NETWORK
Yachtmaster
This section is for people wanting to teach the RYA Yachtmaster Sail and Motor Cruising schemes
Yachtmaster
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.
Qualification summary:
Cruising Instructor
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Minimum age |
18 |
|
Experience |
Experienced skipper with theoretical and practical knowledge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. |
|
Pre-entry assessment |
Candidates are required to pass an online pre-course module prior to being eligible to attend the course. |
|
Training course |
Five day (sail) or four day (motor) course with a second Trainer joining on the final day as course moderator. |
|
Qualified to teach |
RYA practical courses up to Day Skipper, in the scheme/s the course relates to (Sail or Motor) |
Additional important information:
- First aid certificate
- RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence, commercially endorsed
- Online pre-course knowledge check
RYA membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification.
Yachtmaster Instructor
|
Minimum age |
18 |
|
Required certificates |
RYA Cruising Instructor certificate for sail or power as appropriate, or If an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor in the other scheme (sail or power) with significant experience in the scheme they now wish to become a YMI in, send your relevant CV evidenced where possible, to training@rya.org.uk for consideration for a more direct route |
|
Experience |
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 |
|
Training course |
Four days (sail) or three days (motor) course. A combination of learning and assessment with the final day as a moderation with a different Trainer. |
|
Qualified to teach |
RYA practical courses up to and beyond Day Skipper, in the scheme/s the course relates to (Sail or Motor) |
|
Validity |
Five years, if under 70 years of age or two years from the age of 70. Prior to the validity expiring candidates will need to attend and pass a RYA Yachtmaster Instructor revalidation on the water. Revalidation is carried out over one day for motor and two for sail. |
Additional important information:
- First aid certificate
- RYA Cruising Instructor certificate for sail or power as appropriate, or
- If an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor in the other scheme (sail or power) with significant experience in the scheme they now wish to become a YMI in, send your relevant CV evidenced where possible, to training@rya.org.uk for consideration for a more direct route
RYA Membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification
