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The La Maddalena archipelago from above

The benchmark · RYA

Yachtmaster Offshore

Master up to 150 miles offshore. The benchmark for professional skippers.

LengthTheory 7 days · practical 5 (sail) or 3 (power) · exam 2 days
WhereClassroom in Olbia, practical at Marina di Olbia
LanguageIn English, with Italian instructors
CostOn request+ RYA exam fee 266 GBP

Who it’s for

For those making the sea their job. The course students mention most in reviews — some started from zero and passed.

What it lets you do

With commercial endorsement: master of vessels up to 200 GT within 150 miles of a safe haven, under recognising flags. It is the prerequisite for Master 200 GT.

Exam requirements

  • 2,500 miles, half in tidal waters, and 50 days at sea, 5 as skipper
  • The 1,250 tidal miles are logged outside the Med, which has no tides
  • 5 passages of 60+ miles: 2 as skipper, 2 overnight
  • GMDSS SRC (can be taken here during theory) and first aid
  • Good English
Check if you already meet them

Tidal miles are the biggest hurdle for anyone who only sails the Med, which has no tides: they are logged elsewhere, for example in the Channel or on the Atlantic. Ask us how to plan them.

What you learn

  1. 01Tides and tidal streams
  2. 02Deviation and variation
  3. 03Chartwork, fixes and dead reckoning
  4. 04COLREGs
  5. 05Meteorology
  6. 06Berthing, anchoring, picking up a mooring
  7. 07Night passage by waypoints, without GPS
  8. 08Blind navigation and radar
  9. 09Man overboard recovery

The exam

Aboard, 2 days, with an external RYA examiner

Included

  • 7-day classroom theory in Olbia
  • 5-day sail or 3-day power practical
  • 2-day exam with an external RYA examiner, fee included
  • Boat and fuel

Not included

  • RYA exam fee (266 GBP)
  • Prerequisite courses: first aid, GMDSS SRC, medical
  • Provisions and travel

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