Yachtmaster Coastal vs Yachtmaster Offshore – What’s the Difference?

The RYA Yachtmaster qualifications are internationally respected certificates of competence, proving that a skipper has the knowledge, experience, and leadership skills to take command of a yacht safely. Two of the most recognised levels are Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore. At first glance, they may appear similar, but there are important distinctions in terms of the scope of command, required experience, and the opportunities they unlock.

Sea Time Requirements

Yachtmaster Coastal

• 800 miles on yachts up to 500 GT (at least 400 miles in tidal waters)
• 2 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA
• 30 days at sea on yachts up to 500 GT
• 12 night hours

Yachtmaster Offshore

• 2,500 miles on yachts up to 500 GT (at least 1,250 miles in tidal waters)
• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA
• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500 GT
• 5 passages over 60 miles, including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper

At least half of the qualifying sea time for both coastal and offshore must be gained in tidal waters and on the same type vessel that you are taking the exam for.

Scope of the Qualifications

Yachtmaster Coastal certifies a skipper to take a yacht on passages up to 60 nautical miles from a safe haven. It is aimed at those who are confident with advanced navigation, boat handling, and seamanship but are still building their offshore experience. Candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in both day and night operations, making it a valuable qualification for those planning to cruise independently in coastal waters.

Yachtmaster Offshore, by contrast, extends that authority to 150 nautical miles from shore. The qualification recognises the ability to skipper longer offshore passages, often through the night and in more challenging conditions. The exam places a greater emphasis on leadership, decision-making, and managing a vessel and crew over extended distances, demanding broader and deeper experience than the Coastal level.

Benefits of Yachtmaster Coastal

Yachtmaster Coastal is an excellent milestone for sailors who are looking for formal recognition of their skills but do not yet have the miles or passages for Offshore. It demonstrates advanced competence in navigation, pilotage, and night sailing, and provides reassurance to employers, charter companies, and yacht owners. Many use it as a stepping stone while continuing to build sea time for Offshore, giving them confidence and credibility in the meantime.

Benefits of Yachtmaster Offshore

Yachtmaster Offshore is widely regarded as the benchmark professional qualification in yachting. It is internationally recognised and opens up career opportunities as a professional skipper, mate, or instructor. It proves the ability to manage a yacht on longer offshore voyages, including overnight passages, heavy-weather sailing, and complex tidal navigation. For those pursuing a career in the industry, Offshore is often the expected standard.

Progression and Options

It is important to note that not every candidate will have the required sea time for Yachtmaster Offshore immediately. In this case, Yachtmaster Coastal provides a valuable and credible alternative, giving skippers a recognised certificate while they continue to build experience.

In summary:

Both qualifications certify the ability to skipper a yacht confidently by day and night, but the difference lies in the scope. Yachtmaster Coastal is limited to 60 miles from a safe haven, while Yachtmaster Offshore extends this to 150 miles offshore. Each has its place, and which one is right for you depends on your current experience and the type of sailing you want to pursue.

If you have questions about the prerequisites or would like to book your course, please contact our team and we’ll help you take the next step and make the correct decision.