RYA YM Offshore PrepSail · professional

Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation

The Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation course is the final practical polish before the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence exam. Candidates must already have the sea time, theory knowledge and skippering experience required by the RYA. The course concentrates on command skills, complex passage planning, heavy-weather strategy, emergency leadership and flawless boat handling. Instructors deliberately create realistic pressure: equipment failures, deteriorating weather, tired crews and unexpected traffic. You will leave with a clear understanding of your strengths and any remaining gaps to address before the exam.

Syllabus Highlights

5 sections · 10 topics · 174 outcomes

Full RYA syllabus →

Prerequisite Knowledge

Before you book

What you should know

and a minimum of 50 days at sea including 2
500 miles and 5 passages over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper

Required RYA qualifications

RYACoastal Skipper or equivalent
RYAYachtmaster Offshore Theory

Level · professional

Where we run it

Available locations

Fornells, Menorca
Menorca
RCMB, Barcelona
Barcelona

See scheduled dates →

Enrollment

Enroll on Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation

Enrolling creates your course record so you can follow the syllabus, access course materials, track competencies and book practical sessions when dates suit you.

Delivered by Mt Sail & Power. Questions before you start? sail@mtsail.com

Before you join

Pre-course knowledge check

A five-minute self-assessment of your theory and practical experience. Your instructor uses it to pitch the course at the right level — and you get instant suggestions for anything worth brushing up.

Start the checklist

Course Content

What you'll cover

Advanced passage planning and strategy

3 lessonsOpen

Plan long offshore passages with weather, fuel and contingency analysis.

Notes & self-check quiz

Advanced passage planning and strategy

Learning objectives

Plan a multi-day offshore passage with routing, fuel, provisioning and weather windows.
Identify decision points, abort options and ports of refuge.
Integrate ocean meteorology and current patterns into the route.

What you will do

You are the skipper for a realistic offshore passage. Build the plan, brief the crew, and defend your decisions under questioning.

Key points

Route around weather systems, not through them, using available forecasts and climatology.
Calculate fuel endurance with realistic consumption and a safety reserve.
Provisioning includes water, food, spare parts and medical supplies for the worst-case extension.
Decision points are written before departure and communicated clearly.

Common mistakes

Optimistic weather assumptions.
Insufficient fuel or water reserves.
No Plan B if the route cannot be followed.

Self-check

Present a 300-mile offshore passage plan with weather windows, fuel budget and three bail-out options.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Offshore routing should aim to?
2. Fuel planning should include?
3. Decision points should be?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Heavy weather and seamanship

3 lessonsOpen

Handle the yacht and crew in heavy weather conditions.

Notes & self-check quiz

Heavy weather and seamanship

Learning objectives

Choose appropriate sail plans for increasing wind and sea state.
Heave-to, lie a-hull, run off and use drogues or sea anchors.
Manage crew fatigue and safety in prolonged bad weather.

What you will do

Discuss and simulate heavy-weather tactics, including sail changes, storm boards and emergency steering.

Key points

Reef early; it is easier to shake out a reef than to put one in late.
Heaving-to balances the sails so the boat makes minimal progress while riding the seas more comfortably.
Running off requires careful steering and a drogue if speeds become dangerous.
Crew welfare: warm, dry, fed and rested people make better decisions.

Common mistakes

Delaying reefing until the boat is overpowered.
Not securing the cockpit and below for bad weather.
Ignoring crew fatigue until mistakes happen.

Self-check

Describe your heavy-weather plan for a Force 8 wind shift and 4-metre seas.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Reefing should generally be done?
2. Heaving-to is useful because it?
3. Crew welfare in heavy weather includes?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Emergency procedures and search and rescue

3 lessonsOpen

Lead the crew through offshore emergency scenarios.

Notes & self-check quiz

Emergency procedures and search and rescue

Learning objectives

Coordinate response to MOB, fire, flooding, dismasting and medical emergencies offshore.
Communicate with MRCC and rescue services.
Organise abandon-ship procedures and liferaft management.

What you will do

Run realistic offshore emergency drills with you as skipper, directing the crew and communications.

Key points

Offshore MOB recovery is harder than coastal; practice the quick-stop and reach-tack-reach methods.
Mayday relay, Pan-Pan and urgency calls must be clear and contain all required information.
Abandon ship is a last resort; prepare the liferaft and grab bag but stay with the boat as long as it is safe.
Medical emergencies: use telemedical advice services and consider evacuation options early.

Common mistakes

The skipper doing tasks instead of directing.
Unclear or incomplete distress calls.
Delaying evacuation decisions until the situation worsens.

