Boating is an activity that many enjoy in their free time, and for those who desire to take their skills to the next level, the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Yachtmaster certification is available. Essentially, the Yachtmaster qualification is a certificate of competence of the holder’s ability to handle a motor or sailing boat in various conditions. There are three different certifications specified: Yachtmaster Coastal, Yachtmaster Ocean and Yachtmaster Offshore.
Around the world, the RYA qualifications are respected and recognised, with many recreational and professional skippers making it their aim to attain them. RYA has established a distinguished history of knowledge and experience in boating, helping skippers at all levels learn what it takes to become the best in yachting.
RYA training was established in 1967 by a committee given the mandate to govern these activities and later followed by the setting up of a Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel in 1971. Yacht training is provided in 58 countries by over 25,000 instructors. Professionals who have attained RYA Certificates of Competence number more than 24,000 across 21 maritime flag states globally.
For those who enjoy yachting, sailing with a competent skipper is a joy. The mood within the yacht will be a relaxed one, with the crew well informed of what to do and expect on their trip. The skipper will know the potential problems to expect, with solutions ready before any issue becomes a serious matter. It’s a feeling that Thomas Noel Collister Jackson, himself an experienced Yachtmaster, knows all too well. Mr. Jackson is a qualified Yachtmaster and a member of several yacht clubs, including the Royal Malta Yacht Club, the Brentford Cruising Club and the Great Ouse Boating Association.
A Serious Skipper
A skipper who holds the Yachtmaster qualification has the skills and knowledge to steer a yacht, lead a crew and address any emergencies that might arise in the course of sailing. Topics such as collision avoidance, seamanship, navigation and weather are covered in the course, as is practice in sea sailing in various locations during the night and day. An aspiring professional is typically advised to gain as much experience as possible by becoming a crew member on other people’s boats.
While the RYA Yachtmaster qualification has its origins in the UK, it has been accepted and incorporated by numerous maritime authorities worldwide. Recognised training centres can offer several practical and shore-based courses that lead to certifications for crew, skippers and radio operators, not to mention courses in first aid and sea survival. The vessels used at these training centres must be inspected by the RYA annually to ensure they meet the required standards.
The RYA is responsible for administering the Yachtmaster qualification, which it does on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Like a pilot’s or a driver’s licence, the Yachtmaster is administered by individuals who have no ties to the training.
Minimum Requirements
As expected of any qualification, there are minimum requirements for those undertaking the Yachtmaster Coastal examination. At the least, a candidate must have logged 30 days at sea, two days as a skipper and a minimum of 800 miles (with 12 hours at night). If the candidate already holds a Coastal Skipper certificate, the requirements come down to 20 days at sea, 400 miles, 12 night hours and two days as skipper. Half the time at sea must be logged in tidal waters.
For the Yachtmaster Offshore examination the requirements become more significant, including 2,500 miles logged, 50 days at sea, and five days of experience as skipper, among others.