yachtmaster ocean 200gt certificate

Neptune Maritime Training Sail & Power

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.

This course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of theYachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage.

Topics covered include:

• The earth and the celestial sphere
• Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea
• Meridian altitudes
• Sun, star and other sights
• Ocean passage planning

Prior to the course your navigation skills should be at the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course.

If you are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, completion of this shorebased course exempts you from the written exam.

The course is taught over 40 hours with one exam paper. It can be covered as a series of short sessions, as an intensive week-long course.

Ocean Yachtmaster Practical

We regularly organise practical experience in taking sights and plotting positions on board. We can also help you achive your quallifing passage.

We will work with you through the process and review your documentation before submitting for assessment.

you are welcome to borrow one of our sextants and almanacs to help you develop your skills before the practical passage.

A person holding a Yachtmaster Ocean qualification is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world.

Details of Courses and Prices

The Yachtmaster Ocean exam is an oral and written test of your knowledge of ocean passage making including planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management, yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs. You will also be questioned on your sights taken at sea during an ocean passage.

We hold regular Yachtmaster ocean theory courses . these cover the essencial knowledge as well as practice in taking sights and plotting positions while sailing.

Course costs

• RYA yachtmaster ocean course 790e
• practical trip for celestial sights 450e (2 days)
• RYA exam fees for ocean oral 250e (£200 direct to RYA)

What is include

• Course material
• use of a sextant during the course
• RYA course completion certificates
• teas, coffee soft drinks

What is not included

• flights and travel to course
• accomodation ashore
• meals and drinks ashore
• personal travel insurance
• any RYA examination fees for certification

The candidate must provide the examiner with:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passages, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids.

The records must include as a minimum: planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.

During the oral test the candidate may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, astro navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

The written exam will include questions on star sight planning and reduction and worldwide meteorology. Candidates who hold the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased certificate, Royal Navy Ocean Navigation Certificate or a DoT Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer will be exempt from the written examination.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• hold a VHF Radio Operators License or Short Range Certificate
• hold a valid first aid certificate
• have read the syllabus in RYA publications: G15 (sail) or G18 (power)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

If you need a Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject to the MCA’s codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed – see left. You can then work worldwide as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt.

The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right. It is also a pre-requisite for the MCA’s Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

Contact details

RYA Certificates of Competence, Part 5 - Yachtmaster Ocean

Sailing qualification recognised around the world as a clear mark of your sailing ability.

By Marcin Wojtyczka

In this article in series about RYA certifications we reveal how to pass the RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean Certificate of Competence.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence is proof that you have the knowledge and experience needed to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world. The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean is the highest certification level at RYA.

The holder of a Yachtmaster Ocean qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA (up to 200gt) anywhere in the World (Category 0 waters - unlimited).

The assessment is done by oral interrogation (~1.5 hours). You also need to pass the written (~1.5 hours) exam if you did not complete the Ocean Theory course, complete a qualifying passage, and prepare narrative account and navigational records. You have to stand to attention before seasoned RYA-appointed examiner and convince him that you sailed as skipper or first mate and that you know the job. To be honest, there is probably no better way of doing it.

Don’t treat the examination just as an exam. This is a great opportunity to get feedback on your skills and become a better sailor.

Requirements

You can find the official requirements here .

• Hold an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• Have completed a qualifying passage which meets the following criteria: You were fully involved with the planning of the passage, including a selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, spare gear, victuals and organising the watch-keeping routine. Throughout the passage you must have acted in a responsible capacity either in sole charge of a watch or as a skipper. Qualifying passage should be non-stop by the shortest navigable route with no change of skipper. During the qualifying passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land or any charted navigational object while sailing a distance of 200 miles. You can find the exact requirements of the qualifying passage here . If you have any doubts about whether your chosen route qualifies, you can always contact RYA at [email protected] During the qualifying passage you should take some sights to prove that you are actually capable of navigating out of sight of land by astro navigation. If circumstances prevent astro sights from being taken on the ocean-qualifying passage you can also take them on another shorter passage. You just have to make sure to be enough far from shore so that the sights are taken out of sight of land.

Preparation

Before taking the oral exam, it is recommended to take Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course . If you complete the course, you will be exempted from the written examination.

Please also take a look at our routes . On all our offshore passages we are navigating using celestial navigation. Some of our passages qualify for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification where you can be a watch leader to meet the qualifying passage requirements. Many of our participants passed the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam and keep returning year after year to us in order to become yet more confident and experienced. Our practical on-the-water training builds confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to how to skipper a yacht and manage its crew.

Exam Syllabus

During the oral exam, the questions should generally be related to your qualifying passage but may also refer to longer passages if needed to find out if you are capable of an ocean crossing. You may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage-making in a yacht, including passage planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

After booking the exam and at least 1 week before the exam date you must provide the examiner with:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage.
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passage, out of sight of land, showing that you navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. As a minimum, this should include the planning, reduction, and plotting of a sun-run-meridian altitude or sun-run-sun sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, star or planet.

The examiner will not be hard on you if you provide a good narrative account and lots of navigational records. You should show him or her that you thought about many aspects of voyage planning and execution, and that you care about the safety of the yacht and the crew. You will definitely fail if you show a cavalier altitude.

