yachtmaster course nz

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Own boat tuition, experience the power and grace of sailing with gulfwind sailing academy and charters..

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Gulfwind is here to give you, your family and friends the skills and confidence to enjoy being on the water.

Join us, or invite us onboard your own yacht for one-on-one tuition., gulf harbour, not sure which course is right for you.

Our mission is to deliver practical training courses...

to help you take your maritime career to the next level

Through years of teaching for different maritime training providers, we identified a need for practical, hands-on training options.

We listened to the frustrations of students and developed courses that focus on practical skills while learning the theory.

The best way for many of us to learn is by doing. We help our students solidify their understanding of the theory by putting it straight into practice.

We strive to build confidence by walking with students every step of the way.

• Courses don’t require months of self-directed online learning
• Tutors sign off Training Record Books in class (SRL, QDC, DWR & 500GT endorsement)
• Focus on practical skills
• Admin and tutor support from start to finish

Our courses are designed to be efficient, making the most of your time.

We’re going to give you heaps of support so you can enjoy working on your maritime qualification.

Meet Our Team

Our team of tutors are all still serving on the water and have a real-life understanding of the issues facing seafarers today

Milo Coldren

Director & Tutor

Read more >

Milo began working commercially off Canada’s west coast. He has taught internationally and settled in New Zealand in 2002. Within his career he has taught for various other institutes but has now developed his own Maritime School. Milo is the founder of STNZ and is passionate about bringing practical and effective learning pathways into the industry for future mariners.

Qualifications:

• ASA Instructor
• Master NC (USCG)
• Skipper Coastal / Offshore (NZ)
• Inshore Launch Master (NZ)
• Marine Engineer Class 6 (NZ)
• Master <24m NC (Australia)
• STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft
• Certificate in Tertiary Teaching (Level 6, NZ)
• Maritime Radio instructor & examiner
• RYA Powerboat Instructor
• Advanced Sea Survival Instructor
• Amateur Radio operator (ham)

Captain Valentino Lobo

Master Mariner / Senior Tutor

Valentino migrated with is family to NZ 9 years ago and has 8 years of teaching within the industry. He also has 23 years of sea experience on many different cargo ships trading internationally. Some of his other roles within the industry include, Marine Superintendent and Cadet training officer. Valentino is passionate about training and sharing his experience and knowledge with fellow mariners.

• Master Mariner (F.G) Unlimited
• Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Teaching (Level 6)
• Train the trainer Certificate (Simulator)

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change – Jim Rohn

Ruby Needham

Student Engagement 

Before heading to sea, Ruby qualified as an educator. She then spent 5 years serving on commercial vessels, most recently in the South Pacific on a 40m commercial super yacht.

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (200 ton) Commercially Endorsed
• PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Diver and Rescue Diver
• Skipper Restricted Limits (24m)

Barry Harwood

Nautical, Engineering & HYBRID Tutor

Barry has spent previous years in the RNZN specialising in Electrical and Marine engineering. He works commercially out on the water in Dunedin and is a Unit Training Co-Ordinator and Master onboard the local Coastguard Rescue vessel.

• Skipper Restricted Limits
• Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Teaching (Level 7, NZ)
• Diploma in Engineering – Electrical Engineering (Level 6, NZ)
• ISC Coastguard Master

Phil Bishop

Nautical and Survival Specialist Tutor

Phil has been teaching & tutoring in the marine industry for over 15 years. He is our senior survival trainer when he is not delivering maritime and leadership training in the RNZN or running his own Maritime School in Auckland.

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (200 Ton) Commercially Endorsed
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean (200 Ton) Commercially Endorsed
• RYA Yachmaster Instructor, Trainer & Examiner
• RYA Advanced Power Boat Certificate
• RYA Advanced Power Boat Instructor
• Master Yacht <24m
• Coastguard Boating Education Tutor & Examiner
• Radio Examiner

Aaron Miller

Curriculum Design

Aaron has over 17 years of experience in the maritime industry working in NZ, Australia and Hawaii on vessels ranging from fishing to tourism and ferries. He is also a Mate on the YWAM Koha (ex Claymore II). After his last role at Sea World Cruises on the Gold Coast, he relocated back to NZ and joined our team. Aaron is passionate about sharing, mentoring and imparting his knowledge with others.

