Yachtmaster Theory Options Distance learning?

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ssjpiv

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Evening all,

I am looking at doing my yachtmaster theory this winter and was just wondering as to whether anyone has used the distance learning option?

I was all set to go to a training centre for three weekends, bit of a journey but nothing serious when my boss suggested www.navathome.com

I am really not sure about this but just interested to hear other peoples views.

Cheers
 
I am doing a course that uses this software. It is ok, but some aspects of the software are a bit basic. You have to be motivated to do the work, and it is more awkward than my DS theory that I did in a classroom. The main problem for me is you can't ask a question to clarify some of the questions without waiting a while for a reply

The software works ok, apart from two points.

1. It doesn't show you which sections you have complete, so if you try doing it in a random order it gets confusing.
2. It doesn't bookmark where you finished during the last session. The only way to remember it is to save the page as a bookmark in your browser
 
Did my YM back in the 90's in a classroom. Can't imagine sat home alone on a computer is going to be as effective or enjoyable. Just my opinion, could be wrong.
 
I took the YM course again a couple of years ago as a way of refreshing my knowledge and to make sure I hadn't got into any bad habits.

But it was dire. The instructor knew next to nothing and what she did know, was unable to convey in any intelligible way. Checking around with students of hers at other evening class centres found our experience was not unique.

So doing a real class isn't guaranteed to be the answer. Even sitting in front of a blank computer screen would have been more instructional than battling in each week through the worst of the winter weather to listen to her.
 
Yachtmasters

Thanks for all the responses thush far.

I wouldnt really be taking anytime off work either way as I would do the three weekend option.

My concern really is if there is something I dont understand being able to get a quick answer there and then.

It would be useful if there was a way of seeing reviews of RYA accredited facilities.
 
As a Shorebased Instructor, I'm a bit biased... I believe that a considerable part of the benefit of Theory courses is the interaction with others and their experiences. Additionally, I prefer the "whole winter" type approach rather than a week or 3 weekends, because it gives more options to revisit stuff and get a more fundamental understanding of the principles rahter than regurgitating rote learning.

It also gives an opportunity to introduce some non curricular content to assist people with a flying start in their location...

<UNASHAMED PLUG ON>
Come and sign up for DS and YM/CS Theory at West Mersea YC on 1st October. Cheapest place in Essex, as we all give our time for free... Monday nights generally finish around Easter. Rates aren't set this year yet, but last year was £150 for all materials including Chart 5051

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Yachtmaster

Due to my work pattern and my location in South Lincs it is a straight choice between the 3 weekend or the online option..
 
botheras said:
As a Shorebased Instructor, I'm a bit biased... I believe that a considerable part of the benefit of Theory courses is the interaction with others and their experiences. Additionally, I prefer the "whole winter" type approach rather than a week or 3 weekends, because it gives more options to revisit stuff and get a more fundamental understanding of the principles rahter than regurgitating rote learning.

It also gives an opportunity to introduce some non curricular content to assist people with a flying start in their location...

<UNASHAMED PLUG ON>
Come and sign up for DS and YM/CS Theory at West Mersea YC on 1st October. Cheapest place in Essex, as we all give our time for free... Monday nights generally finish around Easter. Rates aren't set this year yet, but last year was £150 for all materials including Chart 5051

<UNASHAMED PLUG OFF>
Click to expand...

Agree, i did my Astronavigation / Yachtmaster Ocean 25 years ago, it was once a week for the whole winter, the interaction with the others was great fun and a good way to learn.
 
botheras said:
As a Shorebased Instructor, I'm a bit biased... I believe that a considerable part of the benefit of Theory courses is the interaction with others and their experiences.
Click to expand...

I agree but chose the full week option as I was keen to immerse myself in theory and practical course over a couple of months.

So, was very disappointed to be the only pupil for the week. The instructor was excellent but I didn't expect 4 nights in a hotel room with no socialising and arguing about what we were learning. I was also irritated on day one to find out the guy was a motorboater not sailor, but that turned out to be the best bit of the course as I learnt a lot from his different viewpoint.
 
i started a law degree at home and didnt finish it, then did a home study course for yachtmaster, didnt complete it in the year allocated, so paid more to extend it, still didnt do it! Was given a great oportunity by the local sailing school to do the 5 day course, but was to start without any notice, so went for it and passed! Without being pushed, i wouldnt have done it! Better to do a classroom course i think with intereaction with others. good luck
 
It really depends what type of learner you are. Having done an Open University degree distance learning was my first option. I have found the school that I've done my Yachtmaster theory through superb. Answers well presented and some banter in the e-mails that whizz to and fro.
 
I just finished Coastal Yachtmaster theory with navathome.com, found the course excellent, lots of very helpful online feedback as it went along. I think this was even better than a classroom. Heartily recommend.
 
OceanSprint said:
Dont use NMCS. no feedback. Nocontact. Ages to answer emails. I think it mus be just one person. Do not use!
Click to expand...
I did a DS with them and their materials were excellent. I didn't complete it, but that was may fault. I had previously enrolled with Tiller, but when I saw the poor quality of the materials I cancelled and sent them back.
 
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