RYA Yachtmaster Online Tutorials from Udemy

This Yachtmaster course is designed to help you pass your RYA Yachtmaster shore based chart work exam with confidence and as an aide memoire prior to taking the practical Coastal Skipper course and exam and the Yachtmaster exam.

At Yachtmaster level we always allow for Deviation and we will have to Compute the tidal rate. We will also be expected to work more quickly through the navigational disciplines than we did at Day Skipper level.

This course is taught by Duncan Wells, RYA instructor, features writer for Yachting Monthly, Sailing Today and Sail Magazine, author of Stress-Free Sailing, Stress-Free Motorboating, Stress-Free Navigation and Stress-Free Mooring and creator of the safety aid, MOB Lifesavers.

You will have a lifetime access to these videos not just from you computer but also from your tablet and mobile phone (Android and iOS). And so the videos will help you as you take your Yachtmaster shore based theory and as a refresher when you come to do your practical courses out on the water.

The discussion feature will allow you to ask questions directly, which can be answered either by other students or by us at Westview Sailing.

We suggest that you start this course well in advance of your exam and that you watch each video until you really understand the concept. Whether it is Advanced Estimated Position, which may include a 2 hour plot and the need to compute the tidal rate, plus an allowance for Magnetic Variation, Deviation and Leeway, or a Secondary Port question. By the way if you have found Secondary Ports tricky, the video on this course will make them as plain as day and nothing to fear. And if you want to find out how to do 'Secondary Port Calculations in your head', get in contact. It is just a question of becoming familiar with the concept of each navigational discipline and then exam questions will be a breeze.

We have also just added a section on weather which will give you a good grounding in weather and allow you to predict weather for yourself. Look at the pressure, look at the synoptic chart, look out of the window and marry the three up. Very soon you will be able to tell what will happen just by looking at the synoptic chart. Everything you need to sail through your yachtmaster weather paper is here.

If you are not satisfied with the course after the purchase please do contact us, if we can not solve the problem we offer a thirty (30)-day, no-questions-asked money back guarantee.

Finally, we wish you good luck with your RYA exam and the course. These videos are also used by students studying for their MCA exams.

Fair winds,

Duncan Wells

Westview Sailing

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

The Chart

What is Magnetic Deviation? How it affects the compass. How to allow for it. How to sing your compass and created a deviation curve.

Weather, where does it come from? How to predict it. Highs & Lows. Fronts. Buys Ballots Law, The passage of a depression.

The Synoptic Chart. Weather Apps. GRIB files. Local wind effects. Fog.

The Beaufort Scale. The Shipping forecast - and what the terms mean. The Maritime Safety & Information Boradcast.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Aids in preparation for the RYA Yachtmaster shore-based chart work exam, building confidence in navigational skills and theoretical knowledge

Offers lifetime access to videos on computer, tablet, and mobile, providing flexibility for studying and refreshing knowledge before practical courses

Includes a section on weather, which provides a foundation for predicting weather patterns using pressure, synoptic charts, and local observations

Taught by Duncan Wells, an RYA instructor and author, who brings expertise from yachting publications and stress-free sailing guides

Requires learners to understand concepts such as magnetic variation, deviation, and leeway, which are essential for advanced estimated position calculations

Reviews summary

Online rya yachtmaster exam preparation

According to learners, the RYA Yachtmaster Online Tutorials offer clear and concise explanations, particularly valuable for chart work and tidal calculations, which are often seen as challenging topics. Many students found the course content helpful for preparing for the RYA Yachtmaster shore-based exam and felt more confident after completing the videos. The instructor's expertise and teaching style are frequently praised. While the focus is on theory, some reviewers noted its usefulness as a refresher for practical courses. The course is widely regarded as a solid theoretical foundation, though some learners suggest it could be supplemented with practical application.

Primarily covers theoretical knowledge.

"This is purely theoretical, which is great for the exam, but practical application needs separate experience."

"It's a fantastic theory course, but remember you'll need on-water practice too."

"The course excels at explaining the concepts behind navigation rather than hands-on practice."

Strong coverage of essential navigation skills.

"The course provides a very strong foundation in essential chart work and navigation."

"I feel much more confident with plotting positions and tidal calculations now."

"Covers all the fundamental navigation topics needed for the Yachtmaster level."

Instructor's expertise and teaching are highly valued.

"Duncan Wells is a superb instructor, knowledgeable and easy to follow."

"His experience really shines through in the way he teaches complex topics."

"I appreciate the instructor's practical approach and clear communication."

Course is highly effective for RYA exam preparation.

"This course significantly boosted my confidence for the RYA Yachtmaster exam."

"I felt well-prepared for the shore-based exam after going through these tutorials."

"The content is directly relevant to the exam syllabus and helped me pass."

Reviewers consistently praise the clarity of instruction.

"The explanations are clear and concise, making complex topics easy to understand."

"I found the explanations on tidal calculations particularly helpful; they were presented clearly."