• New Zealand Offshore Master
• Marine Engineer Class 5
• Master <35m NC (Australia)
• Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 NC (Australia)
• ADI Scuba Rescue Diver
• GMDSS General Operators Certificate
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft/Rescue Boat

Mark Jenner

Mark completed a fishing cadet course to kick start his career straight after college. After working on fishing vessels for 16 years, he moved on to the oil and gas industry for a further 6 years. When he became a father, he stopped working at sea full time and now does occasional relief jobs and volunteers as the Master on the dental and medical ship YWAM Koha.

• Master Fishing Unlimited
• Chief Mate Foreign Going
• Master <500Gt Unlimited
• STCW Ancillaries

Tutor / Assessor

Nick has been sailing commercially and recreationally for over 10 years. He has worked in diverse roles, including expedition documentary work and training RHIB drivers. When he’s not boating commercially, he contracts in the film and construction industries and volunteers with Wellington Coastguard Rescue.

• SRL <24m
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Pre Hospital Emergency Care
• Category 1 Offshore First Aid
• PADI Open water diver, SSI Diver Stress and Rescue

Fraser Hoyland

Fraser is developing resources for HYBRID students to use at home..

He grew up on the water around Wellington on power and sailboats and is a skipper with Coastguard, where he has volunteered for over 10 years. With all this experience under his belt, Fraser was ready to take his maritime career into the commercial realm and completed our SRL course.

Dave Duncan

Dave is an accomplished maritime professional with extensive experience in commercial shipping and port management. Known for his strategic vision and leadership, Dave has significantly enhanced operational efficiency, safety, and profitability in various roles, including Harbour Master in New Zealand and Australia.

With a flair for communication and relationship building, he excels in driving teams towards success. Dave’s commitment to innovation and excellence in maritime services marks him as a distinguished figure in the industry and we are pleased to have him join us as a tutor.

• Port Facility Security Officer Port Nelson
• Open Water Pilot Port Nelson
• Harbour Master Port Nelson
• Certificate Equivalent Competency MCA. Master FG
• RYA Yachtmaster Examiner Yachtmaster Ocean/Yachtmaster Offshore
• RYA Certificate of Competency Yachtmaster offshore
• Certificate of Competency, Master Foreign Going
• Mate Foreign Going Certificate
• CBES Yachtmaster Examiner /Instructor
• 2nd Mate Foreign Going Certificate

Lucinda Lindsay

Driving Positive Change

Lucinda has a strong connection to water sports. She started her working career as a swim instructor and lifeguard. After many years working internationally as a coach, workshop facilitator, team leader and senior manager in education, both in the corporate and tertiary setting, she set sail with her husband on their yacht for an extended cruise around the Pacific.

She has worked with Milo in leadership development for the Navy Cadets and is highly experienced in team building and conflict management training at the international corporate level. She brings her enthusiasm and experience to help drive continuous improvement in Skipper Training NZ.

• Master of Arts Leadership & Training
• Bachelor of Arts Psychology & Sociology
• Diploma in Recreation Management – Aquatic Specialist

Gisella Pinto Soto

Learning Support Tutor

Gisella’s fascination with language led her to study Education, specialising in English. After teaching in Chile, she started travelling to explore different cultures and further develop her skills.

Gisella has crewed professionally on an international expedition vessel and worked on domestic charter vessels. She has also done some work maintaining our training vessel.

Her main role is supporting students with language and learning challenges. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors, especially on her surfboard.

Melissa De Beer

Administration Manager

Melissa immigrated to NZ with her family in 2022.  She was the co-owner of their family business (commercial & earth-moving vehicle repairs & sales) in South-Africa.  She comes from a strong business/administration background with 21 years experience.  She enjoys being at the ocean and loves being outdoors.

