The RYA Ocean Yachtmaster theory course is for those who have a passion for sailing and navigation. It is a wonderful course that will keep you occupied for hours on end.
It is not just about finding position from stars and planets, it covers weather, passage planning, watch keeping and much more.

The Ocean Yachtmaster theory course requires Coastal / Yachtmaster theory course level theory.
Even with lots of sailing experience it would be difficult to complete this course without any formal theory training.  Apart from a thorough knowledge of position fixing and plotting the course requires a good understanding of latitude and longitude.

The course covers the traditional methods of ocean navigation and helps you to develop skills that you will enjoy throughout your sailing.

Due the widespread use of GPS for navigation at sea these days, more and more sailors are heading out to cross the world’s oceans. Even the most reliable systems require a back up and I don’t mean only a spare GPS unit.

A knowledge of astro navigation is an essential skill for those heading off to cross oceans. The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean theory course will teach you the mysteries of celestial navigation, global weather, vessel preparation and communications for ‘blue water’ voyaging. This course is a prerequisite for the Yachtmaster Ocean exam and participants require a thorough understanding of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore shore based course before beginning the Ocean course.

  • Previous Experience

    RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and ocean passages will be required to be awarded this certificate.

    Holding the RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster theory certificate is recommended.

  • Course Duration

    40 hours in classroom, plus self study and passage making.

  • Certificate Upon Completion

    RYA Yachtmaster Ocean

A great place to learn all things about sailing, experienced Captains who are only to happy to answer any and all questions, a great experience,

Michael MacCormack 2021
Michael MacCormack

Well organized with a wonderful team and instructors. Completed my Comp Crew and looking forward to doing the Day skipper next.

N Dashti 2020
N Dashti

We were lucky enough to spend a day with Jamie on Moreton bay and can’t speak highly enough about it. Three of us with varied previous experience of sailing joined with a father and son to share in a day of learning the ropes. The day was tailored to our varied needs and at all times we were able to ask questions and glean experience from Jamie’s wealth of knowledge. We would highly recommend signing up for a course if you’re interested in getting back on the water after a hiatus. Thanks so much guys! It was a priceless day!

Maria Bukala 2021
Maria Bukala

We cannot express how wonderful our experience was with Jamie . He is very professional and patient in teaching us how to handle our new acquisition. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice, it’s well worth spending time with a calm and knowledgeable instructor from Southern Cross. Thanks Jamie

Lee-Anne Savin 2021
Lee-Anne Savin

The course covers the following subjects:

  • The earth and the Celestial Sphere
  • The PZX triangle
  • Use of the Sextant
  • Measurement of Time
  • Meridian altitudes
  • Taking Sun and star sights
  • Checking the Compass
  • GPS Systems
  • World Meteorology
  • Passage and route planning
  • Navigation when passage making
  • Vessel preparation
  • Communications at sea