OUR COURSES
Overview
An RYA Yachtmaster certificate of competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.
Unlike other courses in the cruising program, there is no formal training to complete in order to become a Yacht Master. Instead, provided that you have sufficient experience and seatime, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge.
Many Yacht Master candidates choose to book themselves into our RYA yacht training centre for some tailor-made tuition to prepare them for the exam, it is advisable to have knowledge to the level of our RYA Yacht Master shore based course before attempting this exam. It is strongly recommended that you take a preparation course prior to taking the practical examinations.
The scheme comprises a series of practical courses, complemented by our navigation and other specialist short courses. You can use them simply to increase your knowledge and confidence, or as a progression to the RYA Certificates of Competence which are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide.
The ideal introduction is the Australian Sailing – Discover Sailing Competent Crew program which includes the Keelboat Start Crewing and Start Helming courses courses on our International J24 yachts. You will get a better feel of sailing and you will learn to sail much faster than starting on our bigger yachts. Its a bit like learning to drive a car, you don’t start in a truck first. Alternatively if your heart is set on starting on our beautiful bigger yachts the choice is yours and we then suggest the 5 day competent crew course.
Our courses generally take place over five days. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (home of the famous Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race) has been our base for 40 years on beautiful Sydney Harbour. You can enter our program at any level, provided that you have the correct level of experience beforehand.
Recently the RYA have collaborated with Navionics to develop new resources for teaching electronic navigation in the classroom. With their help, we have converted the RYA training charts into the Navionics format and together Electronic Navigation Resources Booklets. Watch the RYA video on their collaboration with Navionics here.
It is important to be realistic when assessing your current experience and abilities and, if in doubt, discuss your requirements with our training centre before booking your course.
Venturing Overseas?
International Certificate of Competence ICC As the skipper of a vessel, you must ensure that you are aware of any requirement for qualifications before venturing into another country’s jurisdiction. The requirement for a certificate of competence varies from country to country. Sometimes they are required for coastal waters, sometimes for inland waters, sometimes for neither and sometimes for both. Although only guaranteed to be accepted in countries that have adopted the relevant UN Resolution, the ICC International Certificate of Competence is a useful document to carry, and until March 1st 2011 this was unavailable to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents.
RYA Courses | Pre Course Knowledge | Ability After Course |
---|---|---|
Start Yachting Practical |
None | First steps to becoming a knowledgeable and useful crew member |
Competent Crew Practical |
None | Knowledgeable and useful crew member |
Essential Navigation & Seamanship On line |
None | Basic introduction to navigation and safety |
Day Skipper Theory Shore based and available on line |
Some practical experience desirable | Theoretical knowledge of basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology |
Day Skipper Practical |
Basic knowledge of navigation to the level of the Day Skipper Shore based Course and basic sailing ability. 5 Days sailing, 100 miles, 4 night hours. | Skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. |
Day Skipper Combined Theory & Practical Shore based & Practical |
Some practical experience desirable | Skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. |
RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Shorebased Course Available as Virtual Course |
Practical experience desirable. Navigation to Day Skipper shore based standard | Theoretical knowledge of offshore and coastal navigation, pilotage and meterology |
RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster 5 day Practical |
15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours or RYA Day Skipper standard. | Skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night. |
Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Prep+ MCA/RYA Exam Practical |
30 Days (2 days as skipper) 800 miles, 12 night hours Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster shore based standard VHF/HF licence First Aid certificate |
Has the knowledge and ability to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but not necessarily the experience needed to undertake longer passages. Has the same theoretical knowledge as a Yachtmster but not as much practical experience to enable him or her to perform as smoothly or consistently |
Yachmaster Offshore Prep+ MCA/RYA Exam Practical |
50 Days (5 days as skipper) 2500 miles 5 passages over 60 miles (including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper) Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster shore based standard VHF/HF licence First Aid certificate |
A Yachtmaster is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from a harbour |
Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Shore based |
Coastal and offshore sailing Navigation to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shore based standard |
Has the theoretical knowledge of astro navigation, ocean meteorology and passage planning to undertake an ocean passage |