• NSC – Small Business Management
• Naui – Scuba Diver

Denise Booth

Operations Manager

Denise enjoys recreational boating and fishing and loves getting out on the water in the amazing backyard of the Abel Tasman. Denise comes to us with a background in law, extensive overseas travel and most latterly the joint ownership of a very successful small business.  As our operations manager she is tasked with streamlining our systems and processes.

• NZ Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Personnel Management
• Diploma of Management
• Padi Open Water Diver

Isabella Merschdorf

Communications Manager

With a strong background in content marketing and writing, Isabella is tasked with promotion and communication on social media and print media, and takes great pride in making our student workbooks as user-friendly as possible. Isabella loves hiking and mountain biking in the nearby national parks and getting out on the water whenever she can.

• NZ Diploma in Small Business and Project Management
• Diploma in Proofreading and Editing – New Zealand Institute of Business Studies
• Master of Science
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts

Vicki Seager

Quality Systems Manager

Growing up in Auckland, Vicki’s love of the sea began with a trip on the Spirit of Adventure as a teenager.  She then pursued a career in Aquaculture, which led her to sunny Nelson and eventually into the education sector as a tutor and quality systems manager. Vicki focuses on STNZ’s quality review systems to help maintain our high standards and ensure that we meet the needs of our students and the maritime industry. In her spare time, Vicki enjoys getting outdoors in her garden, tramping, water sports and skiing.

• Master of Science Aquaculture & Fisheries Management
• NZ Certificate in Aquaculture (Level 4)]
• NZ Certificate in Seafood (Level 4)
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science
• PADI Advanced Diver and Specialty Diver (Photography)

Robin’s diverse career journey spans farming, ministry, real estate, and a significant focus on business, leadership development, and education. He co-founded a leading hairdressing enterprise in the South, transitioning into tertiary education as a director and tutor of a leadership development program in partnership with NMIT, delivering NZQA qualifications at levels four, five, and six. Recently, Robin ventured into the maritime sector by acquiring the Nelson Ferry. He has completed the SRL course with Skipper Training NZ and is now proud to join the team and support the next generation of students.

• Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Teaching
• Diploma in Business and Management Mastery

Sharon brings a unique blend of maritime and social service experience to our team. After six years on commercial yachts across the Mediterranean and Caribbean, she returned to Nelson, embracing a role in the disability sector.

Sharon’s commitment to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals mirrors her own adventurous spirit.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking, embodying the resilience and determination she fosters in others.

Why Choose Us?

Our mission is to provide practical skipper training courses to help you take your maritime career to the next level.

Student Focus

We’re a small school so can adapt quickly to student needs, like spending time on the water instead of in the classroom.

Experienced Team

All our tutors are current professional skippers who have local and international experience.

Promised Results

We guarantee that we will find the right fit for you, as long as you put in the study time and follow the guidelines.

TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR MARITIME CAREER...

• Sail Training
• Powerboat Training
• Theory Training

Auckland Sailing School

Professional maritime training.

Seven years ago I set up a very small company that my kids named to manage the training I was delivering.  2017 was the year that we rebranded our selves Auckland Sailing School and became an accredited Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognised Training Centre. 

Although we call ourselves a Sailing School, we deliver Powerboat Training and Launch Training (big powerboats) training as well.  Our specialty is the RYA Yachtmaster™ training scheme, and we are currently the only school delivering the Yachtmaster™ Ocean Theory training. 

Phil Bishop

The helmsman.

Phil’s list of maritime credentials is far too long for this little bio.  But his instructor claims to fame include:

• RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor Trainer for Sail Cruising
• RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor for Motor Cruising
• RYA Yachtmaster™ Examiner for Sail Cruising & Motor Cruising
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor
• Coastguard Boating Education Tutor and Examiner

For the last 20 years Phil has been at sea or providing maritime training for the NZ Navy.  Auckland Sailing School is his way of offering professional maritime training to the general public. 