The narrative should include the following:

• Brief description of the chosen vessel and suitability for the voyage
• Crew selection
• Pre-checks on the condition of the yacht, including hull, rigging, engine, electrics and fittings checks
• Navigational passage planning: route selection, sources of information to decide on a strategy, expected and possible durations of the passage if no wind/rig failure/divert to the port of refuge etc.
• Navigational equipment: electronic and manuals
• Weather: source of information pre-departure, weather forecasting sources on passage, actual weather experienced
• Harbours planned: pilotage, reporting, berthing, customs and immigrations procedures
• Ports of refuge
• Watchkeeping rota
• Consumables provisioning: victualling (water and food) and fueling/bunkering - estimating daily usage, the amount carried, allowance for delays, calms and emergencies, preparation for what-if scenarios (e.g. contamination of water, fridge failure etc.)
• Consumables monitoring en route: fuel, gas, food, water, battery
• Methods of charging batteries, battery capacity and electrical consumption calculations
• Medical kit carried and preparation for medical emergencies (e.g. availability of suitable courses)
• Standing orders
• Safety briefing conducted
• Routine equipment checks and maintenance, precautionary replacements
• Drills practices before departure and during the passage
• Fire precautions
• VHF / HF / MF channels monitored
• Communications equipment carried
• Position reporting to shore stations
• Navigational hazards including shipping lanes and shallows
• Expected shipping traffic and other vessels encountered (e.g. fishing fleets)
• Use of courtesy ensigns and Q flag
• Emergency (contingency) plans: MOB, rig failure, hull breach, steering failure, port/hatch failure, engine failure, abandon ship, divert to the port of refuge, heavy weather preparation and tactics, emergency repairs (e.g. jury-rigging, repairing damage to the hull, jury-steering)
• Spare gear and tools required, carried and used
• Deck safety: clipping on and numbers of the crew on deck
• Charts and publications used
• Copy of ship’s log and charts
• Navigation by sextant: all written sight reduction, compass check and plotting sheets completed at sea (not tidied up ashore)
• Procedure for cleaning and securing the yacht at the end of the passage

Example of RYA Yachtmaster Ocean narrative.

The written exam will include questions on celestial navigation (sights and sight reduction) and worldwide meteorology.

If you hold the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased course completion certificate you will be exempted from the written examination.

Learning materials

• Celestial Navigation in practice - Astro navigation primer.
• Celestial Navigation - With the Sight Reduction Tables with Pub. No 249 - This book gives the clearest explanation of how celestial navigation works and how to use it without bogging down in theory.
• How to use sextant (PDF) , Video
• RYA Certificates of Competence
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• Yachtmaster Ocean
• Recreational

Yachtmaster Ocean Qualifications

This certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate a 24-metre vessel globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology. The minimum age to obtain this certification is 18.

What are the entry level requirements?

To gain the IYT Yachtmaster Ocean certificate, candidates must first hold the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore certificate.

What does the Yachtmaster ocean theory course consist of?

The course consists of six days of astronavigation and worldwide meteorology. A thorough knowledge of all subjects covered in the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore course is assumed. There will be a final written examination on the last day of the course.

It has come to our attention that it has not been made perfectly clear to all IYT Worldwide yachtmaster candidates that this certification is for recreational use only and may never be upgraded to a professional certificate. Therefore, we require all candidates taking a recreational IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean course to complete an acknowledgement prior to taking the course.

Course Outline

• The Earth and the celestial sphere
• The PZX triangle
• The sextant
• Measurement of time
• Meridian altitudes
• Planet sights
• Starsight planning
• The pole star
• Moon sights
• Compass checking
• Satellite navigation systems
• Great circle sailing
• Meteorology
• Passage planning

The IYT Yachtmaster Ocean certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology.

Certificate Limitations:

• Command of a vessel up to 24 meters in length
• all oceans / anywhere in the world
• not for commercial use

Note: Yachtmaster Ocean is a recreational course that can be taught in any language BUT cannot be upgraded to the professional Master of Yachts certificate.

How Do I Apply for Enrollment?

Candidates may apply to any of the participating IYT Partner Schools worldwide who offer this course.

As you advance and become more proficient as crew or skipper you take on bigger challenges that require proper training to ensure the safety of your family and friends. The bigger the boat or length of adventure the more training you require.

Most of us prefer to spend our time on the water and not in a classroom. To facilitate this, IYT has a series of E-learning courses available for the theoretical part of sail and powerboat training.

• Take one of our online (Elearning) courses for your next level of training.
• Plan your practical training at one of our many schools worldwide to earn your final qualification.
• Book in advance with your school as class sizes and availability may be limited.
• Review the IYT course progression details to learn about professional level courses.
• Spend time on the water and properly log your seatime.

The Boating Lifestyle is one of the most rewarding pursuits available. There is something physically and emotionally invigorating when you are offshore. To enjoy the experience fully you need the proper training & skills to be safe, prepared and command a vessel.

Recreational Student Information

Benefits of an iyt certification.

IYT is the largest provider of crew and skipper certificates for the recreational yachting industry in the world. Learn more about the benefits of an IYT Certificate.

