RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course – ONLINE

RYA Yachtmaster Theory course - Online version

About the course

 

The online RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course is an advanced shorebased programme designed for experienced skippers who want to deepen their understanding of offshore and coastal navigation. Delivered through a digital learning platform, it provides 40–50 hours of interactive study, supported by videos, animations, practice questions, and online chartwork tools. The course covers all elements of traditional and modern navigation, beginning with advanced chartwork techniques such as estimated positions, course shaping, secondary port tidal calculations, and blind pilotage. Students learn to interpret and apply detailed tidal information, work with tidal curves, and calculate complex tidal heights and streams for offshore passages.

Meteorology forms a major part of the syllabus. Learners explore the formation of weather systems, interpretation of synoptic charts, frontal systems, sea breezes, cloud patterns, and the impact of weather on coastal and offshore planning. The course also examines the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), advanced pilotage strategies, passage planning for longer voyages, watchkeeping principles, electronic navigation systems, and safety procedures, including search and rescue operations. Regular online chartwork exercises and assessments help students practise applying their knowledge just as they would in a real navigation scenario.

The online Yachtmaster Theory Course is aimed at confident skippers with solid Day Skipper–level knowledge and significant practical sea time. Ideal candidates include sailors and powerboaters preparing for RYA Coastal Skipper or RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore practical exams. It suits those who want the flexibility to study remotely, including commercial skippers renewing endorsements, flotilla leaders, delivery skippers, cruising sailors planning ambitious passages, and anyone aiming to work professionally in the maritime industry. The online format is particularly beneficial for students needing time to revisit complex topics, or those unable to attend classroom sessions. Ultimately, this course is designed for serious boaters seeking advanced navigation competence and preparation for higher-level RYA qualifications.

(Note: When you book this course we will send you the course pack that supports the course. This may take 5 – 7 days but you can start the online course before you receive the pack.)

Book your online course

This is an online course so all you need to do is to select the version according to whether you are UK based or we need to send your pack overseas, you then pay and we will send your login details and instructions for taking the course and of course send you out your course pack. The logins will arrive the next business day as we need to manually set you up for this course. We're always really keen to chat to you when you’re booking a course as whilst we are happy to take bookings through this system for your convenience - nothing beats chatting about boats and courses! Whilst this is an online course you will be prompted for a date, just leave the date it gives you as it doesn't matter what date is selected. Select as many spaces as you need and then follow the booking process.

UK Customers. Purchase this course by selecting this button. (NOTE: To keep our booking system happy use today's date for the course start and end date.) Book now
Overseas Customers. Purchase this course by selecting this button - this will cost an additional £25 for delivery by courier. (NOTE: To keep our booking system happy use today's date for the course start and end date.) Book now
For information... When you make a booking using this system please be aware that we need to set you up on the online system to get started on the course. This is a manual process and at the latest we will do this the next working day.   Emails...Once you have finished the process you will receive a variety of emails. If you do not get any then please check your spam folder and if there is nothing there then please let us know.   Your logon details and course pack...We will send you your logon details and also send out the course pack to you. If you are buying the version for overseas customers then obviously this pack may take a little while to get to you. You don't need to wait for the pack though and can get cracking with the online course before the pack arrives.
These courses are booked for us by our partner school - Powerboat Training UK