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Yacht Master Ocean

The Yacht Master Ocean course is designed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to navigate and command a yacht on ocean passages. This course is ideal for experienced yacht operators who wish to undertake long-distance voyages and need certification to demonstrate their capability in ocean navigation.

Yacht Master Ocean Course

Course Objectives

  • Master celestial navigation techniques.
  • Develop advanced ocean passage planning and execution skills.
  • Understand global meteorology and oceanography.
  • Learn advanced safety procedures and emergency protocols for ocean voyages.
  • Gain practical experience through extensive on-water training.

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18 years.
  • Yacht Master Offshore certificate (or equivalent).
  • VHF Radio Operator Certificate.
  • First Aid Certificate
  • Minimum sea time: Ocean passage of at least 600 nautical miles, acting as skipper or mate in charge of a watch.

Course Duration

  • Theory: 40 hours (classroom and online learning).
  • Practical: 5 days on-water training.

Course Content

  1. Celestial Navigation
    • Use of a sextant for measuring angles between celestial bodies and the horizon.
    • Calculation of position using celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars, planets).
    • Use of the Nautical Almanac and sight reduction tables.
    • Error checking and practical use of celestial navigation techniques.
  2. Ocean Passage Planning
    • Detailed passage planning for long-distance voyages.
    • Route selection considering currents, winds, and hazards.
    • Preparation of the vessel and crew for ocean passages.
    • Management of provisions, fuel, and water for extended voyages.
  3. Meteorology and Oceanography
    • Understanding global weather patterns and their impact on ocean sailing.
    • Use of weather forecasting tools and services.
    • Analysis of ocean currents, waves, and sea states.
    • Practical application of meteorological and oceanographic data.
  4. Seamanship and Vessel Management
    • Advanced sail and power handling techniques in open ocean conditions.
    • Maintenance and repair of essential onboard systems during passage.
    • Heavy weather tactics and survival techniques.
    • Efficient watchkeeping and crew management on long passages.
  5. Safety and Emergency Procedures
    • Comprehensive knowledge of safety equipment for ocean voyages.
    • Advanced man overboard recovery techniques.
    • Emergency steering and jury rigging.
    • Search and rescue operations in open ocean conditions.
  6. Practical On-Water Training
    • Real-world celestial navigation exercises.
    • Ocean passage planning and execution.
    • Night-time navigation and watchkeeping.
    • Emergency drills and advanced safety procedures.

Assessment

  • Theory Exam: Written exam covering celestial navigation, ocean passage planning, meteorology, and safety procedures.
  • Practical Exam: On-water assessment of celestial navigation, ocean passage planning, and emergency protocols.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and exams, students will receive the ICT International Captain Training Academy Yacht Master Ocean certification, recognized internationally.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course can pursue various maritime careers, including:

  • Ocean Yacht Captain for private and charter yachts.
  • Professional Skipper for transoceanic voyages.
  • Maritime Instructor specializing in ocean navigation.
  • Roles in maritime operations and management.