RYA Helmsman’s Certificate »
Practical

None

Useful crew member

RYA Basic Navigation & Safety Course »
Shorebased

None

Basic introduction to navigation and safety

RYA Day Skipper Theory
Shorebased

Some practical experience desirable

Theoretical knowledge of basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology

RYA Day Skipper »
Practical

Basic navigation and motor ability. 2 Days motoring

Skipper a small motor cruiser in familiar waters by day.

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory
Shorebased

Practical experience desirable. Navigation to Day Skipper theory standard.

Theoretical knowledge of offshore and coastal navigation, pilotage and meteorology.

RYA Coastal Skipper
Practical

15 Days (2 days as skipper)
300 miles, 8 night hours
Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster theory standard, motoring to Day Skipper standard

Can begin to skipper a motor cruiser on coastal passages by day and night

RYA Coastal Skipper Prep + MCA/RYA Exam*
Practical

30 Days (2 days as skipper)
800 miles, 12 night hours
Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster theory standard
VHF/SRC licence
First Aid certificate

Has the knowledge and ability to skipper a motor cruiser on coastal cruises but not necessarily the experience needed to undertake longer passages.  Has the same theoretical knowledge as a Yachtmaster but not as much practical experience to enable him or her to perform as smoothly or consistently

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep + MCA/RYA Exam » *
Practical

50 Days (5 days as skipper)
2500 miles
5 passages over 60 miles
(including 2 overnight and 2 as Skipper)
Navigation to Coastal/Yachtmaster theory standard
VHF/SRC licence
First Aid certificate

A Yachtmaster is competent to skipper a motor cruiser on any passage during which the vessel is no more than 150 miles from a harbour

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
Shorebased

Coastal and offshore motoring
Navigation to Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore theory standard

Has the theoretical knowledge of astro navigation, ocean meteorology and passage planning to undertake an ocean passage