This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology.
About the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course
The RYA Yachtmaster qualification is the gold standard of coastal skipper training and is highly respected worldwide. Anyone seeking to become an RYA Coastal Skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper, or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Skipper must have broad theoretical knowledge and a high level of practical skill.
With a strong emphasis on passage making, this e-learning course will build upon your existing knowledge and experience to prepare you for longer passages at sea. You will be trained to take a ‘Yachtmaster’ approach to plan and implement your boating adventures.
check_circle
check_circle
To study this course, you need the knowledge attained from the Day Skipper Theory Course or have an extensive navigation background. This course is not suitable for beginners – it is aimed at candidates wishing to navigate coastal and offshore passages.
The learning structure has been developed with decades of experience delivering Yachtmaster tuition worldwide. You will learn to apply a high standard of seamanship and navigation skills whenever you go to sea, whether that is onboard a sailing yacht or motor cruiser.
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course cost is $595 (AUD).
school
Watch the video to see why this is the best online Yachtmaster Theory Course.
Course Topics
"What will I learn in this advanced navigation and meteorology course?"
Navigation - master your skills to navigate using electronic charting, paper charts, routing software and instruments you will find on vessels, ranging from traditional cruisers to top level racing boats!
Weather and meteorology - learn in detail, where weather forecasts come from so you can confidently compare weather predictions and models. Be prepared to make the best possible passage planning decisions for your boat and crew.
Tides and currents - learn how to properly interpret tides and currents anywhere using an abundance of tide forecast information. As a Yachtmaster, you will be required to locate and interpret local information in locations around the world.
Collision avoidance - professional and recreational skippers need to know the rules of the road! This course will guide you through a clear and logical method to learn the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS).
Pilotage - develop your confidence in the use of pilotage charts, chart plotters, pilotage books, maps and other modern tools available to navigators. You will learn how to explore and navigate new locations in daylight and darkness.
Voyage planning - Unravel the complexities of multi-day and international passages with guidance on course laying, customs procedures, weather routing, long range communications, and much more. Passage planning lessons comprise of practical examples and considerations to prepare you for skippering complex passages.
RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Course Information
eLearning Structure
This e-learning course has been developed by Above & Beyond Boating. The course content covers the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Syllabus.
There are 12 course units, comprising of lessons and activities. Lessons are structured with dynamic content and quiz exercises, which provide immediate feedback, to test your knowledge. On completion of the course units, you will be required to complete some online assessments to receive your certificate.
The RYA course framework has been used with Australian and International scenario based case studies to ensure you finish the course with confidence to undertake coastal passages.
Course Study
The course takes around 40 hours in total to study. The self-paced e-learning structure allows you to log in and work through the course material in your own time.
Qualification
RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Certificate.
Previous Experience
The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore course builds upon the navigation, meteorology, and passage making that is delivered in the RYA Day Skipper Theory Course. This RYA training course will introduce new topics and develop a deeper understanding of familiar topics. All units of this course have an assumed prior knowledge of the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course.
Above & Beyond Boating is here to help! If you are not sure which course is best suited for your skills and future boating aspirations, please contact us today to discuss your pathway.
Assessments
Once you have completed the twelve units of study, there are three assessment papers to complete in the online course. There is a Chartwork assessment, IRPCS assessment, and a Passage Making assessment.
When you have submitted an assessment attempt, it will be marked by a course instructor, and you will be provided with feedback. If you do not pass your assessment on your first attempt, we will provide feedback to help you prepare for another attempt. You can re-sit an exam again when you are ready.
A formal exam invigilation is required if you intend to gain an MCA large yacht qualification, such as the Officer of the Watch or Master 3000. Should you require a formal exam, we can assist with finding an RYA Training Centre in Australia, or internationally, to invigilate.
Learning Online
Our courses have been specifically designed for an online learning experience. Enrolment in an online course presents a flexible opportunity to work at your own pace. Our team can provide feedback, instruction and personal support to help you get the answers you need.
Supporting Materials
"What's included in the course?"
Navigation Training Materials
Sent via express post within Australia and by registered airmail for international addresses*
RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Course Notes
Your essential reference book! It includes enhanced sections on weather, navigation, pilotage, voyage planning and special situations when afloat.
Your essential reference book! It includes enhanced sections on weather, navigation, pilotage, voyage planning and special situations when afloat.
RYA Training Charts & Training Almanac
These resources have been developed to give you exposure to the skippering challenges you could encounter anywhere your qualification could take you. You will experience changes in buoyage systems, time zones, extreme tidal flows, navigate under bridges and over sand bars.
These resources have been developed to give you exposure to the skippering challenges you could encounter anywhere your qualification could take you. You will experience changes in buoyage systems, time zones, extreme tidal flows, navigate under bridges and over sand bars.
Navigator's Tools
2B pencil & eraser so that you're equipped for your next adventure and beyond.
2B pencil & eraser so that you're equipped for your next adventure and beyond.
Personal Online Course User Account
Your account has a grade book and unlimited opportunity to return to lessons and reinforce your learning, even after you have completed a unit or passed the final assessments.
Your account has a grade book and unlimited opportunity to return to lessons and reinforce your learning, even after you have completed a unit or passed the final assessments.
How do we maintain our 99% course completion rate?
The fresh approach from Above & Beyond Boating to elearning combines proven learning techniques in online learning with our experience in personalised training.
Above & Beyond Boating is committed to helping you every step of the way. We are here to ensure you feel supported while learning online. You can receive support and assistance from our dedicated course instructor over the phone, via live chat and email, or arrange a video call.
We are always seeking to improve our training course experience. We always listen to our customers feedback and update our training on a regular basis!
Our weekly updates include the latest changes in equipment, regulations, incident report recommendations and navigation technology.
Neil Driscoll is your course instructor. With extensive experience as an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor for over 20 years, Neil has delivered the full range of courses.
You can rely on a prompt reply from Neil should you need any assistance throughout the course!
Above & Beyond Boating is an RYA Training Centre.
RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Certification
The RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory Course is an advanced training course covering extensive theoretical knowledge necessary for offshore skippering skills, boat handling, seamanship, navigation, safety awareness, collision avoidance, meteorology, and the use of technological aids. Once you have this prestigious coastal skipper licence, the oceans are yours to explore.
This is an essential step for all RYA sailing and motor certificates beyond the RYA Day Skipper. This RYA Yachtmaster Theory course should be completed before the RYA Coastal Skipper Course (for both sail and motor vessels) and is a critical part of your certificate of competency preparations to pass the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exams.
Whether you are looking to work on a commercial vessel using an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore certificate of competence or getting ready to safely cruise beyond the horizon, your passage planning training in the course will equip you to navigate the complexities of a maritime environment for both local and international voyages.
"I recently completed the Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased course with Above and Beyond Boating and couldn’t recommend them more highly. The standard of instruction was outstanding. Complex topics like tidal calculations, passage planning, and set & drift were broken down into clear, practical steps that actually make sense in the real world—not just for passing the exam, but for safe, confident navigation.
The course was well-structured, engaging, and paced perfectly. There was a great balance between theory and applied learning, with plenty of exam-focused tips that made a huge difference. No question ever felt like a silly one—the instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in everyone’s success.
What really stood out was how supportive the environment was. You’re not just another student—they take the time to make sure you understand the material and feel confident applying it. If you’re considering Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster theory, this is hands down the place to do it. Professional, thorough, and genuinely Above and Beyond."
Mark Butler
Over 750 5-star Google reviews
Above and Beyond Boating Community
ABN: 11167076922 |. Pricing in Australian Dollars | © Above & Beyond Boating 2026