Certificate Renewal

For many IYT certificates, there is the need to re-qualify for your certificate every 3 to 5 years. This ensures that our certifications are meeting international standards.

IYT Yachting Passport

The IYT Passport is recognized in over 40 countries around the world and offers you an opportunity to study and train worldwide.

• Course Progression

A beginner at sailing or operating a powerboat should be familiar with the training path that is available from IYT. Many recreational boaters progress to become crew on superyachts.

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MCA Master 200gt

NEW FOR 2024 - OUR PREP COURSE NOW INCLUDES ACCESS TO 3 WHITEHORSE MARITIMES ONLINE VIDEOS ON IRPCS, BUOYAGE, AND BRIDGE EQUIPMENT FOR 2 MONTHS AFTER THE COURSE HAS BEEN COMPLETED

About the Course

The Master 200 qualification is the next rung up the ladder after Yachtmaster (Offshore and/or Ocean) Certificates of Competence. If you took the M200 (limited) as only a YM Offshore, it is a simple rubber stamp to add the Ocean later and become a M200 (unlimited).

The MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence are written into UK legislation (as well as that of Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries). On a UK vessel, the qualification covers you legally up to 200 tonnes. Whilst RYA/MCA Yachtmaster CoCs are not written into the legislation of most countries, there are some countries (such as Portugal) that do informally recognise them as a valid qualification for commercial skippers. It is important to note, however, that there are still a few countries (including Italy and Monaco) that do not recognise the Yachtmaster CoC. The Master 200 is more likely to be recognised in law by all IMO countries (about 130 nations)

The Master 200 Certificate of Competence (CoC) is legally recognised by more national authorities outside the UK than the Yachtmaster CoC.

Those qualified to Master 200 are also automatically qualified as a watch officer (OOW) on yachts up to 500 tonnes.

Although the Master 200 CoC does not open any more doors legally in the UK for vessels under 200 tonnes than a Yachtmaster CoC already does, it is acknowledged that the Master 200 certificate holder will have had a considerable level of additional Skipper training. Skippers who hold the Master 200 qualification are therefore considered a step above those with the Yachtmaster and are ultimately more employable as a result. Some employers, particularly in the wind farm sector insist on this higher level qualification.

The Master 200 CoC is a good bridge between the MCA/RYA Yachtmaster courses and the MCA Deck Officer Courses.

In the workboat sector, the Master 200 CoC is a route to Master 500 (workboat) CoC.

Course Syllabus

There is no set MCA or RYA Prep course. The syllabus is vast and over 50% are subjects such as Business, Law, Marpol, Bridge Procedures etc which aren't normally covered in RYA Courses. The full syllabus can be found in MSN 1858 by clicking here

Pre Requisites 

Minimum of 18 years old

Have completed 6 months’ seagoing service while holding an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or IYT Master of Yachts Limited certificate

Hold a valid ENG1 Medical

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence (Commercial Endorsed)

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Shorebased Certificate

4 x STCW Modules (Fire Fighting, PSSR, Elementary First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques)

A GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate (ROC)

HELM Operational Certificate (Human Element Leadership & Management)

Additional requirements for Master 200gt Unlimited :

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence (Commercial Endorsed)

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Certificate

A GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC)

Whats Included

5 days of tuition from an experienced instructor who holds Master 200gt as a minimum

USB Stick with additional course material.

Our Course notes Folder.

Light refreshments throughout the course

Use of Laptop during the course.

New for 2024 - Access to Whitehorse Maritimes IRPCS, Buoyage and Bridge Equipment for 2 months after the course.

Course Dates

< All MCA Courses

Which certificate to become a skipper? Capitaine 200, Yachtmaster or Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

The profession of skipper is demanding and highly regulated. It must meet strict training requirements depending on the type of mission, the flag of the boat…

So which certificate should you choose to become a professional skipper and practice according to the rules? To give you an idea of the different possibilities, we present you with 3 major command titles that are widespread in Europe. These are the Capitaine 200 (French title), the Yachtmaster (English certificate limited to yachting) and the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT (Belgian title). 

Advantages and disadvantages, price and training center, we explain everything!

1. Becoming a professional skipper: a regulated profession

A. skipper, a position of great responsibility.

The skipper (or captain) is in charge of driving the boat. He is the “chief on board”, and must ensure order and safety, while carrying out his mission: charter, coaching or boat delivery. 

As a ship’s captain, he has an important responsibility in the good realization of a navigation. He is the one who will decide on the maneuvers, itineraries and behaviors to adopt in order to guarantee the safety of the passengers and the boat. 

From this responsibility and from the skills required to drive a boat, the obligation to justify maritime professional training titles arises . This obligation is necessary to exercise the profession of skipper on a commercial basis, which means for remuneration. 

B. The training obligations of a professional skipper

In order to sell his services as a skipper, the latter must justify the qualifications and trainings required to carry out the mission.

The training requirements depend on several parameters, including the type of boat (motor or sail), the flag and tonnage of the boat , the type of mission (boat delivery, charter or coaching)…

We are going to present you the 3 most common certificates to be a professional skipper on pleasure boats.