Phil loves a good yacht race, has conducted a number of international deliveries on Sail and Power vessels, and is a Professional Commercial Skipper.

See phil’s Resume

“Phil was a great teacher! Very clear, helpful and efficient.”

A Team You Can Rely On

Phil knows he wouldn’t get a fraction of the things done he wanted to if it wasn’t for his awesome crew. 

Hamish Ivey – RYA Yachtmaster Instructor

Hamish is an RYA Yachtmaster™ Instructor, RYA Powerboat Instructor and Commercial Skipper. Saltwater casually flows through his veins, and without a regular dosage he gets a bit tetchy.  Hamish is the Chief Instructor for the Royal New Zealand Navy RYA Training Centre and loves a spot of yacht racing.  Hamish is also a Coastguard Boating Education Tutor.

PETER USHER – RYA OCEAN YACHTMASTER INSTRUCTOR

Peter is an RYA Yachtmaster™ Ocean Instructor who delivers our RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course which is run over 6 days.  Peter has been running this course for many years and can teach it in a number of ways to meet your learning needs.  Peter is also a Coastguard Boating Education Tutor and Examiner, and Maritime New Zealand Examiner and enjoys spending time on his own boat.

RYA Sailing School, Nelson New Zealand

Sail nelson sailing school.

• Registered RYA sailing school offering accredited courses to suit your sailing skills and experience
• First class sailing vessels maintained to the highest standards
• We employ the very best Royal Yachting Association trained and qualified instructors and have repeatedly been awarded RYA School of the Year .
• A diverse and challenging sailing environment with secluded, safe and spectacular anchorages
• A chance to experience the wonders and beauty of learning to sail in Nelson’s Abel Tasman National Park or the wilderness of D’Urville Island and the outer Marlborough Sounds

Registered RYA Sailing School

At Sail Nelson we are passionate about giving you the skills and experience to enjoy sailing to the full. But don’t just take our word for it, have a look at the feedback from our recent customers.

Choose SAIL NELSON and come sailing on the waters of this stunning region of New Zealand, situated adjacent to the Abel Tasman National Park at the northwest tip of the South Island.

Nelson is renowned as one of New Zealand’s sunniest locations.

Iconic blue sea, golden beaches, good tidal range and reliable sea breeze make nelson the perfect sailing destination., we never tire of sharing nelson with our visitors..

RYA Sailing School

Sailing Area

What our customers are saying

Video Presentation

See what’s in store …, learn to sail at the most awarded sailing school in new zealand, the week on board ….

Please note that we have now closed down Baysail NZ so course dates are no longer available.

• Competent Crew Course
• Day Skipper Course
• Coastal Skipper Course
• Dates & Prices

• Dates & Prices

Bay of Islands RYA Sailing School

BAYSAIL NZ is a practical Sailing School running the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) courses: competent crew , day skipper and coastal skipper onboard our Beneteau 381 ‘Atmosphere’ .

Learn to sail in New Zealand! The Bay of Islands is a perfect base, with boating conditions ranging from tidal inlets, sheltered around the island sailing, to challenging and stunning coastal passages.

Ideal whether you are a complete beginner, who wants to get a taste for sailing, on-the-water life and the opportunity to explore an amazing cruising ground, through to those of you wanting to focus on developing your boat handling, navigation, skippering and general seamanship skills.

Our aim, whatever your ability, is to introduce you to a range of techniques and teach skills that may otherwise take years to learn without instruction. Thereby making sailing more enjoyable, and giving you confidence in your ability to crew or skipper a yacht.

Important Notice :

We wish to advise that Baysail NZ has now closed down and no longer operating. Therefore we are unable to offer any further course’s either now or in the future.

I would like to thank all those people who have done training with us in the past and may you continue to enjoy getting out on the water and hopefully you’ve all gone on to develop your sailing skills since training with us in the Bay of Islands

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Learn to sail

Yachting New Zealand have developed a range of courses for learning to sail small boats (dinghies) and big boats (keelboats) which are offered at clubs and sailing schools around the country.

