The final preparations for your Yachtmaster exam

Prerequisites for the Yachtmaster Exam

To take the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore exam, you must meet the following criteria:

• 50 days on the water, 2,500 miles (50% tidal), 5 days as skipper
• 5 passages over 60 miles, including 2 overnight and  2 as a skipper

If you hold a Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Sail CoC. : Minimum 1250 miles, 25 days at sea, 3 days as skipper, 3 passages over 60 miles (along the rhumb line) including 1 overnight and 1 as skipper.

To take the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal exam, you must meet the following criteria:

• 30 days, 800 miles (50% tidal), 2 days as skipper, 12-night hours

If you have successfully completed an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course Completion Certificate, the requirements become: 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 miles and 12-night hours.
If you hold a Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Sail CoC. is reduced to 400 miles, 12 days at sea, 2 days as skipper, 12-night hours.

Please note that the fee for the course does not include the exam fee. You can pay the exam fee in two ways:

1. Directly to the RYA: £256 (Offshore) or £221 (Coastal)
2. payment to C-MASTERS: € on request

Ensure your payment is made before the exam.

How to Pay

• If paying to the RYA:
• Log in to RYA Exams.
• After payment, you'll receive an Exam Application Form via email. Fill in and bring this form to the exam.
• Upon passing, the examiner will submit the form to the RYA, and you will receive your Yachtmaster certificate by mail.
• If paying to C-MASTERS:
• Fill out the booking form and transfer the amount. We'll handle the process for you.

What to Bring to the Exam

Make sure to bring the following items:

• A recent official photo (for the certificate)
• Your ID (passport or drivers license)
• Your in-date RYA First Aid certificate (or equivalent)
• Your in-date SRC Certificate (or higher level)
• Your logbook(s)

You may also bring your RYA course book or notes to use during the prep-course.

Certificate Processing

After the exam, the examiner will send your results to the RYA for processing. Typically, this process (including postal times) takes about 6 weeks. In busy seasons (like spring), it may take longer.

RYA offers a Fast Track service to expedite this process. More details and the cost are available on the RYA website. If interested, please book this service before your exam to ensure timely results.