International Yacht Training Worldwide

Yachtmaster Offshore Sail – Catamaran

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Yachtmaster Offshore Sail - Catamaran

The IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Offshore Sail – Catamaran certificate is a recreational certificate of competency for command of sailing catamaran up to 24 metres in length up to 150 nm offshore. It is a comprehensive theory and live aboard course consisting of five days classroom theory and a practical component of six days including the final practical on the water examination. The minimum age to obtain this certification is 18.

Candidates must either hold a recognised VHF Radio Operators Certificate or must take the full IYT VHF-SRC Marine Communications course and school must place order for this certificate while placing order for the Yachtmaster Coastal Sail – Catamaran Certificate of Competency.  If ordering VHF at the same time as Yachtmaster Offshore Sail – Catamaran Certificate please upload a note to this effect.  We have provided a sample note to upload when placing order.
* Please note that we do not accept ISSA VHF qualifications.
 (If you are unsure if your radio license will be accepted, please send a scanned copy of the front and back of your license to [email protected].  We will verify that your license is sufficient to receive the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore Catamaran license).  

It has come to our attention that it has not been made perfectly clear to all IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster candidates that IYT Yachtmaster Qualifications are for recreational use only and may never be upgraded to a professional certificate. Therefore, we require all candidates taking a recreational IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster course to complete an acknowledgement prior to taking the course. 

This is not a beginners course.  The recommended entry level requirements are:

  • a VHF maritime radio operators certificate
  • to have logged 3,000 miles in a yacht while cruising at sea (power or sail). This mileage must be logged on genuine cruises or passages but not short day trips.
    • At least 2,000 miles must have been completed on coastal voyages and not ocean crossings
    • 500 miles must have been on sailing catamarans <24m.
  • 50 days on board at sea (a day = 24 hours)
  • 30 hours on watch at ight underway
  • a physical/medical which must include eyesight and colour blindess check

It is recommended for candidates to also hold STCW Basic Training Certificates.

The recommended minimum age to obtain this certification is 18.  Minimum sea time must have been met prior to the final examination.

If a candidate already holds an IYT Yachtmaster Offshore Sail CoC, the modules for catamaran training should be a 1.5 to 2 day course. A review of the Yachtmaster Offshore course should be considered at the beginning of the course.

Those who have obtained the Yachtmaster Offshore Sail – Catamaran CoC, can automatically obtain the “International Certificate of Competency” (ICC), provided the candidate meets the requirements as laid down by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Resolution 40).  Please see this link for more information.  Please note that the ICC Certificate will not state “catamaran”.

Next Steps

As you advance and become more proficient as crew or skipper you take on bigger challenges that require proper training to ensure the safety of your family and friends. The bigger the boat or length of adventure the more training you require.

Most of us prefer to spend our time on the water and not in a classroom. To facilitate this, IYT has a series of E-learning courses available for the theoretical part of sail and powerboat training.

  1. Take one of our online (Elearning) courses for your next level of training.
  2. Plan your practical training at one of our many schools worldwide to earn your final qualification.
  3. Book in advance with your school as class sizes and availability may be limited.
  4. Review the IYT course progression details to learn about professional level courses.
  5. Spend time on the water and properly log your seatime.

The Boating Lifestyle is one of the most rewarding pursuits available. There is something physically and emotionally invigorating when you are offshore. To enjoy the experience fully you need the proper training & skills to be safe, prepared and command a vessel.

RecreationalStudent Information

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