These courses are delivered by qualified Yachting New Zealand coaches and completion of each level comes with a certificate/qualification.

Yachting New Zealand’s learn to sail programme is the only nationally recognised learn to sail programme in New Zealand. These courses are also internationally recognised by World Sailing.

Find a club or sailing school offering courses for learning in dinghies and keelboats

Disability is no barrier to going sailing, find a club or sailing group who cater to people with a disability

LTS resource price list for affiliated organisations

Join the club Yacht clubs are a fun, social and safe environment in which to learn to sail and make new friends. New sailors can benefit from the advice, support and experience of others. Programmes are taught by qualified coaches, providing a great experience. Joining a club is a great way to find out about sailing opportunities and to participate in racing and cruising events.

Is it expensive? It doesn’t have to be. In most cases you don’t need to own a boat to learn how to sail. Fees vary for lessons and equipment hire and are often cheaper for members.

What to wear? The most important item to wear is a personal floatation device (PFD), also known as a lifejacket. There are a range available and your instructor will inform you of the most suitable for the boat you are sailing. In many cases, a PFD will be provided.

As sailing is an outdoor pursuit, your clothing needs to protect you from the elements - sun, wind, water. In small boats, water-friendly clothing such as a wetsuit is best. In bigger boats, a weather-proof jacket and pants are a good option and allow for layers. Be prepared for all weather conditions and remember it’s always colder out on the water and in the wind.

Dinghy Learn to Sail

Dinghy learn to sail has three levels:

Start… Sailing! (level 1)

Sailing… Fast! (level 2)

Go… Racing! (level 3)

Start… Sailing!

This course teaches the basics of sailing, to get you up and going.

Sailing... Fast!

This course builds on the skills learned in Start… Sailing! to become more skilled sailors, more competent in manoeuvres and greater wind conditions.

These two levels are often delivered together and usually take 20-30 hours to complete.

Go… Racing!

Go… Racing! helps you take your sailing to the next level. The course starts out focusing on the basic concepts of racing and works through improving boat speed, learning about weather, race strategy and getting you ready to race.

Click here for the course outlines

Keelboat Learn to Sail

Keelboat learn to sail has three levels:

Introduction to Keelboat Sailing (level 1)

Basic Skills - Cruising Crew (level 2)

Overnight skipper (level 3), introduction to keelboat sailing (level 1).

This level provides a safe and enjoyable introduction to keelboat sailing. It includes essential safety skills necessary for sailors to participate in sailing in the most enjoyable way. Sailors will learn the basics of yachting which can lead onto the high-level courses.

Sailors will be competent at crewing aboard a keelboat while cruising at the end of this course. This level builds on skills gained in level 1 and covers more detail on overall boat-handling skills and safety at sea while cruising.

At the end of this course, sailors will have gained enough skills to be able to sail a boat in inshore waters and complete an overnight stay.  

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster

What is an RYA Yachtmaster?

The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper. Unlike other qualifications in the cruising programme, there is no formal training course to become an RYA Yachtmaster. Instead, provided you have sufficient experience, certification and seatime, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge. There are a number of RYA navigation courses that will help you prepare for your exam. Many RYA Yachtmaster candidates also choose to book themselves into an RYA training centre for some specialised exam preparation training, but this is not compulsory.

You are capable of coastal passages

You are competent to undertake passages up to 150 miles offshore

You have the knowledge and experience to sail worldwide

• Arranging your exam

The Coastal and Offshore exams are practical tests afloat, and the Ocean is an oral exam. Find out more about qualifying passages, exam fees and how to book. 

With an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean Certificate of Competence you can start a career at sea.

You'll need to have the appropriate qualification for the vessel and area of operation.

If you want to work commercially, you'll need a commercial endorsement.

Find out more about other RYA professional qualifications.

• Getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course

Can you really become an RYA Yachtmaster in as little as 14 weeks? Check out our top tips for getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course...

