What is the Yachtmaster Ocean? It is the highest certificate of the Royal Yachting Association, ideal for those who are preparing for an ocean passage.
Previous Experience and Knowledge
To take this course, you must already hold the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate. If you do not yet have it, you may complete the theoretical course, but you cannot take the oral exam until the Offshore qualification is obtained.
Before the oral exam, you must have completed a voyage on a vessel of up to 500 GT, covering at least 600 nautical miles, including 200 miles more than 50 miles from land or any navigable object. The voyage must last at least 96 hours, and you must have been fully involved in its planning and preparation — including navigation planning, checking the yacht’s condition and equipment, and organizing fuel, water, spares, and provisions.
During this voyage, you must have served as skipper or sole watch leader, and you must have navigated using astronomical methods. This includes planning, reducing, and plotting a sun sight (such as a sun–meridian or three-sun sight) and performing a compass check using a celestial body. There is no minimum age requirement.
Theoretical Course
The theoretical course prepares you for the written exam and provides the certificate needed to take the oral exam.
Duration: 40 hours.
You will study topics such as:
- The Earth and the celestial sphere
- Practical use and care of the sextant
- Meridian altitudes
- Sun, star, and planet sights
- Planning ocean passages
Exams
There are two exams: written and oral.
Written Exam:
Covers astronomical sights, sight reduction, and world meteorology. Before applying, ensure you have completed the required miles and meet all prerequisites.
You are exempt from this exam if you hold:
- An RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Completion Certificate (exam invigilated at an RYA training centre), or
- An STCW unlimited Deck Officer certificate issued by the MCA.
Oral Exam:
Conducted by an RYA examiner and lasting about two hours. You will be assessed on meteorology, navigation, ocean routing, crew management, maintenance, and basic repairs.
Working with the Ocean
After earning your Yachtmaster Ocean, you may apply for a Commercial Endorsement, which allows you to work professionally on vessels up to 200 GT, with no distance limitation. This qualification is recognized internationally.