Self-check

Run an offshore MOB drill and compose a Mayday call with all required details.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Offshore MOB recovery should be practised using?
2. A Mayday call must include?
3. Abandon ship should be?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Navigation offshore and electronic aids

3 lessonsOpen

Navigate confidently using all available offshore tools.

Notes & self-check quiz

Navigation offshore and electronic aids

Learning objectives

Use GPS, chart plotters, radar and AIS offshore.
Maintain a paper log and chart plot as a backup.
Understand the limitations and failure modes of electronic navigation.

What you will do

Navigate offshore passages using electronic aids while keeping an independent paper record.

Key points

GPS gives position; the skipper gives meaning and cross-checks it.
AIS identifies targets and helps with collision avoidance; it does not replace a visual lookout.
Radar is essential for navigation in poor visibility and for detecting squalls.
Always have a non-electronic backup plan.

Common mistakes

Trusting a single electronic source.
Not keeping a paper log.
Relying on AIS without a visual lookout.

Self-check

Plot a three-point fix and compare it with GPS; explain any discrepancy.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. AIS should be used?
2. Radar is particularly useful for?
3. An offshore log should record?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Tidal calculations and ocean routeing

3 lessonsOpen

Apply advanced tidal and current work to offshore passages.

Notes & self-check quiz

Tidal calculations and ocean routeing

Learning objectives

Calculate tidal heights and streams for offshore planning.
Use routing charts and current atlases for ocean routeing.
Plan arrival times around tidal constraints.

What you will do

Work tidal and current problems for offshore destinations and compare with actual observations.

Key points

Ocean currents can add or subtract significant miles per day; route to use favourable streams.
Tidal constraints at the destination often dictate arrival time.
Secondary port calculations remain relevant for offshore destinations with limited tide data.
Always allow a margin for weather delays.

Common mistakes

Ignoring ocean currents in passage time estimates.
Arriving at a bar or harbour at the wrong state of tide.
Overly precise ETA without weather margin.

Self-check

Calculate an ETA for a 180-mile passage allowing for a favourable 1-knot current and a 12-hour tidal gate.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Ocean currents can affect?
2. Arrival time is often constrained by?
3. ETAs offshore should include?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Collision regulations and watchkeeping

3 lessonsOpen

Keep a safe watch and apply the COLREGs offshore.

Notes & self-check quiz

Collision regulations and watchkeeping

Learning objectives

Apply the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in restricted visibility and offshore.
Maintain a proper lookout and watch schedule.
Use radar and AIS for collision avoidance.

What you will do

Stand watches during the course, identifying targets and applying the rules in realistic scenarios.

Key points

A proper lookout is mandatory at all times and must be by sight and hearing as well as radar.
In restricted visibility, reduce speed and be ready to manoeuvre.
Understand stand-on and give-way responsibilities for power, sail and overtaking vessels.
Watch schedules must account for fatigue, especially on short-handed passages.

Common mistakes

Relying on AIS alone for collision avoidance.
Not reducing speed in fog.
Long watches leading to reduced alertness.

Self-check

Identify a crossing situation and state the give-way vessel and required action.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. A proper lookout must include?
2. In restricted visibility you should?
3. An overtaking vessel is?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Ships and traffic separation schemes

3 lessonsOpen

Navigate safely in shipping lanes and near commercial traffic.

Notes & self-check quiz

Ships and traffic separation schemes

Learning objectives

Navigate within Traffic Separation Schemes correctly.
Identify ship lights, shapes and sound signals.
Avoid close-quarters situations with large vessels.

What you will do

Plan routes through or around TSSs and practise identifying vessels by their lights and AIS signatures.

Key points

Crossing a TSS should be at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
Avoid impeding traffic in a lane; if in doubt, stay clear.
Large ships cannot stop or turn quickly; give them a wide berth.
Learn the lights for power-driven vessels, towing, fishing, constrained by draught and anchored.

Common mistakes

Crossing a TSS at a shallow angle.
Assuming a ship will alter course for a yacht.
Misidentifying navigation lights.

Self-check

Identify five vessel types from their lights and state the appropriate action.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. A TSS should normally be crossed?
2. Large vessels should be?
3. Fishing vessels engaged in fishing may show?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Skipper command and crew management

3 lessonsOpen

Lead an offshore crew effectively under pressure.

Notes & self-check quiz

Skipper command and crew management

Learning objectives

Exercise command authority calmly and clearly.
Manage crew fatigue, stress and conflict on long passages.
Delegate, brief and debrief effectively.

What you will do

Lead the crew throughout the prep week, conducting briefings and debriefs and handling command decisions.