0800 40 80 90

Online course login, we are aware some prices on the website are inaccurate following an upgrade and we are working to correct these now. in the meantime, please call our office to book a course on 0800 40 80 90.

Aim: To gain detailed boating knowledge. 

Duration:  30 hours (classroom) plus self-study, followed by a written and oral assessment. The home study option for Boatmaster must be completed within 6 months.

Qualification: NZ Boatmaster Certificate,

The Boatmaster course is a comprehensive course for boaties with current knowledge and experience. (Minimum age: 15 years)

It applies to a wide range of vessels including yachts, launches, and powerboats.  As part of the pathway of Coastguard Boating Education courses, the material extends your knowledge in - chartwork , navigation techniques, distress signals, emergency procedures, knots, rope work , and provides a thorough understanding of the rules of the road at sea.  

The course also uses the new and completely updated edition of Safety in Small Craft. This is an informative guide and every chapter is packed with new full colour illustrations. 

You will require resources (such as the chartwork plotter) to complete the exam.  Please look under the Resources tab to purchase the Boatmaster Upgrade Pack. 

Please note that the homestudy course includes the chartwork plotter, Safety in Small Craft text book, Rules of the Road at Sea and nautical flash cards (i.e. the upgrade pack).  

This course is a component of the  New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations (Restricted Limits) (Level 4)

Course Options

Classroom study details, timetable of tutorials.

No courses listed or can't find a course that suits? Contact Coastguard Boating Education

Waikato / BOP

Central north island, lower north island, upper south island, christchurch / canterbury, home study details, personal details.

Please supply details of the person taking the course - all fields are required.

Back to Course listing

Back to Resources Page

DISCOUNT CODES

To use your National Coastguard NZ new member discount for $100 off a Day Skipper course, please in put your membership number in the Discount Code field below (e.g. 123456). This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, and can only be redeemed once. 

To use your National Coastguard NZ 15% membership discount on other selected Home Study courses, input "CGM" and your Coastguard membership number (e.g. CGM78091) into the  "Discount Code" field below. This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. The courses included in this discount offer are: Day Skipper (Not to be used in conjunction with $ 100 discount), Boatmaster, Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate, Inboard Engine Maintenance, Outboard Engine Maintenance and GPS Operator.

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RYA Courses

Fast Track can be a complete course or join at your level

Yachtmaster Sailing School offers a Fast Track for those sailors who already have some experience but little or no formal qualifications.

The Fast Track course is a comprehensive series of training modules covering all certificates in the RYA Sail Cruising and Yachtmaster Scheme as well as short courses in Sea Safety & Survival, MROCP (VHF & HF) Radio Licence and Diesel Engine course.

If you are an experienced sailor or have some qualifications, Yachtmaster Sailing School will go over your existing qualifications and develop a suitable program to help you complete the RYA Yachtmaster certificate.

Port Phillip is a unique sailing area. It’s a very large bay so we have rough weather, tricky sandbars and strong tides all of which will help give you the experience you need.

DO I NEED A MINIMUM MILEAGE AND SEA TIME BEFORE TAKING THIS FAST TRACK COURSE?

There is no minimum sea time requirement or mileage required to start this course. This course will provide the minimum sea time requirement to get you to RYA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence (a commercial certificate), but extra sea time is required for the RYA Yachtmaster certificate.

Our Fast Track course will provide you with approx 500 miles and 20 days of sea time and 14 days of classroom theory.

The RYA Yachtmaster certificate requires 50 days and 2,500 miles. The exam for RYA Yachtmaster can be taken once the miles have been accumulated. If you already have 1,500 miles and 30 days logged experience, by completing the Fast Track course you will have the minimum sea time experience to take the RYA Yachtmaster exam.

WHY DO I NEED A RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER CERTIFICATE?

This is the only certificate available in Australia that is recognised worldwide as a commercial ticket and is mandatory for work as a skipper on super yachts.