"The instructor's ability to explain difficult concepts simply is fantastic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in RYA Yachtmaster Online Tutorials with these activities:

Review Day Skipper Navigation Concepts

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Reinforce foundational navigation skills covered in the Day Skipper course. This will ensure a solid base for the more advanced Yachtmaster material.

Browse courses on Navigation

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Review your Day Skipper course notes and materials.
Practice basic chartwork exercises, such as plotting positions and calculating courses.
Take a Day Skipper practice quiz to assess your understanding.

Review 'Stress-Free Navigation'

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Deepen your understanding of navigation concepts with a book written by the course instructor. This will provide a different perspective and reinforce key learnings.

View 101 Tips for Stress-Free Sailing on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to chartwork, tides, and course to steer.
Work through the example problems in the book.
Compare the book's explanations with the course videos.

Practice Tidal Calculations

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Improve your speed and accuracy in calculating tidal heights and rates. This is a crucial skill for the Yachtmaster exam.

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Find practice tidal calculation problems online or in textbooks.
Set a timer and work through the problems, focusing on accuracy and speed.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need more practice.

Four other activities

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Participate in a Study Group

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Collaborate with other students to review course material and practice navigation problems. Teaching others is a great way to reinforce your own understanding.

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Find other students who are taking the RYA Yachtmaster course.
Schedule regular study sessions to review course material.
Work through practice problems together and discuss challenging concepts.

Create a Deviation Card

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Solidify your understanding of magnetic deviation by creating your own deviation card. This will help you remember the process and apply it in real-world scenarios.

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Review the course material on magnetic deviation and compass swinging.
Create a table or chart to record compass bearings and corresponding magnetic bearings.
Plot the deviation on a graph to create a deviation curve.
Use the deviation curve to create a deviation card for your vessel.

Review 'Reeds Nautical Almanac'

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Become familiar with a key reference tool for navigation. This will help you find the information you need quickly and efficiently.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Browse the table of contents and index to understand the almanac's organization.
Locate and review the sections on tide tables, tidal stream atlases, and navigational aids.
Practice using the almanac to solve navigation problems.

Plan a Hypothetical Passage

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Apply your knowledge by planning a complete passage, including chartwork, tidal calculations, and weather forecasting. This will test your understanding of all the course material.

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Choose a starting point and destination for your passage.
Plot the course on a chart, taking into account navigational hazards.
Calculate tidal heights and rates along the route.
Research the weather forecast for the planned passage dates.
Create a detailed passage plan, including estimated times of arrival and departure.

Career center

Learners who complete RYA Yachtmaster Online Tutorials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Yacht Captain

A Yacht Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a yacht, including navigation, maintenance, and crew management. This Yachtmaster course helps build a foundation in the essential navigational skills required for this role. The course covers chart work, tidal calculations, and position fixing, which are all crucial for safe navigation. Furthermore, the weather section will give you a solid understanding of weather patterns and forecasting, enabling you to make informed decisions while at sea. The section on electronic aids to navigation will familiarize you with the systems all Yacht Captains should know.

See salaries and explore the career path for Yacht Captain

Sailing Instructor

A Sailing Instructor teaches individuals how to sail, covering topics such as boat handling, navigation, and safety procedures. This course covers a wide range of topics relevant to sailing instruction. The chart work, tidal calculations, and position fixing modules help you explain and demonstrate navigational techniques to students clearly and accurately. The weather section provides a solid understanding of weather patterns, while the section on electronic aids to navigation will enable you to train students on modern systems. Taking the course will also better enable you to explain advanced topics such as Secondary Ports.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sailing Instructor

Navigation Officer

A Navigation Officer is responsible for planning and executing safe navigation routes on a ship or vessel. This role demands a strong understanding of navigational principles and techniques. The Yachtmaster course helps build a strong foundation in these areas. The course meticulously covers chart work, tidal calculations including computation of tidal rates, and position fixing, laying a strong foundation for the advanced skills required of a Navigation Officer. The sections on electronic aids to navigation, such as GPS, AIS, RADAR, ARPA, MARPA, and SONAR increase the value of this course and allow Navigation Officers to plan routes more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Navigation Officer

Charter Boat Operator

A Charter Boat Operator runs a business providing boat rentals or tours to customers. This course helps build a strong foundation in the essential navigational skills required for safely operating a charter boat. The chart work, tidal calculations, and position fixing modules equip a captain to plan and execute voyages safely. The weather section provides insight to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the section on electronic aids to navigation will familiarize any captain with the systems all Charter Boat Operators should know.

See salaries and explore the career path for Charter Boat Operator

Ferry Captain

A Ferry Captain commands a ferry transporting passengers and vehicles across bodies of water. They ensure safe and timely passage, requiring proficiency in navigation and vessel handling. The weather modules help build a strong foundation in the essential navigational skills required for this role. The course covers chart work, tidal calculations, and position fixing, all crucial for navigating ferry routes safely. The weather section prepares the Ferry Captain to react accordingly to developing conditions. Additionally, the electronic aids to navigation section provides useful knowledge.