2. Capitaine 200, Yachtmaster and Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT, 3 options to become a professional skipper

A. the capitaine 200.

The Capitaine 200 title, issued by the Merchant Navy, is the most common on France.

The Capitaine 200 is a professional navigation title that allows you to sail as a skipper on motorboats up to 200 gross tons , which means medium-sized boats (~24 meters). It is limited to 20 miles from the coast .

With its “Sailing” module , the Capitaine 200 also allows to drive sailing boats without any distance limitation from the coast . 

In addition to the Capitaine 200 , there are some mandatory complementary training courses :

• A Basic Safety Training (BST)
• At least a Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC)
• A Medical Training Certificate (EM1, 2 ,3)
• A Medical Checkup (ENG1)

➡️ Without these training courses, the Capitaine 200 , such as the Capitaine 200 “Sailing”, cannot be effective. 

- Advantages of the Capitaine 200

The Capitaine 200 allows to work commercially on boats waving the French flag. Its limitation of 200 UMS allows to cover the majority of the French fleet and offers to skippers many possibilities of navigation.

In addition, the Capitaine 200 is an STCW certificate , which means that a skipper holding a Capitaine 200 can easily work on foreign flags (especially under flags whose country is a signatory of the STCW Convention: Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia…). Some countries that are signatories to this Convention can request a visa recognition . This is notably the case of the United Kingdom.

- Disadvantages of the Capitaine 200

The training to obtain this navigation title is quite expensive : between 6 000 to 10 000 €; and requires a significant investment in time (~12 weeks to follow the 5 training modules). Moreover, once the Capitaine 200 title is obtained, it is necessary to justify 12 months of effective navigation (as second in command, seaman or other) to “patent” the title and be able to exercise the function of Captain.

The prerogatives of the Capitaine 200 are limited to motorboats. The “Sailing” module is required to work on a sailboat.

⚠ Please note 1: The Capitaine 200 as well as the additionnal training courses must be renewed globally every 5 years. The revalidation/recycling of these titles has a significant cost: between 150 and 1 000 € depending on the title to renew.

⚠ Please note 2: Merchant Navy certificates do not allow you to work as a sailing instructor. For these types of missions, the French regulations require state diplomas: BPJEPS, BEE, DEJEPS…

- Where to take the training to obtain the Capitaine 200?

There are many schools and training centers approved to take the Capitaine 200 in France. For example, La Macif in Marseille, the Ecole de Formations Maritimes (EFM) in Les Sables d’Olonne, the Centre Européen de Formation Continue Maritime in Concarneau… Simply register for the proposed sessions.

The Capitaine 200 can be financed, in whole or in part, by the PTA (Personal Training Account, CPF in French). 

The Capitaine 200 is delivered by the French Maritime Affairs.

B. The Yachtmaster

The most common title for working internationally is the Yachtmaster. Indeed, the Yachtmaster is an English title of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), recognized by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is valid for all the territories of the British crown, the Red Flag; and thus in many countries of the world . It allows skippers to command pleasure boats up to 24 meters long, without distance limitation with the Ocean extension. It has 3 levels, each with limitations: Coastal (60 Nm), Offshore (150 Nm), and Ocean .

The Yachtmaster must be completed with a “Commercially Endorsed” mention to be used on commercial services and to be professionally recognized internationally. To obtain this endorsement, the skipper must obtain the Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) certificate, the Basic Safety Training (BST), and the MCA Medical Examination (ENG1) .

With a Yachtmaster, seamen can perform charter and boat delivery missions as well as training/coaching missions.

- Advantages of the Yachtmaster:

A large part of the pleasure boats in the world are under British flag or Red Flag (Bermuda, BVIs, Jersey…). Having an English certificate opens the doors to international yachting.

The cost of the training to obtain a Yachtmaster is less expensive than the Capitaine 200 “Sailing”: count between 2 200 and 2 500 €.

The title of Yachtmaster being acquired for life , it allows you to work for private shipowners under the Red Flag without any renewal. However, the additional training courses (BST, ENG1…) must be renewed respectively every 5 and 2 years to renew the Commercial Endorsement which allows international recognition . Overall, this is a big saving compared to the Capitaine 200 certificate.

The Yachtmaster is an exam without any previous training. Although weeks of training are highly recommended, it can be taken very quickly for experienced seamen who wish to become more professional.

The Yachtmaster takes into account the sailing experience gained prior to the exam to allow immediate access to the job of Captain without the need to validate sea time with a lower position (as for the Capitaine 200 ).

The training to obtain this title is 100% in English , which allows you to acquire and justify a sufficient level of English to maneuver a boat.

B. Disadvantages of the Yachtmaster

The Yachtmaster is not recognized by the French State and some other countries as a command title. It cannot be the subject of a visa recognition as it stands; and therefore cannot be used to work on the flags of these countries.

⚠ Please note 1: The Master 200 GT can easily be obtained for seamen who already hold a Yachtmaster. All that is required is to pass the Master 200 GT oral exam. This is a good way to be authorized to work on French flag with a Yachtmaster .

⚠ Please note 2: Visas recognition issued by France are only valid for 5 years , so they must be renewed.

The prerogatives of the Yachtmaster are specific for each title. The Yachtmaster Sailing is required to command a sailboat, while the Yachtmaster Engine is required for a motorboat. 

