Yachtmaster Offshore (Power or Sail)

Overview

The IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Offshore certificate is a recreational certificate of competency for sailing and power vessels. It is a comprehensive theory and live aboard course consisting of 5 days classroom theory and a practical component of 6 days for sail or 5 days for power including the practical on the water examination.

The courses are designed to provide the highest standard of maritime education for the recreational yachtsman and woman and for those who are serious about obtaining the best nautical qualifications available. They are ideal for those who greatly want to expand their knowledge and experience and increase their confidence in commanding a yacht. For those who are taking the courses, completion of the 5 day STCW Basic Safety training courses is not required but highly recommended. The five day STCW course covers Fire fighting, Sea Survival, First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.

Yachtmaster courses are not for beginners. Candidates will have to meet minimum requirements as outlined below

The course covers:

international collision regulations nautical terminology navigational charts and publications dead reckoning and estimated position position fixing tidal calculations currents

pilotage safety at sea meteorology general ship knowledge seamanship ropework anchoring

berthing buoyage boat handling docking passage planning ability to command situational awareness

 This six day comprehensive high level shore based course includes assessment papers and written examinations. Candidates are advised that a considerable amount of private study and varied cruising experience is required in addition to the formal instruction provided.

Certificate Limitations:

• Command of a vessel up to 24 meters in length
• up to 150 miles offshore
• not for commercial use

Minimum entry requirements:

1. 50 days on board a yacht at sea as an active crew member. A day is defined as a period of 24 consecutive hours. Parts of a day may be included in this total, but a day is not invalidated by a candidate leaving the yacht for a few hours during a cruise. The term “at sea” is defined as being on a vessel outside of any harbour – natural or artificial – in which a cruising yacht could secure or anchor for a prolonged period of time.

2. Have logged 3,000 miles in a yacht while cruising at sea (power or sail). This mileage must be logged on genuine cruises or passages but not short day trips. At least 2,000 miles must have been completed on coastal voyages and not ocean crossings. It is important that the candidate has considerable time of actual vessel handling.

3. Thirty hours on watch at night underway as an active member of a yacht's crew. For at least six hours of this night time experience, the candidate must have been acting as the vessel's captain/watchleader. "Night," in this context, is defined as the time between sunset and sunrise.

4. A current medical examination and a colour blindness eyesight examination which allows the participant to safely perform the relevant duties on a yacht, including being able to see and distinguish lights and signals of other vessels and navigational marks in typical weather conditions without risk to him/herself, other crewmembers or the safe operation of the vessel

5. A 6 hour VHF Radio Operators course covering the general rules and procedures for the safe operation of a VHF marine radio. If you do not have a valid VHF certificate this course may be conducted on board the yacht or in the classroom prior to joining the practical course.

Minimum sea time must have been met prior to the final examination