning lessons comprise of practical examples and considerations to prepare you for skippering complex passages.

Once you have enrolled you will have up to 6 months to complete all the modules. This is a minimum of 40 hours of on line training followed by an 8 hour on-line exam. Be prepared to spend more than 40 hours completing this course. It is very stimulating and challenging.

Investment: $595 GST inclusive