Revise what you will use on deck
Prioritise pilotage cards, tidal gates, weather decisions, crew briefing, watch systems, ports of refuge, and the deck log.
Before exam
Refresh Yachtmaster theory before your exam
Direct answer
The practical exam expects you to turn theory into skipper decisions. Arrive fluent with passage planning, tidal windows, pilotage plans, COLREGs, weather choices, and restricted-visibility procedure. Use the free checklist, then revise full modules in the app before stepping aboard.
- Course
- Yachtmaster
- Format
- Revision guide, quiz, flashcards, and linked tools
- Review focus
- Revise what you will use on deck and Make night and fog decisions explicit
- Independence
- Independent revision aid; not affiliated with or endorsed by the RYA
The practical exam expects you to turn theory into skipper decisions. Arrive fluent with passage planning, tidal windows, pilotage plans, COLREGs, weather choices, and restricted-visibility procedure.
Use the free checklist, then revise full modules in the app before stepping aboard.
Make night and fog decisions explicit
Yachtmaster exam work often includes more night hours and more demanding navigation. Refresh lights, sound signals, radar/AIS limitations, and Rule 19.
Arrive with a plan you can explain
You should be able to justify route choice, hazards, tidal timing, weather assumptions, alternate plans, and when you would change the plan.
Free printables
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Free printable
Yachtmaster theory revision checklist
An exam-standard checklist for proving navigation foundations, skipper judgement, weather decisions, passage planning, and mixed practice readiness.
Independent revision aid, not official RYA material.Privacy policy
Free printable
Yachtmaster chartwork and passage quick reference
A printable advanced-navigation prompt sheet for chartwork accuracy, electronic-navigation discipline, tidal gates, weather, and contingency planning.
Independent revision aid, not official RYA material.Privacy policy
Common questions
Is theory essential before a Yachtmaster exam?
Yes. You can be questioned on practical and shorebased knowledge, so arrive with the theory fluent enough to explain decisions under pressure.
What should I revise first?
Passage planning, pilotage, tides, weather, COLREGs, restricted visibility, and integrated chartwork.
Should Day Skipper candidates use this page?
Day Skipper candidates should start with the sister site at dayskippertheory.co.uk, then return here when moving up to Yachtmaster level.
Keep exploring
Related Yachtmaster revision pages
Exam-standard consolidation
Use Yachtmaster Offshore theory revision for exam-standard consolidation before Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore assessment.
Syllabus guide
Use a checkable Yachtmaster Offshore theory syllabus overview covering position fixing, compass, tides, pilotage, meteorology, safety, and passage planning.
Mock exam practice
Try a free independent Yachtmaster theory mini mock with explanations, then revise chartwork, COLREGs, tides, weather, and passage-making.