Yachtmaster Ocean

The Yachtmaster Ocean is the highest qualification awarded by the RYA. Recognised worldwide, the Yachtmaster Ocean certificate proves you have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to skipper a yacht across an ocean.

What does the Yachtmaster Ocean qualify me to do?

The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence allows the holder to skipper a yacht on an Ocean passage of any length.

The RYA has a structured route from beginner to Yachtmaster Ocean. You can choose sail or Power.

Whether you sail or enjoy powerboats, there is a route to Yachtmaster Ocean. To do the Yachtmaster Ocean, it’s fair to say that most people will choose the sailing route. This is because very few motorboats under 60 meters can cross an ocean. Smaller motorboats have a limited fuel range.

Become a professional skipper.

After passing the Yachtmaster Ocean exam, you have the opportunity to become a professional skipper. You can achieve this by applying for commercial endorsement.

It it worth pointing out at this stage, if you are considering working as a professional skipper then you will need to complete a medical, either the ENG1 or ML5. The medical confirms you are fit to work at sea.

To apply for Commercial Endorsement you would have completed additional safety training courses, including STCW Basic Safety Training, plus an online Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) course, and passed a medical.

Once you have completed these additional safety qualifications, you can apply for commercial endorsement and start a career as a professional skipper.

Superyacht crew

To become a Chief Mate on a Superyacht, Deckhands, Bosuns, and Officers must first obtain their Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate.

Requirements for RYA Yachtmaster Ocean

To sit the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Oral exam, candidates will be experienced sailors with a good depth of knowledge of sailing offshore, and on extended passages.

The requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam are as follows:

1. Hold the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence.

2. Complete a 600-mile offshore passage acting in a position of responsibility (skipper or watch leader).

3. Have completed a series of celestial sights fixing your position at sea, including a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using a bearing of the sun, moon, or stars.

4. Be a competent offshore/Ocean skipper with good offshore experience.

5. Have extensive knowledge of Ocean weather patterns and conditions that can affect a trip across an ocean.

Once you have met these prerequisites, you can sit for the Yachtmaster Ocean Oral exam. You can sit the Yachtmaster Ocean Oral exam

The difference between Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean

Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean differ in Astro navigation, using the sun and stars to determine position. If you were sailing across an ocean and all electronic equipment were to fail, then having the knowledge to fix your position using a sextant would prove invaluable.

The Yachtmaster Offshore allows you to take a yacht on a journey no more than 150 miles from harbour. On the other hand, the Yachtmaster Ocean has no restrictions or limitations.

How do I become a Yachtmaster Ocean?

There are two options; the first is if you have your own boat. By having your own yacht, you can learn skills at your own pace with friends and family. You may want some basic training to get you going in the right direction, then build miles and experience. This option is cheaper if you don’t count the yacht’s cost, and you can learn at your own speed.

The drawback is that achieving Yachtmaster Ocean is finding the balance between training, work, friends, and family can be tricky. Furthermore, convincing friends to go sailing in the depths of winter means achieving your goal can take years.

The second option is joining a structured training programme. You can complete all the training at once and not have the hassle of owning your own yacht. A lot of people combine the Yachtmaster Ocean with travel, completing their training somewhere warm and sunny.

Our Yachtmaster Ocean course takes you from a novice sailor to Yachtmaster Ocean in 16 weeks. The training programme includes all the skills, qualifications, and experience you need to become an Ocean Master.

The course is for everyone, regardless of age or experience. It is suitable for beginners and experienced sailors who don’t have any formal qualifications. Whatever your sailing experience.