The Yachtmaster exam is taken completely in English.

- Where to take the training to obtain a Yachtmaster?

To obtain a Yachtmaster, you must pass an exam that includes an assessment of your navigation, maneuvering and safety at sea skills. You must also demonstrate a certain level of English.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is based in the United Kingdom, but it has approved training centers around the world, including France. There are several sailing schools in France that offer Yachtmaster training courses. 

To find an RYA accredited sailing school, you can visit the RYA website which lists all the accredited schools.

C. The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT (C-Yachting 200 GT) is a specific Belgian certificate for vessels up to 200 gross tons. It is a certification title issued by the Belgian Maritime administration that attests to the holder’s ability to command as Captain, navigate safely and manage the crew and passengers of a commercial yacht.

To obtain a Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT, the seaman must first justify a significant navigation experience (or hold a Yachtman…), but also compulsory complementary trainings:

• A Medical Training Certificate (EM1, 2, 3)

Without these trainings, the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT cannot be effective.

The Master Commercial Yachting is an STCW qualification recognized by the signatory countries of the Convention to perform boat delivery, charter and coaching missions. 

It is delivered by the approved training institutes.

- Advantages of the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

Most European countries and signatories of the STCW Convention recognize Commercial Yachting as such, and do not require a visa recognition. When a visa is required (as is the case in France and the United Kingdom), it is generally very easy to obtain .

The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT is also a training course delivered in English and can be obtained in 6 months for the most hurried. The exam takes place in Belgium or France.

The Master Commercial Yachting takes into account the sailing experience made before the training. Thus, following the success of the exam, the certificate allows you to immediately exercise the profession of Captain without the need to validate a sea time with a lower position (as for the Capitaine 200 ).

The prerogatives of the Master Commercial Yachting are valid for both sailing and motor vessels .

- Disadvantages of the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

If the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT is a patent recognized by France (unlike the Yachtmaster) and the United Kingdom, it must however be the subject of an application for a visa recognition for these 2 countries. The holders of a Commercial Yachting can therefore work under the French and British flags, subject to applying for a visa recognition.

Part of the exam is in English, which can be both a disadvantage for people who are not comfortable in English and an advantage for a profession that is definitely internationally oriented.

⚠ Please note: The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT is an STCW certificate; as such, the mandatory additional training courses (GOC/ROC, BST…) must be renewed every 5 years. The holders must then apply for a renewal of the certificate to the competent authority: The Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport .

- Where to follow the training to obtain a Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT?

In general, the training includes theoretical and practical courses, as well as a certain number of hours of navigation.

The cost of the training will depend on the training organization you choose and the duration of the training. List of Belgian approved training organizations.

Capt’n Boat recommendation: The Yachter

The Yachter is an approved training organization that offers E-learning courses (at home from your computer) that can be adapted to the candidates. Via this organization, you can obtain your Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT (Capitaine Master 200 GT in their website) in minimum 3 months or more depending on your schedule, your constraints… The courses are concrete and the instructors are demanding and caring.

Throughout the training, candidates are supervised by a professional STCW instructor. Private lessons can be arranged as an option as well as a face-to-face session with a mock exam. The Yachter also trains for the Master Commercial Yachting 500 GT (Capitaine Master 500 GT) and Master 500 GT Unlimited (Capitaine Master 500 GT Unlimited).

The theoretical exam allows you to obtain the title of Officer Of Watch (OOW200). It takes place over 4 days in France or in Belgium. The practical exam is done in one day on a sailing and/or motor vessel in the South of France.

⚠ Please note: This training is intended for sailors who already have a training title: offshore license, BACPN, Yachtmaster, Capitaine 200 . It is the ideal solution to obtain an additional navigation title and/or start a professional practice .

3. Conclusion

The profession of skipper requires certain skills and qualifications. The Capitaine 200 , the Yachtmaster or the Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT allow each to exercise the position of command on board within certain limitations.

If the Yachtmaster is the most internationally recognized certificate, it is not recognized in France and does not allow you to work on boats waving the French flag.

The Capitaine 200 , completed with its “Sailing” module, is THE French title, however it is long and expensive to obtain.

The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT , on the other hand, is recognized in France as well as in the United Kingdom, but requires a visa recognition to be effective in these countries.

⛵ So which patent do you opt for?

No matter which patent you choose, on Capt’n Boat we offer missions on all flags (French, English, Italian, Croatian, Greek, Romanian, Polish, US …) and on all types of boats: you will certainly find your hapiness!

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Online Theory Course

An outstanding course - I can highly recommend this. The details, feedback and support is excellent - makes celestial navigation understandable!

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, the sextant, global meteorology and ocean passage making

The online RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course teaches advanced techniques to those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage, and for commercial Skippers or Mates planning on operating more than 150nm from a safe haven.

This course will introduce you to the principles of astro navigation, the practical use of the sextant, the measurement of time, position fixing by the sun and stars, compass checking and great circle sailing.  

You’ll also study the concepts of worldwide meteorology, including tropical revolving storms, and passage planning for ocean voyaging.

• Assumed knowledge Yachtmaster level.
• Minimum duration 40 hours study is specified by the RYA.
• Ability after course Theory knowledge to undertake an ocean passage.

