Entry requirements
You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (click here for more details) and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement (click here for more details). We recommend all students secure this before attending a course.
There are no other pre-requisites necessary to start the course. All that we ask is that you have enough sailing experience to know that you want a life at sea. If you don’t have any previous experience, we recommend you talk to our course advisors on +44 (0)1983 203038 or [email protected]
All maritime employers will expect some type of experience to show that you can demonstrate a strong work ethic, practical application of skills and are a motivated individual. We would recommend any student booking onto our careers courses to have a minimum of one year prior experience in a work place, whether this is volunteering or paid work.
UKSA is not a recruitment agency and cannot guarantee work placements after completion of the course, but we work closely with a large number of recruitment agencies and companies that employ our graduates. During all courses we provide industry and career guidance to prepare for seeking employment post-graduation, and offer continual support once you have left UKSA.
Funding available
We are here to support you
As a charity, we have funding opportunities available for those in genuine financial need, with up to 50% funding available for this course. Your course adviser will be able to provide you with the details, assess your eligibility and put you forward if you are a suitable candidate.
Frequently asked questions
How to get a commercial skipper’s license
The recommended route to obtaining a commercial skippers license is to do two training courses which consist of the Day Skipper Shorebased course and the Day Skipper Practical course. These are both included in the Professional Yachtmaster offshore course. The first covers the theory and knowledge-based training, such as meteorology, navigation, pilotage techniques and collision regulations; the second is putting this theory into practice in addition to developing the practical skippering skills of crew management, boat handling, practical pilotage and passage making.
What is a Yachtmaster?
A Yachtmaster is a person with a wealth of maritime knowledge who can cope with plain sailing and motor cruising and is also able to cope in demanding situations. Our Yachtmaster offshore qualification is recognised and respected all around the world and is the ultimate aim of many skippers, both professional and recreational.
Who are the RYA?
The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) are the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inland waterways cruising.
What books do we need for yachtmaster offshore theories?
Essential books for Yachtmaster Offshore theory include RYA Navigation Handbook, RYA Yachtmaster Handbook, RYA Weather Handbook, RYA Sail Trim Handbook, and Reeds Nautical Almanac.
What is the difference between yachtmaster ocean and yachtmaster offshore?
Yachtmaster Offshore qualifies you to skipper yachts up to 150 miles from a safe haven, while Yachtmaster Ocean allows you to command yachts on unlimited offshore passages. Ocean certification requires additional celestial navigation skills.
How long does it take to become a Yachtmaster?
Our Yachtmaster course takes only 16 weeks. Including 70 days afloat and 2,500 tidal miles covered.
How much does a Professional Yachtmaster course cost?
Yachtmaster course costs vary depending on different factors such as company and time of the year. Please contact us for further information.
View more Yachtmaster FAQs.
