How long is the RYA Ocean course valid for?

If you’re interested in unravelling the mysteries of astro navigation, worldwide meteorology, the sextant, and ocean passage making, the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course with Skippers Online is ideal for you.

Anybody keen to undertake ocean passage must prepare themselves and learn the theoretical skills required to navigate the ocean safely. To do this, you must first pass a theory assessment to earn a certificate of competence.

What is the RYA Ocean theory course, though, and what does it include?

What’s included in the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course?

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course is all online learning and teaches advanced techniques to people aspiring to build navigation skills.

The RYA Ocean course is ideal for holders of the Yachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage. It’s also suited for commercial Skippers or Mates planning to operate more than 150nm from a safe haven.

The course introduces the key principles of astro navigation, the correct measurement of time, practical use of the sextant, compass checking, position fixing by the sun, and excellent circle sailing.

Students on the RYA Yachtmaster ocean theory course will also study the concepts of worldwide meteorology which includes tropical revolving storms and passage planning for an ocean voyage.

How long does the RYA Ocean course take to complete?

In total, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) specify that this Yachtmaster ocean theory course should take 40 hours of study time, plus any time for exercises and exams.

How long is the RYA Yachtmaster ocean theory course valid for?

Like most Royal Yacht Association certifications, once you’ve completed the course and passed the exam, you hold it for life.

This means that once you have passed your RYA Ocean theory course, you can move on to the practical RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore certification.

Skippers Online offer 12 months of access to study with instructor support and exams, though you can extend this if you need to.

You also get lifetime access to the training materials once you’ve completed the full course and received your certification.

What to expect from the RYA Ocean online theory course

This RYA Ocean course is accessed completely online and requires no additional software. All lessons are accompanied by professional narration and easy-to-read notes.

The 13 online lessons include videos and realistic 3D graphics and animations that focus on ocean passage planning, worldwide meteorology, astro navigation, and more, to make your learning easier. As well as each lesson, there are embedded quizzes throughout the process with instant feedback in each lesson from your instructor and self-assessment exercises with fully worked answers.

Once you’re confident of the source material, you can request the final exam with detailed instructor feedback and free repeat attempts, if required.

If you pass the course, you’ll be handed the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Shore-based theory course pass confirmation certificate.

Following completion of the RYA Ocean course, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident ocean navigator and can complete the ocean exam.

Having the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shore-based course pass completion certificate exempts you from the written exam.

Sign up for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course with Skippers Online

You can complete your RYA Yachtmaster ocean theory course with Skippers Online, who offer valuable feedback throughout a fully online course. You can keep looking at the course material and continue your learning when it suits you, too.

So, start learning and enjoy your ocean adventures!