Simply click below to try a free lesson.

Introduction to Astro Navigation

• Introduction & Basic Astro Navigation Theory
• Using a Sextant
• Meridian Passage
• Plotting Your Position
• Planet Sights
• Moon Sights
• Star Sights
• Latitude by Polaris (The Pole Star)
• Compass Check by Sun’s Amplitude
• Ocean Weather & Tropical Storms
• Passage Planning
• Satellite, HF communications and obtaining weather data

Unlimited support from our dedicated RYA Instructors - 365 days a year via email, phone or Skype/Zoom.

14-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

13 fully-narrated online lessons including animations, videos and realistic 3D graphics.

Embedded quizzes with instant feedback in each lesson.

Self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers.

Final exam with detailed instructor feedback and free repeat attempts if requried.

RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory Course Completion Certificate.

12 months access to study with instructor support and exams - you can extend this if you want.

Lifetime access to training materials once you’ve completed the course.

This course is accessed online with no additional software required.

Lessons are accompanied by optional professional narration, and notes. 

They are intuitive and easy to follow, whilst more complex subjects are accompanied by interactive animations and graphics to help you gain a full knowledge of each subject in the course syllabus.

Whilst the process of translating a sextant sight into a position line is straightforward it is quite challenging to get to grips with. Unlike classroom training, where time is limited and students progress at different rates, online learning allows you to participate in lessons as many times as you wish to fully get to grips with the concepts.

At the end of each lesson there are excercises containg similar questions to the exam, with detailed and illustrated answers sent to you immediately to confirm your progress and fully prepare you for your final exams.

You can repeat entire lessons and excercises as often as you wish until you are confident that you fully understand each subject.

When you have completed the course you can request the final exam.

This is assessed by our RYA Instructors and detailed feedback is provided in any areas that may require further study within the course.

If you pass the final exam you will be awarded the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Certificate , which will be posted to you.

Ad ditional free resits, with suitable Instructor guidance, are available if required.

If you  are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, successful completion of this course exempts you from the written exam.

For most students exam invigilation is not required - see here for examples of when invigilation is required.

Call us for advice on 0238 218 2604

Course reviews.

Nigel Andrews

Helped me master it

This was my third attempt at an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean online course from different companies, and by far the best. For an admittedly difficult subject matter to get one’s head around, the instructor presents a very organized and understandable series of lessons that combine learning with wisdom and humour. Its still a tough subject, but this course helped me master it. Thanks!

Mathew Myatt

Ability to repeat when in doubt

Logical and clear. What was really good was the ability to go back and repeat or all or part of a lesson to ensure you truly understand a concept / principle, something which is more difficult to do when in a real classroom situation

David McIntyre

An excellent course

I found this course to be very comprehensive and informative. The format was very well presented and clear. The main advantage for me was the convenience of doing this in your own time. They are very generous with this. All my correspondence was very promptly replied. They are certainly very on the ball. The instructors gave clear and prompt feedback.

David Collins

Well worth the investment. Excellent!

A challenging course which stretches you but backed up with excellent coaching and instructor support. Worth the investment in time and money. Highly recommended.

Combined - RYA Day Skipper & Yachtmaster to fast track your theory learning

• Certificates of Competence

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158), which is available from the RYA webshop.

The exam consists of an oral and written test.

The candidate must provide the examiner with the following information 48 hours prior to the exam:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage providing all relevant details.
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passage, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a minimum, planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.

During the oral test the candidate will be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

The written exam will include questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology.

Candidates who hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Completion Certificate (final exam must have been invigilated at an RYA RTC), or a MCA issued full STCW Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer (Unlimited) will be exempt from the written examination.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed - see 'Related articles'.

Please note: Only those who hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence are eligible to receive the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence on passing the oral exam. Those holding OOW (Yacht 3000gt) will receive a pass confirmation certificate.

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam pre-requisites

Master 200 Preparation Course 

MCA Master qualification for vessels less than 200GT

Comparable to the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification, the MCA Master qualification for vessels less than 200GT holds significant value, particularly in foreign ports where officials are accustomed to recognizing MCA or Flag State endorsements. The Master 200 certification encompasses two operational tiers: 'limited', enabling operation within a range of up to 150 miles, and 'unlimited', granting permission for worldwide navigation. The Master 200 examination is conducted orally at one of the MCA offices.

Duration: 5 days

Course Overview:

Our Master 200 Preparation Course spans five intensive days, designed to equip you thoroughly for the challenges of the Master 200 examination. We commence with a comprehensive assessment to gauge your existing knowledge, tailoring our instruction to suit your needs.

Throughout the course, we delve into the Master 200 syllabus, delving into critical topics such as:

Business, Law and Regulation,

Electronic Navigation, Radar operation,

Watchkeeping protocols,

Navtex procedures,

Bridge management, and more.

Additionally, we cover vital aspects including:

Masters' responsibilities,

ColRegs Rule 19 for restricted visibility,

GMDSS operations,

Responses to Bridge control failure

Pollution prevention strategies

Garbage management protocols

Stability principles,

Codes of practice and the LY code

CoSWP guidelines

 Legal obligations

Salvage procedures

Safe manning standards

regulations concerning hours of work and crew agreements.

Qualification Requirements:

To enroll in the Master 200 Preparation Course, candidates must meet specific prerequisites and possess a Notice of Eligibility from the MCA. These requirements include:

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence, commercially endorsed by the RYA

RYA Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Shorebased certificate

Personal Survival Techniques certification (STCW A-VI/1-1), or a non-STCW RYA Basic Sea Survival qualification

Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention training (STCW A-VI/1-2)

Elementary First Aid certification (STCW A-VI/1-3)

Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities training (STCW A-VI/1-4)

GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate (ROC)

HELM Operational Certificate (Human Element Leadership and Management)

For those pursuing the Master 200 unlimited designation, additional prerequisites are necessary, including RYA MCA Yachtmaster Ocean certification, RYA Shorebased Yachtmaster Ocean qualification, and GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC).

Pre-Examination Requirements:

Before sitting for the Master 200 examination, candidates must complete and submit a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) to the MCA. It is advised to allow a minimum of 28 days for the processing of the NoE to ensure timely scheduling of the examination.

Get in Touch

+30 698 6764 740

[email protected]

RYA Yachtmaster™ Exams

An rya yachtmaster™ certificate of competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers., rya yachtmaster™ certificate of competence exams.

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence is well known and highly respected worldwide, proving your experience as a skipper. Unlike the other courses in the RYA Sail Training Scheme, there is no formal syllabus to complete in order to attain an RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence.

We highly recommend attending our RYA Yachtmaster™ preparation course to fine tune your sailing skills and focus your knowledge base before the exam.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence – Coastal or Offshore?

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Coastal means that you have knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises. You do not necessarily have the experience needed to undertake longer passages. The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS (collision regulations), meteorology and signals. You will be set tasks to demonstrate your ability and may also be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and theory courses up to Yachtmaster™ Coastal level.

The RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore deems you competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour. The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS, meteorology and signals. You will be set tasks to demonstrate your ability and may also be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and theory courses up to Yachtmaster™ Offshore level.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificate of Competence Commercial Endorsement

RYA Yachtmaster™ Certificates of Competence can be commercially endorsed in order to work on board British flagged vessels, subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels. A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement . We offer the online RYA Personal Practices and Responsibilities course – email us to book .

RYA Yachtmaster™ Mile/Experience Building Charters

If you do not have the required experience and sea time, we recommend booking on our Bluewater Sailing mile/experience building cruises . We offer these adventurous training trips throughout the year in the Caribbean.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Preparation Course

Many RYA Yachtmaster™ candidates choose to complete our Yachtmaster™ preparation course for the benefit of tailor-made sailing tuition prior to the examination. Provided that you have sufficient experience and sea time, you are then put forward immediately as a candidate for the Yachtmaster™ exam. Click here for helpful information from the RYA on passing your exam.

Working with a Yachtmaster™ Coastal Certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster™ Coastal Certificate of Competence will enable you to skipper vessels up to 24 metres in length, operating in category 3,4,5, and 6 waters – up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

Working with a Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence will enable you to work as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters – that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven. This Certificate of Competence can used commercially in its own right, or as a prerequisite for the MCA’s Officer of the Watch qualification, which enables you to work worldwide on vessels of up to 3000gt.

Working with a Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence will enable you to work worldwide as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt. This Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right. It is also a prerequisite for the MCA’s Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Exam Prerequisites

Rya yachtmaster™ exam details, rya yachtmaster™ ocean certificate of competence.

Holders of the Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence are experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world.

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster™ Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158). The exam consists of an oral and written test.

The candidate must provide the examiner with the following information 48 hours prior to the exam:

•  A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage providing all relevant details.
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passage, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a minimum, planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet. 

During the oral test the candidate will be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

The written exam will include questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology.

Candidates who hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory Course Completion Certificate (final exam must have been invigilated at an RYA RTC), or a MCA issued full STCW Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer (Unlimited) will be exempt from the written examination.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA’s codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed .

Please note: Only those who hold the RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore Certificate of Competence are eligible to receive the Yachtmaster™ Ocean Certificate of Competence on passing the oral exam. Those holding OOW (Yacht 3000gt) will receive a pass confirmation certificate.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Exam Prerequisites