This certification allows you to work as Captain/Master on private vessels, commercial vessels and super yachts up to 24 metres. Over 24 meters and less than 200gt as Master up to 150nm from safe haven, beyond 150 miles from safe haven you are able to work as Chief Mate.

Note that all Masters and Crew must have the STCW10 short courses to secure work on vessels greater than 24 metres. We do not teach the STCW10 courses. For information on STCW10 courses, please contact the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania on 03 6335 4711.

The RYA Yachtmaster exam is conducted on the water by an independent examiner. Taking part in or completing the Fast Track course does not give a guarantee of passing the exam.

The RYA Yachtmaster certificate requires a high standard of seamanship and knowledge. You will need to do a considerable amount of work/study outside classroom and sailing hours.

Yachtmaster Fast Track Syllabus:

RYA Competent Crew

RYA Day Skipper – Theory and Practical

RYA Coastal Skipper

RYA Yachtmaster Theory

RYA Yachtmaster – Preparation for exam

MROCP (VHF & HF) Radio Certificate

RYA Diesel Engine Course

Sea Safety & Survival Course

Fast Track Starting Early 2024

Fast track starting late 2024, what do i bring.

FOR SAILING

Wear clothes suitable for the season and rubber soled shoes, preferably with a white or light coloured sole. A cap, sunglasses, bottle of water and sun screen are also a good idea. You will also need change of clothes, toilet kit, sleeping bag and any special medicine you may require packed in a flexible soft bag. We provide you with wet weather gear (with the exception of boots) if required.

• Two soft 2B pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Note pad and pens

* Must be pre-ordered 2 weeks prior and will be supplied on the day, please phone or email details.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• RYA theory course notes and training charts
• Most meals on practical sailing courses (except for a few dinners ashore per course)
• Course completion certificates
• Radio Operator Licence (subject to exam)
• YA Safety and Sea Survival certificate

First Aid can be organised if required.

Please note that accommodation or meals are not included for theory courses.

• Course Diagram
• Practical Courses
• Theory Courses
• Online Theory Courses
• Own Boat Tuition – Sail or Power
• ICC & CEVNI
• Corporate Team Building
• Sailing Holidays

• Seafarer certification
• New certificates and endorsements

Master Yacht

• Developing an operator plan
• Staying compliant in MOSS
• MOSS audits
• International relocation voyages
• MOSS resources and tools
• Parasailing
• Enforceable Undertakings
• Machine guarding
• Manual handling
• Safety on deck
• Survey results
• Skipper story
• Recognising fatigue
• Real signs of fatigue
• Costs of fatigue
• Managing fatigue
• Sleeping tips
• Hydration and nutrition
• Fatigue management plan
• Drugs and alcohol: survey results revealed
• Drugs on board: How to recognise the signs
• Is meth on board your vessel?
• Don't let your business go up in smoke
• Illegal drugs aren't the only risk
• Drug problems: Why help is the best solution
• Creating an effective drugs and alcohol policy
• Over 40% inspection campaign
• Stevedore inspection campaign
• High risk operators inspection campaign
• Recognised surveyors
• Recognised design approvers
• Recognised compass adjusters
• Making a MLC complaint
• Recruitment and placement services
• Fishing vessels
• Dive vessels
• Specified limits permit
• International Safety Management Code (SOLAS)
• Safety case
• Adventure activity operations
• Fit and proper person
• Check your lifejackets
• Get your safety product approved
• Float-free EPIRBs
• Radio a MAYDAY
• Hazards to navigation
• Aid to navigation application help
• Look-out and watchkeeping
• Vessel stability
• Applying for an exemption
• Chartering superyachts in NZ waters
• Swapping conventional batteries with Li-ion batteries
• Operating in polar waters
• Safety updates
• Incidents and investigations
• Reporting summaries
• Accident reporting definitions
• Accident reporting FAQs
• Risk of navigation using autopilot, and safe boating reminder
• Walkie wheels aboard fishing vessels
• Crossing the bar
• Check before you buy
• Surveying under MOSS
• Resources for surveyors
• Becoming a recognised surveyor
• Surveying for BWM
• How do I satisfy currency requirements?
• Transitioning
• National certificates
• STCW certificates
• STCW-F certificates
• Replacements
• Forms and guidelines
• Recognition of Australian certificates
• Recognition of non-New Zealand certificates
• Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC)
• Changes to PEC requirements
• Approved training providers
• National and STCW-F certificates
• STCW (management / unlimited) certificates
• STCW ancillary certificates
• Competency frameworks
• Recognition of prior learning
• Ancillary certificates of proficiency
• Training record books
• Medical and eyesight requirements for seafarers
• Approved medical practitioners
• Career progression
• Operating limits
• Maritime Labour Convention
• Information for GPs and optometrists
• Fees and charges
• Searching the register of ships
• Changes to ship ownership
• Appoint or change a representative person
• Close a ship registration
• Replacement Certificate of Registry
• Change of address
• Changing a ship name or port of registry
• Register a ship
• Renew a current registration
• Re-register an expired registration
• Close a registration
• Replacement certificates
• Change a ship name
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Information for:

