What it says about you
The RYA describes a Yachtmaster Coastal as capable of safely skippering a vessel on coastal passages. Like Offshore, it's gained by a practical exam on a boat, under sail or under power, and the certificate is issued for that discipline.
Sea time
- 30 days at sea, including 2 days as skipper, on vessels under 24m;
- 800 miles;
- 12 night hours;
- all logged within the last 10 years, with at least half in tidal waters;
- all in the same discipline (sail or power) as your exam.
A day counts if it's at least eight consecutive hours living aboard, mostly at sea. Shorter periods can't be added together.
Certificates and age
- A valid first aid certificate, such as the RYA First Aid certificate.
- A GMDSS radio certificate, such as the RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC), or higher.
- You must be 17 or over on the day of the exam.
The exam
The RYA allows 6 to 10 hours for one candidate and 8 to 14 hours for two. You're tested on skippering, boat handling, seamanship, navigation, safety and the collision regulations, with theory questions throughout.
Coastal or Offshore?
| Yachtmaster Coastal | Yachtmaster Offshore | |
|---|---|---|
| Days at sea | 30 (2 as skipper) | 50 (5 as skipper) |
| Miles | 800 | 2,500 |
| Night experience | 12 night hours | Five 60-mile passages, two overnight |
| Minimum age | 17 | 18 |
| Exam length (one candidate) | 6 to 10 hours | 8 to 12 hours |
| Endorsed for commercial use | Vessels up to 24m, up to 20 miles from a safe haven | Vessels up to 200gt, up to 150 miles from a safe haven |
If you already have the sea time for Offshore, go for Offshore: it's the more widely recognised certificate, especially for professional work. If you're a coastal sailor building up to it, Coastal gets you a certificate of competence sooner, and the experience counts towards Offshore later. See the Offshore requirements and sea time checker.
Requirements change from time to time, so check the RYA's Yachtmaster Coastal exam page before you book.