• Barcelona English Language Training Maritime English
• MCA RYA Fastrack Sailing Courses FACTS
• MCA RYA Fast Track 15 Wks YachtmasterPLUS Stcw10
• MCA RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track 14 Wks
• MCA RYA Fast Track 7 Wks Yachtmaster Coastal
• MCA RYA Fast Track 8 Wks Yachtmaster Motor Boat
• RYA Half Track Yachtmaster
• RYA Fasttrack Dayskipper
• RYA Day Skipper Combined
• PADI Fast Track Dive Master
• Gap Year Student Training
• Marina Drills and Skills Power & Sail
• Milebuilding Passages Adventure Sailing
• Power and Sail Delivery & Management
• Hanse 415 Charter Yacht Barcelona and Majorca
• Hanse 575 Charter Yacht Barcelona and Majorca
• Hanse 505 Charter Yacht Barcelona and Majorca
• Hanse 455 Charter Yacht Barcelona and Majorca
• Lagoon 440 Multihull
• Catamaran Pajot Lucia 40 Palamos 2017
• Motor Cruiser Moraga Faeton 1040 Charter Yacht
• Bavaria 46 Cruiser
• Beneteau Oceanis 473
• Beneteau Oceanis 43
• NEW Beneteau Oceanis 38
• NEW Beneteau Oceanis 35
• Beneteau Oceanis 40
• Beneteau Oceanis 411
• Beneteau Oceanis 37
• Beneteau Oceanis 343
• Jeaunneau Sun Odyssey 509
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419
• Jeaunneau Sun Odyssey 45
• Jeaunneau Sun Oddysey 379
• Jeaunneau Sun Oddysey 33i
• Dufour 455 Grands Large
• RYA Practical Courses
• RYA Powerboat 1&2
• RYA Start Sailing
• RYA Competent Crew
• RYA Day Skipper
• RYA Coastal Skipper
• RYA Fasttrack Dayskipper 14 Days
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
• International Certificate of Competence
• RYA Theory Shorebased Courses
• RYA Basic Navigation
• RYA Day Skipper Theory
• RYA Coastal Skipper Theory
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
• SRC / VHF Radio
• RYA First Aid
• RYA Diesel Engine
• Own Boat and Personal Tuition
• MCA Stcw 95 Blue Oyster Basic Safety Training Courses
• STCW 10 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilty
• STCW 10 Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention
• STCW 10 Personal Survival Techniques
• STCW 10 Elementary First Aid
• STCW 10 Proficiency In Security Awareness
• Pro Marine Hospitality
• Pro Super Yacht Crew: Practical Sailing
• Pro Super Yacht Crew: Advanced Skills
• Pro Crew Marine Cookery
• MCA Master Of Yachts Training Courses
• Master of Yachts 200gt Limited
• Master of Yachts 200gt Unlimited
• RYA/MCA Master Of Yachts Exam and Assessment
• Testimonials

  Back

• Master of Yachts

Training towards

Master (Code vessels less than 200gt not more than 150miles from a safe haven) / Officer of the Watch (Yacht less than 500gt).

Course information

The course will include all aspects of navigational safety with emphasis on collision regulations; operational safety and responses to emergencies; pollution control and aspects of Master Business and Law.

Pre-requisite experience: Yachtmaster Offshore shore-based and MCA recognised Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competency, Basic training, GMDSS restricted operators certificate

Duration: 6 Days

Examination and assessment:

MCA Master (Code vessels less than 200gt) oral examination.

Certification

STCW Master (Code vessels less than 200gt not more than 150miles from a safe haven) / Officer of the Watch (Yacht less than 500gt).

The course Completion Certificate must be presented together with proof of 3 months’ sea service on vessels of 15m or more in length before the full certificate can be issued.

On successful completion of your training, your NOE must be sent to the MCA. It can take up to 6 weeks to be notified of your exam date.

Master 200gt Limited / OOW 500gt

6 days from.

Fill the form below to Book the course and one of our team members will contact you as soon as we received your booking form:

• Commercial Requirements – STCW, ENG1 and RYA PPR
• Course Calendar

Contact details Melani Kruger | Sales Cell:+27 (0)82 088 7186 [email protected]

Perry-Anne Davies | Principal & General Manager Cell:+27 (0)73 187 3746 [email protected]

Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School Duncan Road, Table Bay Harbour Cape Town, Western Cape 8001, South Africa

• Certificates of Competence

Qualifying passages

Definitions.

• Skipper:  The skipper is the person nominated and responsible for the planning and execution of a passage including vessel and watch management. The skipper is not necessarily the most experienced or qualified person on board but must be the person with responsibility for the safe execution of the passage. If the skipper's role is transferred to another person at any time during a passage then neither person can claim to have skippered that passage.
• Mate:  For the purpose of qualifying passages, a mate is any person on board who has sole responsibility for managing a navigational watch during a passage. They must be actively engaged in the planning and execution of a passage.
• Tidal:  An area is deemed tidal if published stream, current or tidal range data is available, the influence of which is significant enough to require the effects to be taken into account to plan and execute a safe and efficient passage.
• Days on board:  A day on board or as skipper is a period of eight consecutive hours living on board, the majority of which the vessel should have been at sea. Periods of less than eight hours cannot be aggregated to make up eight hours. Only one eight-hour period may be counted in any 24 hour period.
• During a qualifying passage there should be no change of skipper or mates. Trainee skippers undertaking 60 mile passages are strongly advised to obtain a Coastal Skipper qualification first.

Additional for RYA Yachtmaster Ocean:

• Candidates on Ocean qualifying passages must have acted in a capacity of either mate or skipper throughout the entire passage.
• If circumstances prevent astro sights being taken on the ocean qualifying passage candidates may take their sights on another shorter passage. Such sights must be taken whilst the vessel is on passage and out of sight of land or charted objects capable of being used for navigation/position fixing. The examiner will determine whether the candidate is competent at astro navigation.
• Qualifying passages, sea time and days as skipper must take place on a suitably sized vessel appropriate to the discipline being examined, as detailed below.