A holder of the Yachtmaster™ Offshore certificate is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour.

A commercially-endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore certificate allows the holder to work in the Industry, anywhere in the world.

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Required pre-course experience:

Minimum age:  18

​​You must have:

Sailed 2500 miles in the last 10 years, Half in Tidal waters.

​Completed 5, 60 mile passages, 2 as Skipper and 2 at night (Tidal or Non-Tidal).

​Spent 50 days on board (not consecutively).

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You must also:

Hold a recognised VHF Licence. (available with our Yachtmaster Offshore Combined course)

​Hold a recognised first aid qualification, such as RYA First Aid.

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For Commercial Endorsements, you must:

Hold a valid Sea Survival Certificate, such as RYA Basic Sea Survival

​Hold a valid Medical and Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)Cert (available with our Yachtmaster Offshore Combined course)

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You will be expected to have completed the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased course before joining us in Volos. (Available as an online course in our Yachtmaster Offshore Combined course)

Under the professional tuition of an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, you will be coached to meet the exacting requirements of the RYA Examiner during the preparation week.

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With a maximum of 4 students to 1 instructor, you will have plenty of time to practice: Boat handling under power and sail, sailing by day and night, theory revision and brushing up on your personal sailing skills.

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The course begins on Saturday in Volos. The exam will begin on Wednesday afternoon and finish on Thursday afternoon, depending on the number of students

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Duration:

6 days, including the exam

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Dates for 2025: (Alternate dates may be available on request)

June 28th-July 3rd

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Course content:

The instructor will asses your strengths and weaknesses and coach you in the areas required to pass the examination.

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Special attention will be paid to:

passage planning, man overboard recovery, close quarters handling, skippering techniques, navigation in restricted visibility, pilotage and knowledge of the International Collision Regulations.

You will be fully debriefed at the end of each day, giving you chance to work on any weak areas.

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Included in the price:

Use of the school yacht and all the equipment. The cost of the exam and the examiners travel expenses.

Breakfast, lunch and 2 evening meals on board the yacht. You’ll get freshly laundered linen & towels, pillows, and bedding. Also included are fuel and mooring fees.

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Not included:

Meals in tavernas and the cost of getting here. (Please refer to our Getting here page) ​

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Method of assessment: 8-12 hour practical exam conducted by an independent RYA examiner.

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Certificates awarded: RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence.