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Course
The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course covers long range navigation including the art of using sun, stars, planets and the moon to fix your position, an essential skill when things go wrong at sea such as battery or electronics failure. It is is an advanced course designed for those who wish to do blue water cruising and requires knowledge equivalent to the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Course.
The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course covers all aspects of ocean navigation including:
- Astro navigation including the use of the sextant,
- Satellite navigation systems
- Worldwide meteorology
- Passage planning including the use of routeing charts etc
- Passage Making
- Communications at sea
The standard course is run over 5 consecutive days from 9.00am to 5.30pm. Towards the end of the course you will be given an assessment papers to complete. On succesful completion you will be awarded the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory certificate.
All equipment to complete the course will be provided. You just need to bring a notepad. Tea and coffee is included and you can get lunch from the village which is a short walk away.
To book on a course please click the book now button on the right of the page or to discuss your requirements you can contact us seven days a week from 8.00a.m to 7.30pm on 01243 432485 or 07702 842190
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Syllabus
The earth and the celestial sphere
Definition of observer’s zenith and position of a heavenly body in terms of latitude, longitude, GHA and declination
Right angle relationships, latitude and co-lat, declination and polar distance
Relationship between GHA, longitude and LHA
Tabulation of declination in nautical almanac
Rate of increase of hour angle with timeThe PZX triangle
The tabulated components of the triangle, LHA, co-lat and polar distance
The calculable components, zenith distance and azimuth
Relationship between zenith distance and altitude
Introduction to the tabular method of solution in the Air Navigation Tables and the basic sight form
The use of calculators for the solution of the PZX triangleThe sextant
Practical guide to the use and care of a sextant at sea
Conversion of sextant altitude to true altitude
Application of dip, index error and refraction
Correction of side error, perpendicularity, index error and collimation errorMeasurement of time
Definition of, and relationship between, UT, LMT, standard time and zone time
Rating of chronometers and watchesMeridian altitudes
Forecasting time of meridian altitude
Reduction of meridian altitude sightsSun, star and other sights
Reduction and plotting of sun sights using Air Navigation Tables
Awareness of use of calculator for sight reduction
The plotting of sun-run-sun meridian altitude
Awareness of the reduction and plotting of sights obtained from stars, moon and planetsCompass checking
Use of amplitude and azimuth tables systems and/or calculator
Satellite Navigation Systems
Principles and limitations of use of all systems
Great circle sailing
Comparison of rhumb lines and great circles
Vertices and composite tracks
The computation of a series of rhumb lines approximating to a great circle by use of gnomonic and Mercator projectionsMeteorology
General pressure distribution and prevailing winds over the oceans of the world
Tropical revolving storms, seasonal occurrence and forecasting by observation11. Passage planning
Publications available to assist with planning of long passages (routeing charts, ocean passages of the world and other publications)
Preparation for ocean passage including survival equipment, victualling, water and fuel management, chafe protection, spares and maintenance12. Passage making
Navigational routine
Watchkeeping
Crew management13. Communications
Satellite and terrestrial systems
Weather information -
FAQ's
RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory - FAQ’s
These are a few of the questions we get asked by people booking on the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course. If you have any further queries or are unsure whether this is the course for you please call us on 01243 432485 and we will be only too happy to chat to you.
What time does the course start and finish?
Typically we start at 9.00am and finish at about 5.30pm each day with an hour break for lunch.
What is included in the course fee?
The price includes all course materials to be able to complete the course including a copy of RYA Celestial Navigation Handbook and exam fees. Plotters and dividers are provided for the duration of the course .
What do I need to bring?
You just need to bring a notepad with you (ideally A4 size).
Where is the course held?
It will be held at one of our classroom in Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Thorney Road, Emsworth, Hants PO10 8BP
What qualifications or experience do I need to complete the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course?
You need to have the knowledge equivalent to the RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Course to be able to attend this course.
Are there any exams?
There is one 2 hour theory paper to be completed at the end of the course:
What qualification will I get once I have completed the course?
On successful completion of the course you will be issued with the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Certificate.
How many people will there be on the course?
We have a maximum of 8 people on a course, though usually the numbers are smaller than this.
Do I need to do the RYA Coastal skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased Course?
If you need to obtain the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence then it is a requirement that you have the shorebased course certificate.
Do I need to bring my own sextant?
If you have your own sextant it may be useful for you to bring it along, if not then we have some which you can practice on.
How do I book?
Just click on the book now button
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Testimonials
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All Dates
or to discuss your requirements you can contact us seven days a week from 8.00a.m to 7.30pm on 01243 432485 or 07702 842190
