Course Overview
RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory builds on Day Skipper knowledge and takes your navigation and meteorology to the standard required for advanced practical training and the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore examinations. It is intended for experienced sailors and motorboaters preparing for longer, more demanding passages, including night and offshore work.
The course develops advanced position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal calculations, secondary-port work, restricted-visibility navigation, use of Admiralty publications and electronic position-finding equipment. Meteorology includes taking and interpreting forecasts, understanding pressure and frontal systems, plotting weather information and using a barometer to support onboard decisions.
You will bring these subjects together through detailed passage planning. Collision regulations, pilotage, safety offshore, vessel capability and stability are treated as practical decision-making tools rather than isolated theory. Traditional navigation is integrated with modern chartplotters while emphasising cross-checks, limitations and appropriate backup methods.
The RYA syllabus requires 40 hours of study plus exam time. We plan an intensive six-day Phuket classroom option when demand and instructor availability allow, while online study offers greater flexibility and can be completed before travelling for Coastal Skipper Practical or Yachtmaster preparation.
Who Is This Course For?
Experienced skippers progressing to Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore.
Prerequisites
- Navigation and seamanship knowledge to RYA Day Skipper Theory standard
- A thorough revision of collision regulations before starting
- Practical cruising and passage-making experience strongly recommended
What Is Included
Included
- Instructor-led tuition or online learning according to your selected format
- RYA learning materials, charts and exercises appropriate to the delivery mode
- Use of classroom navigation tools during Phuket classroom delivery
- Complimentary tea and coffee during Phuket classroom delivery
- Course assessments and RYA course-completion certificate after successful completion
Not included
- Travel and accommodation for any in-person session or assessment
- External examination or certification fees unless stated
- Practical-course training and yacht accommodation
Delivery dates and final inclusions are confirmed before payment. External examination or certification fees remain separate unless your written quote explicitly includes them.
Course Syllabus
- Advanced position fixing: dead reckoning, estimated position, visual, radar and mixed position lines
- Magnetic compass: variation, deviation, compass types and swinging for deviation
- Tidal causes, springs and neaps, tidal levels, standard ports and secondary ports
- Tidal streams, course-to-steer calculations, overfalls, races and sources of tidal information
- IALA buoyage, navigational lights, characteristics and visible ranges
- Advanced pilotage, harbour regulations, clearing lines, transits and soundings
- GPS and chartplotters, raster and vector charts, datums, limitations and independent checks
- Echo sounders, speed and distance logs, and maintaining a proper deck log
- Advanced meteorology, air masses, cloud types, pressure systems, fronts and sea fog
- Interpreting forecasts, weather charts and satellite information and using a barometer
- International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- Offshore safety, heavy-weather preparation, distress equipment, liferafts and vessel stability
- Navigation in restricted visibility and the limitations imposed by fog
- Coastal and offshore passage planning, customs, regulations, route strategy and contingencies
What you will work toward
- Plan and navigate more complex coastal and offshore passages
- Apply advanced tidal, pilotage and meteorological calculations
- Use traditional and electronic navigation methods critically and safely
- Reach the theory standard expected for Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster practical examinations
Course delivery and assessment
This is an intensive advanced course. Candidates should arrive with Day Skipper subjects already secure so the available time can focus on higher-level navigation, weather, passage planning and examination preparation.
- Six-day intensive Phuket classroom format, subject to demand and instructor availability
- Flexible online study through the linked independent RYA distance-learning provider
- A minimum of 40 hours of learning plus exam time
- Progressive chartwork, meteorology, collision-regulation and passage-planning exercises
- Evening revision or homework should be expected during an intensive classroom course
Phuket classroom dates are arranged by enquiry. Complete the theory well before Coastal Skipper Practical or Yachtmaster preparation so there is time to consolidate any weaker subjects.
Recommended to Bring
- RYA Day Skipper Theory notes for revision
- Notebook, pen, 2B pencils and eraser
- Course plotter and dividers if you own them
- A laptop or tablet and reliable internet connection for online study
Supporting Courses
This course supplies the advanced theory foundation for RYA Coastal Skipper Practical and Yachtmaster preparation. Marine Radio VHF/SRC and a valid First Aid certificate are also important when progressing toward a Yachtmaster examination.
Your Next RYA Step
Frequently Asked Questions
What knowledge should I have before starting?
You should already be comfortable with the full RYA Day Skipper Theory syllabus and revise collision regulations thoroughly. The course revisits some foundation subjects but moves too quickly to teach them from the beginning.
Is practical experience required?
Practical cruising experience is strongly recommended. Experience aboard helps you understand how tidal calculations, weather, pilotage and passage plans affect real decisions and workload at sea.
Can I complete the course online?
Yes. Online study through the linked independent RYA provider offers the most flexible route and is often the best option before travelling to Phuket for an advanced practical course.
Is classroom delivery available in Phuket?
A six-day classroom course may be arranged in Phuket when demand and instructor availability allow. Enquire before booking flights or accommodation because classroom dates are not guaranteed every week.
Which practical course follows this theory course?
You can progress to RYA Coastal Skipper Practical when you also meet its practical experience requirements. The theory standard is also expected when preparing for Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore examinations.