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Harbor Master

A Harbor Master manages the operations of a harbor or marina, including vessel traffic, safety, and maintenance. This Yachtmaster course helps build a solid understanding of navigational principles, which is essential for managing vessel traffic and ensuring safety within the harbor. The course's coverage of chart work, aids to navigation, and weather forecasting enable the Harbor Master to communicate efficiently with incoming and outgoing vessels. Furthermore, the sections on tides and anchoring are directly relevant to managing the berthing and movement of boats within the harbor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Harbor Master

Oceanographer

An Oceanographer studies the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean. This often involves conducting research expeditions at sea, where navigational skills are essential. This Yachtmaster course helps build a foundation in the navigational skills required for oceanographic research. The chart work, tidal calculations, and position fixing modules enable an Oceanographer to navigate safely and accurately to research sites. The weather section provides a solid understanding of weather patterns and forecasting, allowing for informed decisions while at sea.

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Coast Guard Officer

A Coast Guard Officer is responsible for enforcing maritime laws, conducting search and rescue operations, and ensuring the safety and security of waterways. This course helps build a strong foundation in navigational skills that are essential for these operations. The detailed coverage of topics such as chart work, tidal calculations, and position fixing, as well as electronic aids to navigation, help the Coast Guard Officer to effectively navigate and respond to emergencies at sea. A Coast Guard Officer often has advanced training in these areas.

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Port Operations Manager

The Port Operations Manager oversees the daily activities of a port, coordinating vessel traffic, cargo handling, and security. This course may be useful. Its navigational content, including aids to navigation and passage planning, is relevant to understanding vessel movements and port safety. The training improves understanding of the challenges faced by vessels entering and leaving port, aiding in efficient coordination. The Port Operations Manager must understand how to maximize port efficiency.

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Marine Surveyor

A Marine Surveyor inspects ships and other marine vessels to assess their condition, safety, and compliance with regulations. A key part of this role involves understanding navigational practices and potential hazards. This course may be useful, especially the chart work and aids to navigation sections, which provide insights into how vessels are operated and navigated. The module on weather is also helpful for understanding how environmental factors can impact a vessel's condition and safety. A Marine Surveyor may be asked to survey vessels of any size.

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Yacht Broker

A Yacht Broker facilitates the sale and purchase of yachts, requiring a comprehensive understanding of yacht construction, features, and operation. This course may be useful for Yacht Brokers, providing value to those who wish to understand navigational equipment and systems commonly found on yachts. The course's coverage of electronic aids to navigation and passage planning helps Brokers better understand the capabilities and features they are marketing to potential buyers. Any Yacht Broker will want to take this course.

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Maritime Lawyer

A Maritime Lawyer specializes in legal issues related to maritime activities, including shipping, navigation, and maritime commerce. While not directly related to legal practice, this course may be useful by providing a solid understanding of navigational practices and terminology. The course's coverage of chart work, aids to navigation, and weather forecasting helps provide context for cases involving maritime incidents or disputes. The sections on electronic aids to navigation can also be helpful for understanding modern navigational practices.

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Marine Engineer

A Marine Engineer designs, develops, and maintains the mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems onboard ships and other marine vessels. While this role is primarily focused on engineering, understanding navigational principles can be beneficial. This course may be useful, especially the section on electronic aids to navigation. Understanding how these systems work from a user's perspective can aid in their design, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This is less relevant than the other roles.

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Naval Architect

Naval Architects design and oversee the construction and repair of ships and other marine vessels. While their primary focus is on the structural and hydrodynamic aspects of vessel design, an understanding of navigational principles can be helpful. This course may be useful. The aids to navigation and passage planning sections help provide context for how vessels are operated and used. This awareness can inform design decisions. However, it is still less important than for other roles.

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Marine Biologist

A Marine Biologist studies marine organisms and ecosystems. While not directly required for their research, understanding navigation can be valuable for conducting fieldwork at sea. This course may be useful, especially the chart work and position fixing sections, to navigate to research sites and collect data accurately. The weather module is also helpful for planning expeditions and ensuring safety at sea. However, the field is not directly related.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in RYA Yachtmaster Online Tutorials.

101 Tips for Stress-Free Sailing

Save

This book, written by the course instructor, provides a clear and concise explanation of navigation principles. It serves as an excellent companion to the online tutorials, offering alternative explanations and reinforcing key concepts. It is particularly helpful for understanding chartwork, tides, and course plotting. It useful reference tool for both shore-based theory and practical application.

101 Tips for Stress-Free Sailing

Kindle Edition

Putting Knowledge to Work

Save

This almanac comprehensive reference for nautical information, including tide tables, tidal stream atlases, and navigational aids. Familiarizing yourself with its contents will be invaluable for passage planning and practical navigation. It is commonly used by industry professionals and students alike. It adds breadth to the existing course.

Putting Knowledge to Work

Paperback

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Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

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RYA Yachtmaster Online Tutorials

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Online rya yachtmaster exam preparation

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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