Key points

The skipper sets the tone; calm leadership reduces anxiety.
Briefings cover what, why, how, contingencies and individual roles.
Fatigue management is a safety issue, not a luxury.
Debriefs build team learning and trust.

Common mistakes

Making decisions without explaining them.
Allowing fatigue to build unchecked.
Failing to use the skills and experience of the crew.

Self-check

Lead a pre-departure briefing, a watch handover and a post-passage debrief.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. A skipper's tone affects?
2. Briefings should cover?
3. Fatigue management is?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Maintenance and yacht systems

3 lessonsOpen

Understand the systems you rely on offshore and how to fix them.

Notes & self-check quiz

Maintenance and yacht systems

Learning objectives

Understand engine, electrical, steering, rigging and sail systems.
Carry out basic troubleshooting and temporary repairs at sea.
Maintain a sensible inventory of spares and tools.

What you will do

Inspect yacht systems, discuss common failures and practise in-situ repairs where practical.

Key points

Know the engine: fuel, cooling, electrics, drive train and emergency stop.
Electrical system: batteries, charging, distribution and critical circuits.
Steering failure: emergency tiller, jury rig and how to steer with engines.
Spares and tools should match the passage length and distance from help.

Common mistakes

Not knowing how to bleed the fuel system.
Insufficient spares for the passage.
Ignoring small problems until they become emergencies.

Self-check

Demonstrate bleeding a diesel fuel system and locating the emergency steering.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. Offshore spares should reflect?
2. A common diesel engine problem is?
3. Emergency steering may involve?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

Mock exam and examiner expectations

3 lessonsOpen

Prepare for the format and standards of the Yachtmaster Offshore exam.

Notes & self-check quiz

Mock exam and examiner expectations

Learning objectives

Understand the Yachtmaster Offshore exam structure and standards.
Experience realistic mock exam scenarios.
Receive feedback and build a final preparation plan.

What you will do

Complete mock oral and practical exercises with the instructor in the examiner role, followed by detailed debrief.

Key points

The examiner expects command from the moment you step aboard.
Verbalise your plan and your reasoning; the examiner cannot read your mind.
Safety always beats speed; a cautious skipper passes, a reckless one does not.
Know your own gaps and have a plan to close them before the exam.

Common mistakes

Trying to demonstrate everything rather than skipper safely.
Hiding uncertainty instead of showing how you manage it.
Not knowing the boat, her equipment or her limitations.

Self-check

Complete a mock offshore passage plan, briefing and pilotage exercise with feedback.

Self-check quiz · 3 questions

1. The examiner expects you to?
2. If uncertain during the exam you should?
3. Before the exam know the boat's?

Lessons (3)

Theory60 min
Worked example90 min
Self-check30 min

RYA Syllabus

Learning outcomes

Offshore passage planning

4 outcomes

Offshore route planning2

YOS.OP.1Plans a multi-day offshore passage with weather routing and fuel budget.
YOS.OP.2Selects ports of refuge and decision points along the route.

Contingency planning2

YOS.CP.1Defines abort criteria and communicates them to the crew.
YOS.CP.2Revises the plan when forecasts or conditions change.

Heavy weather and seamanship

4 outcomes

Heavy weather tactics2

YOS.HW.1Selects appropriate sail plan and tactics for forecast severe weather.
YOS.HW.2Directs the crew through heaving-to, running off or lying a-hull.

Crew welfare2

YOS.CW.1Maintains crew warmth, dryness, food and rest in bad weather.
YOS.CW.2Recognises and responds to fatigue and seasickness.

Navigation and traffic

4 outcomes

Offshore navigation2

YOS.ON.1Maintains an accurate offshore log and chart plot.
YOS.ON.2Cross-checks electronic position with independent observations.

Shipping and TSS2

YOS.ST.1Plans routes through or around Traffic Separation Schemes.
YOS.ST.2Identifies vessel type and action from lights, shapes and AIS.

Emergency leadership

4 outcomes

Emergency response2

YOS.ER.1Directs the crew through offshore emergency drills.
YOS.ER.2Implements damage control and medical emergency procedures.

SAR coordination2

YOS.SR.1Composes clear distress and urgency calls with all required information.
YOS.SR.2Coordinates with rescue services and prepares for evacuation if needed.

Command and systems

4 outcomes

Command leadership2

YOS.CL.1Exercises calm, decisive command throughout the passage.
YOS.CL.2Briefs, delegates and debriefs the crew effectively.

Systems and maintenance2

YOS.SM.1Understands engine, electrical, steering and rigging systems.
YOS.SM.2Carries out basic troubleshooting and temporary repairs at sea.

Upcoming Sessions

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