Your Master Yacht certificate is valid for five years.

With this certificate, you can perform the functions and duties of master on a superyacht of less than 3000 gross tonnage (GT) in any operating area. A superyacht is a commercial yacht or sail training vessel that is 24 metres or more in length, less than 3000GT and does not carry cargo or more than 12 passengers.

This is the highest-level command certificate for superyachts. To command any other type of vessel you must obtain the appropriate certificate.

Requirements

Before you spend time doing sea service and training, we recommend you check that you can meet the medical fitness and eyesight standards (including for colour vision), and that you understand the fit and proper person requirements.

A summary of the requirements for this certificate is provided below. You need to meet all of these requirements to get your Master Yacht certificate.

• hold a current Chief Mate Yacht certificate of competency or equivalent
• prove you have the minimum sea service requirements for the option you choose
• complete and pass the approved qualification for Master Yacht
• have the required ancillary certificates and the STCW Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) certificate of competency
• pass Maritime NZ’s final exam
• prove that you are a fit and proper person
• be medically fit and have good eyesight.

You must also have English conversation, reading and writing skills appropriate to the responsibilities and functions for the level of your certificate, so that you can satisfactorily complete training, pass examinations and discharge your duties.

Each of these requirements and how to prove that you meet them is explained in the full guideline below .

The application fee for this certificate is $368, which includes goods and services tax (GST).

Application process

This is the application process for this certificate of competency.

1. Do you meet all the requirements?

• You need to check that you meet all of the requirements for this certificate.
• Apply for pre-assessment of your sea service time if you are unsure about meeting the sea service requirements.

2. Do you have the documents we need?

You need to prove that you meet the requirements. Include all of the documents we have asked for with your application form. Use the checklist in the guideline to help you.

Remember we need copies, not the originals.

3. Send us your application by courier or email

There are two options for you to send your application:

• Send your application by email , attaching the scanned documents. The application form has information about the requirements for electronic copies.
• Use a courier to send us your completed application forms, supporting documents.

The addresses are on the application form.

4. Confirmation and/or request sent

We will send you an email or letter to confirm that we have received your application and advise you of any documents we need from you before we can assess your application.

We must receive your payment before we can finalise your application.

5. Assessment and payment of application fee

Once you have sent us all the documents we need, we will assess your application and make a decision. This will usually take 20 working days (about a month) from the time we let you know that we have received your application.

We will send you an invoice with your reference number and information on how to pay the application fee once we begin the assessment. Please note we cannot release your certificate unless payment has been received.

6. Issue certificate

We will send you:

• your certificate, if your application has been successful, or
• a letter or email explaining why your application was unsuccessful.

Contact us for more help

If you have any questions about seafarer certification, please contact our Personnel Certification team.

New Zealand (toll free): 0508 SEACERT or 0508 732 237

Calling from outside New Zealand: +64 4 473 0111

[email protected] Tell us what you need help with and remember to include your contact details (email address and phone numbers).