RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Course Sheffield

Advanced Offshore Navigation - Ocean Passage Planning - Modern Electronic Navigation & Safety

Although modern electronics dominate offshore navigation, celestial navigation remains an important Ocean Yachtmaster subject and provides an independent navigation method when electronic systems are unavailable.

Advanced Offshore Navigation

The RYA Ocean Yachtmaster shore-based course is designed for experienced sailors preparing for offshore cruising, ocean passages and worldwide navigation.

It builds on Yachtmaster Theory by introducing ocean navigation techniques, global weather systems, passage planning and the electronic navigation and communication systems used aboard modern cruising yachts.

The course combines traditional navigation methods with today's satellite technology, enabling skippers to navigate confidently across oceans using both classical and modern techniques.

Suitable for:

• Offshore cruising sailors
• Ocean passage makers
• RYA Yachtmaster candidates
• Long-distance motor cruisers
• Anyone preparing for blue-water sailing

Modern Ocean Navigation

Today's offshore navigator combines traditional navigation skills with an increasing range of electronic systems. The course explains how these technologies work together to improve situational awareness and assist safe decision-making throughout an ocean passage.

Subjects include worldwide weather systems, satellite weather forecasts, GRIB files, ocean currents, passage routing and long-range voyage preparation.

Ocean passage planning combines weather forecasting, routing decisions and modern navigation systems to improve both safety and efficiency.

Course Content

• Ocean passage planning
• Worldwide weather systems
• GRIB weather files and forecasting
• Satellite communications
• Electronic chart systems
• Ocean routing techniques
• Celestial navigation principles
• Long-distance voyage preparation

Rather than replacing traditional seamanship, modern electronics complement good navigation by providing additional information that must still be interpreted correctly by the skipper.

Students therefore develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical judgement needed to plan, monitor and safely complete extended offshore passages anywhere in the world.

Modern Electronic Navigation & Safety Systems

Modern offshore navigation relies upon a combination of satellite navigation, electronic communications and internationally recognised distress systems. The Ocean Yachtmaster course explains how these technologies integrate to improve navigation, passage planning and emergency response anywhere in the world.

Examples of the electronic navigation and safety equipment discussed during the course, including AIS, EPIRBs, PLBs, satellite communications, NAVTEX and other GMDSS equipment used for offshore and ocean cruising.

The course explains how AIS, EPIRBs, PLBs, radar, satellite communications, electronic chart systems and other GMDSS equipment complement traditional navigation techniques to improve safety at sea.

Particular emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate equipment, understanding its limitations and integrating each system into practical offshore passage planning and emergency procedures.

Students gain an appreciation of how today's ocean-going yachts combine modern electronics with sound seamanship, ensuring that technology supports rather than replaces good navigational judgement.

Course Information & Booking

The Ocean Yachtmaster Theory course is intended for experienced navigators who wish to extend their knowledge beyond coastal navigation into worldwide passage planning and ocean voyaging.

The classroom course develops the knowledge required for long-distance cruising, combining practical navigation techniques with modern communications, meteorology and electronic navigation systems.

Small class sizes encourage discussion and allow plenty of opportunity to explore real offshore cruising scenarios drawn from practical experience.

Knowledge of ocean currents enables more efficient passage planning.

Course Features

• RYA Ocean Yachtmaster shorebased syllabus
• Celestial navigation using the sextant
• Worldwide weather systems and routing
• Global ocean current planning
• Modern electronic navigation and GMDSS systems
• Preparation for offshore and ocean cruising

Whether your ambition is an Atlantic crossing, high-latitude cruising or simply a deeper understanding of offshore navigation, the course provides the knowledge needed to navigate confidently and safely far beyond coastal waters.

If you have ever wondered why Norway reached North America centuries before Spain, and the British a poor third, the relationship between the prevailing winds and ocean currents shown in the diagram provides much of the explanation.

Classroom course: Autumn and winter by arrangement.
Prerequisite: Yachtmaster Theory knowledge or equivalent experience.

For course dates, availability or further information please contact enquiries@sailnorth.co.uk or telephone/message 07771 652123.

RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Theory Course Sheffield | SailNorth