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PhilipH

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SWMBO and I planning some long distance/duration sailing in two years from now. I have lots of experience that is offshore and some years ago did Coastal Skipper practical, and have done Yachtmaster shorebased and Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased courses. Just pondering whether I should do the Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam etc- can't decide. I am sure there would be stuff I would learn but then ....

What are the benefits that make it worth the time and money?
 
Like you we have completed shore based theory courses (and enjoyed them very much) and have a good few sea miles but hold no practical qualification.

Until recently that is, as we have both just spent a day with an examiner on our own boat and obtained the ICC (international certificate of competence). It is really very easy. We did it so that we would have a qualification on board if it was asked for (even though it is not a legal requirement to have one on a British registered boat in tidal waters). Right or wrong we felt it is only a matter of time before we sail into somewhere where a qualification is demanded and rather than have a debate about whether or not it is required we will just be able to produce it.

I know someone who had crashed his boat in Spain and the harbour master demanded proof of competence (no problem because he was a yachtmaster instructor). But it is possible to imagine that circumstances such as this can arise where ‘proof of competence’ would get an official off your back.

It cost £120 for the examination and £38 for each certificate which are valid for 5 years (you do not need another examination when it runs out just a uk address and to pay another fee!!).

I am certainly not arguing against yachtmaster ocean courses, I have sailed with a few who hold the qualification and learnt a lot from them. but like you wonder if the commitment can be justified given our experience.

best wishes with your plans
 
I would seriously consider First Aid, Sea Survival and Long Range Radio. I have Yachtmaster theory so can't comment on how necessary the practical would be. We learnt a lot of practical by being out there, perhaps someone who has done it can comment.
 
Quals are also worth having if your funds get low, you don't have to come back to UK to find work if you can find work as a skipper wherever you are. YM also gives you more confidence, offshore is all very well, its parking, unparking and other associated faff at each end where the problems occur, and if you learn something (as you undoubtedly will, my examiner was a real fountain of knowledge with decades' experience single/shorthanded ocean racing), it can't be a bad thing.

Plus its always good to finish what you started! Get it out the way.

On the other hand my YM instructor and the examiner's final words to us were, "right, you've passed, now you have to forget everything you've learnt about sailing and start over again'. Which was nice.
 
I was in the exact same situation only a few months ago - Coastal Skip with loads of miles etc. I did a yachtmaster with Plymouht Sailing school - 4 days followed by 12 hour exam -not cheap at £425 but worth every penny. I was embarrased by how much I had forgotten and also about how much had changed - tehcnology etc. That said I only used a paper chart and a pencil all week (and for the nav). I also intend to get a commercial endorsement so as lostinguyane says the odd bit of professional work might be possible. can't recommend it enough.
 
I recently did Yachtmaster Practical with Alfer Sea SChool in Gibraltar. I was in a similar position to you... Coastal Skpper practical and all the theory mor than 10 years ago. Thoroughly enjoyed the course, learnt some new stuff, remembered loads that I'd forgotten...

I started off with the aim of taking the exam just so I'd have the bit of paper and could then work as a skipper out in the Caribbean but I now think it was overall a very worthwhile experience.
 
I'm going to do a couple of courses once in Mexico. Need the ICC. T'is also better that I get some quals, coz sailing doesn't seem to be as easy as this forum makes it out to be.

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