The first step in teaching within the practical cruising scheme is to become qualified as an RYA Cruising Instructor, before moving up to the Yachtmaster Instructor qualification. Both qualifications can be taken in sail and motor cruisers, and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly.
Due to the short time available on the instructor course, there is limited opportunity to fill any gaps in knowledge. The course is a blend of assessing the candidate's knowledge, providing a structured framework to instruct, coach, observe and deliver constructive feedback, and ensure the structure and standards required of RYA courses are understood. Candidates must therefore ensure they have sufficient underpinning knowledge prior to attending.
An effective instructor must have credibility with students and a genuine interest and engagement with the subject is essential for this. Questions from students will often stray outside the core syllabus or be concerned with seeking advice about equipment or situations. Without enthusiasm and a depth of knowledge far above the RYA syllabus, this credibility could easily be lost. It is difficult to quantify in writing exactly what this means but without extensive practical experience of the subject, candidates are unlikely to be successful on an instructor course.
Due to the arduous nature of practical training afloat, an instructor certificate obtained or revalidated after the instructor's 67th birthday will require revalidation with effect from the instructor's 72nd birthday. An instructor certificate obtained or revalidated after the instructor's 70th birthday will be valid for a period of two years before an update is required.
Cruising Instructor
Minimum age
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18
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Required certificates
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Experience
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Experienced skipper with theoretical and practical knolwedge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
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| Pre-entry assessment |
Candidates are required to pass an online pre-course module prior to being eligibile to attend the course.
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Training course
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Five day (sail) or four day (motor) course with a second Trainer joining on the final day as course moderator.
Course dates (sail)
Course dates (power)
Revalidation course dates
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Qualified to teach
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Can instruct RYA practical courses up to the level of Day Skipper
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Validity
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Five years, after which candidates will need to attend an RYA Cruising Instructor two day (sail) or one day (motor) revalidation.
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RYA membership
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Required |
Yachtmaster Instructor
Minimum age
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18
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Required certificates
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Experience
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At least two years part-time or one season full-time as an RYA Cruising Instructor and be an experienced skipper
Theoretical and practical knowledge should be well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
Logged more than 7,000 miles sea time
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Training course
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Five day (sail) or three day (motor) course and is a combination of learning and assessment with the final day as a moderation with a different Trainer.
Course dates and online booking system
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Qualified to teach
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RYA practical courses beyond Day Skipper.
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Validity
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Five years, after which you will need to attend an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor revalidation
Revalidation is two days (sail) or one day (motor)
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RYA membership
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Required |
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