RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
The highest level of navigation – for offshore and ocean passages
Take your navigation skills to the highest level and prepare for ocean crossings. The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is the most advanced shorebased course in the RYA scheme, focusing on celestial navigation and long-distance passage planning.
This course is designed for experienced sailors who want to navigate safely across oceans — even without relying on electronic systems like GPS.
Learn from anywhere
This online theory course is delivered in English and can be completed flexibly at your own pace. You get access to the interactive Navathome learning platform, including animated lessons, exercises and online assessments.
The course includes the official RYA Ocean training pack, delivered to your home, and provides all the materials you need for celestial navigation and ocean passage planning – € 465,-.
Your contact
If you have any questions about our offers, please get in touch with us! We prefer to assist you in person.
Course information
The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course is aimed at advanced sailors preparing for bluewater cruising and ocean passages.
It builds on Yachtmaster Offshore knowledge and introduces the principles of celestial navigation, worldwide meteorology and long-distance passage planning.
The course equips you with the theoretical skills required to navigate across oceans independently and confidently.
Certificate issuing criteria
Able to plan and execute coastal and offshore passages, with a thorough understanding of advanced navigation, weather interpretation and passage making.
Code of Conduct
Able to plan and execute ocean passages worldwide, including celestial navigation and long-distance passage making.
Next step: practical training
After completing the theory course, you can progress towards the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence. This requires offshore experience, a qualifying ocean passage and an oral examination.
The Yachtmaster Ocean qualification allows you to skipper a yacht on passages of any length, worldwide.
All RYA courses are conducted in English
in cooperation with our partner:
Course content
- Celestial navigation (sun, moon, stars)
- The sextant and sight reduction
- The Earth and celestial sphere
- Ocean passage planning
- Worldwide meteorology
- Compass checking and accuracy
- Position fixing without electronic aids
- Ocean communication and routing
Included
- Access to the online course (typically 6 months)
- Online exercises and final assessment
- Official RYA Ocean training pack (charts, tables, materials)
- Instructor support
- RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate after completion
Good to know
- Course language: English
- Format: Online self-study
- Learning time: approx. 40 hours plus exam
- Prerequisites: Knowledge at Yachtmaster Offshore level required
- Ideal next step: RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence
€ 465,-
Frequently Asked Questions – RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
It is the highest level of navigation theory in the RYA scheme, designed for offshore and ocean passages. It focuses on celestial navigation and long-distance passage planning to take your navigation skills to the highest level and prepare you for ocean crossings. As a certified RYA Training Centre, IN2THEBLUE delivers the course in English.
It is aimed at advanced sailors preparing for bluewater cruising and ocean passages. You should have knowledge at Yachtmaster Offshore level before starting, as this course builds on that foundation.
The course is online self-study delivered in English via the Navathome interactive learning platform, so you can complete it flexibly at your own pace. Plan for roughly 40 hours of learning plus examination time, with around six months of online access.
You cover celestial navigation using the sun, moon and stars, sextant use and sight reduction, the principles of the Earth and celestial sphere, ocean passage planning, worldwide meteorology, compass checking and accuracy, position fixing without electronic aids, and ocean communication and routing.
Included are six months of online course access, online exercises and a final assessment, the official RYA Ocean training pack with charts and tables delivered to your home, instructor support, and the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate on completion. Current pricing is shown on the course page or available on request.
The theory course is a step toward the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence. That final qualification also requires offshore experience, a qualifying ocean passage and an oral examination.
Get in touch if you would like advice on whether you are ready for this level.
