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RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course

From £295.00

Develop the knowledge required to plan and navigate long-distance ocean passages.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course is designed for experienced skippers preparing for blue water cruising and extended offshore voyages beyond 150 nautical miles.

Study online at your own pace with expert instructor support, and gain the specialist knowledge needed for ocean navigation and passage planning.

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This course builds on Yachtmaster Offshore knowledge and introduces the advanced theory required for ocean navigation.

It focuses on astro navigation, global meteorology and long-distance passage planning, equipping you with the skills needed to navigate safely far from land.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Understand the principles of astro navigation
  • Use a sextant to obtain accurate position fixes
  • Calculate position using the sun, stars and planets
  • Measure time and apply corrections
  • Check and correct compass errors
  • Plan ocean passages using great circle sailing
  • Interpret global weather systems and ocean meteorology
  • Understand tropical storms and weather avoidance
  • Manage long-distance passage planning and decision-making

 

You’ll receive structured online learning, official RYA materials and full instructor support throughout.

This course is the final step in the RYA theory pathway, following the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course.

This course is designed for experienced skippers preparing for ocean passages and advanced navigation.

Ideal for:

  • Yachtmaster Offshore certificate holders
  • Skippers planning their first ocean crossing
  • Commercial skippers operating beyond 150nm
  • Experienced sailors and motor cruisers preparing for blue water cruising
  • Those working towards the Yachtmaster Ocean qualification

This course is not suitable for beginners.

You should already have knowledge at Yachtmaster Offshore level.

You should be confident with:

  • Coastal and offshore navigation
  • Tidal calculations and passage planning
  • Meteorology at advanced level
  • Chartwork and electronic navigation

 

If you are new to navigation, you should first complete:

This online course is designed to be flexible, allowing you to study around work, sailing commitments and passage planning.

Course details:

  • Price: From £295.00
  • Study time: Approximately 40 hours
  • Access: 12 months with instructor support (extendable)
  • Certification: RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Theory Certificate

 

On completion, you’ll retain lifetime access to the training materials for reference during future voyages.

This course is delivered fully online, allowing you to study from anywhere.

The knowledge gained is designed for ocean passages worldwide, supporting safe navigation and decision-making far from land.

FAQs

Customer Reviews

“Cloud Nine is a fantastic boat that handles the sea well-lots of power to get on the plane and kept going if you wanted it. My wife who is not the most confident boater said she wasn’t worried as the boat always felt planted to the water. Rob is a really great guy very laid back and gives you confidence going over the boat and its equipment to give you a great day out on the water.”
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Martin Gordon
“Rob skippered us and our 35ft Sailboat from Portishead to Falmouth. We encountered weather and issues on the boat which without Rob’s leadership, skill and confidence would have caused us to turn back. On the 36 hour journey Rob was consistently professional and friendly, providing coaching and friendly pointers throughout. The entire journey felt like a very easy lesson and we will benefit for many years to come from Rob’s advice and the simple standards he set aboard. Can’t thank him enough and will definitely be in touch in future!.”
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Ricky Velai
“Great School, great instructors, great boat, highly recommend taking course with these guys. Instructor Ramos was a great teacher”
Star Google Rating – Trusted by Happy Customers
Antony Clark

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