Yachtmaster Coastal Exam

The Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper has the knowledge needed to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but does 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. Candidates will be set tasks to demonstrate their ability and may also be asked questions on any part of the syllabus for all practical and shorebased courses up to Yachtmaster Coastal level.

Yachtmaster Coastal exam prerequisites: 30 days seatime, 2 days as skipper, 800nm, 12 night hours (if you hold the RYA Coastal Skipper practical certificate this is reduced to 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400nm, 12 night hours). Half of the qualifying mileage must have been conducted in tidal waters. All of the qualifying seatime must have been within 10 years of the exam.

You must also hold a restricted VHF Radio Operators Licence and a valid First Aid Certificate.

• Minimum Exam Duration 6-10 hours for one candidate, 8-14 for two candidates
• Minimum Age 17 years
• Exam Fee 2025 £221