RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course

RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course - Image 2

RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course - Image 3

RYA Certified Training Courses

RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course

Q: Who is this course for?

Skippers aiming for Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore who want deeper skills in navigation, pilotage, meteorology and passage planning. It also suits Day Skipper graduates ready to progress.

Q: How long does the course take?

Around 40 hours of study, completed at your own pace. You have 12 months of tutor support and exam access, with lifetime access to training materials once you finish.

Q: Is everything online?

Yes. Lessons, quizzes, mock exams and the three final online exams are delivered online with instructor feedback. A physical RYA student pack is included.

Q: What equipment do I need?

A computer or tablet with reliable internet. Plotter and dividers are recommended; an add-on pack is available if you need them.

Q: Do I get a certificate?

Yes. On successful completion you receive the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory Course Completion Certificate.

Q: Is there a money-back guarantee?

There is a 14-day unconditional money-back guarantee on enrolment.

Q: What if I fail an exam?

Free repeat attempts are available if required, with detailed instructor feedback to help you pass.

Q: Are there any prerequisites?

Time afloat and Day Skipper knowledge are helpful, but motivated beginners can still enrol. The course revisits key Day Skipper topics before advancing.

From £269.00

Advance your navigation and passage planning skills for longer and more demanding coastal and offshore voyages.

The RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course is designed for experienced boaters preparing for more complex passages and working towards Yachtmaster qualifications.

Study online at your own pace with expert instructor support, and build the knowledge and confidence required for advanced skippering.

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Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

This course builds on Day Skipper knowledge and develops the advanced theory required for the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical examinations.

Core Day Skipper topics are briefly refreshed before progressing into more detailed navigation, meteorology, pilotage and passage planning. The focus is on planning and managing longer coastal and offshore passages, including night navigation.

You’ll learn how to:

Plan and manage longer coastal and offshore passages
Apply advanced navigation and pilotage techniques
Interpret tidal streams, heights and optimise passage timing
Understand meteorology and weather systems for offshore planning
Make safe decisions and apply collision regulations at sea
Navigate confidently at night using lights and visual references
Manage safety, seamanship and passage execution

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

This course is the next step after the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course and prepares you for Yachtmaster-level practical training.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is aimed at experienced boaters looking to progress to more advanced navigation and passage planning.

Ideal for:

Skippers preparing for Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore exams
Day Skipper-level boaters advancing their knowledge
Experienced crew stepping up to skipper
Motorboat and sailing boaters planning longer passages
Those wanting a flexible route to advanced RYA theory

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

No formal qualifications are required, but prior knowledge at Day Skipper level is strongly recommended.

You should ideally have:

Experience on the water as crew or skipper
A working understanding of navigation and seamanship
Familiarity with charts, tides and passage planning

Course Duration, Price & Certification

This online course is designed to fit around work, family and time on the water, allowing you to study flexibly at your own pace.

Key course details:

Price: From £269.00
Study time: Approximately 40 hours
Access: 12 months with instructor support (extensions available)
Certification: RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory Certificate

Once completed, you’ll retain lifetime access to the training materials for ongoing reference.

Course Locations & Training Areas

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

If you progress to Yachtmaster practical training, this is typically completed in challenging tidal environments such as the Solent, providing real-world offshore navigation experience.

FAQs

Who is this course for?

How long does the course take?

Is everything online?

What equipment do I need?

Do I get a certificate?

Is there a money-back guarantee?

What if I fail an exam?

Are there any prerequisites?

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.”

Star Google Rating – Trusted by Happy Customers

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!.”

Ricky Velai

“Great School, great instructors, great boat, highly recommend taking course with these guys. Instructor Ramos was a great teacher”

Antony Clark

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