Yachtmaster

A Yachtmaster qualification is a certificate of competence of the ability to handle either a sailing boat or motor boat (as endorsed) in certain prescribed conditions. Three different titles are specified; Yachtmaster Coastal (previously - and in some countries still - called Coastal Skipper), Yachtmaster Offshore, and Yachtmaster Ocean which specify the level of competence required and the area of operation certified.

Certification may be sought for commercial recognition or as a confirmation of attainment of skills.

The original training scheme and certification was established and is maintained by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK and training to this scheme is carried out in many countries. Other countries such as Australia, have modified the scheme in partnership with the RYA so that it can be locally administered and operated by Yachting Australia.

The RYA set up a committee to govern its training activities in 1967 and the Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel was set up in 1971. Training is carried out in more than 23 countries and there are 18,000 RYA instructors across the world. It is estimated that 13,000 professionals are working on commercial vessels using RYA Certificates of Competence.

On behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the RYA administers the Yachtmaster Scheme, examines candidates and issues Certificates of Competence. RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence are recognised and respected worldwide.

With effect from 1 January 2010 the former "Coastal Skipper" qualification has been re-designated as "Yachtmaster Coastal".

The Yachtmaster Coastal has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises no more than 60 nautical miles offshore in favourable conditions but does not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages.

To take the practical examination, candidates must be aged 17 years or over and require:

The examination for Yachtmaster Coastal is practical and can be taken under sail or power and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly. It lasts 6–10 hours for one candidate or 8–14 hours for two candidates, and is conducted in a boat between 7 m (23 ft) and 24 m (78 ft) in length.

The examination will include an assessment of the candidate's skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS (collision regulations), meteorology and signals. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability as skipper and may also be asked questions on any part of the RYA syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Yachtmaster Coastal level.

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Wikipedia