Advanced navigation and meteorology
The syllabus emphasis is position fixing, course shaping, tidal knowledge, almanacs, electronic position-finding equipment, forecasts, weather systems, and barometer use.
Syllabus guide
RYA Yachtmaster theory syllabus checklist
Use this independent checklist to plan revision across the 17 Yachtmaster Offshore theory topic areas. It follows the advanced knowledge areas described by RYA course information and common shorebased syllabus outlines.
Open the module list for free previews, or unlock full revision access for all modules, quizzes, tools, and mock exams.
Checklist
Checkable 17-topic revision checklist
Last reviewed: 22 June 2026. This is an independent revision structure for planning study, not the official RYA syllabus publication.
Foundations
Rules and safety
Calculations and navigation
Practical planning
Use module order as a route
Work from terms and safety into COLREGs, chartwork, tides, visual aids, meteorology, restricted visibility, pilotage, and passage planning.
Make hard topics visual
Use the app's trainers for buoyage, lights and shapes, compass conversions, tidal curves, course-to-steer vectors, and forecast decoding.
Keep foundations and Yachtmaster distinct
If you are still building the first-course foundations, use dayskippertheory.co.uk. This site assumes that base and focuses on the advanced exam standard.
Syllabus modules
20 topics to revise
Module 1
Nautical Terms
General nautical terminology and parts of a boat and hull.
Module 2
Ropework
Properties of synthetic ropes in common use aboard yachts.
Module 3
Anchorwork
Anchoring considerations and characteristics of different anchor types.
Module 4
Safety
Rescue procedures, distress signals, personal safety equipment, fire precautions, and stability/heavy-weather awareness.
Module 5
COLREGs
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea — steering rules, lights, and shapes.
Module 6
Position, Course & Speed
True bearings, courses, latitude, longitude, and the knot.
Module 7
Charts & Publications
Reading nautical charts, symbols, chart correction, and navigational publications.
Module 8
Drawing Instruments
Use of parallel rulers, dividers, and proprietary plotting instruments.
Module 9
Compass
Hand-bearing compass, variation, deviation, and compass conversions.
Module 10
Chartwork
Course shaping, course to steer, visual and electronic fixes, DR/EP, and waypoint strategies.
Module 11
Tides & Tidal Streams
Tidal heights, tidal curves, tidal diamonds, stream atlases, and secondary port corrections.
Module 12
Visual Aids to Navigation
Lighthouses, beacons, and light characteristics used for navigation.
Module 13
Meteorology
Interpreting forecasts, Beaufort scale, synoptic patterns, barometer work, and broadcast meteorology.
Module 14
Passage Planning
Deck log, passage preparation, waypoints, and planning for extended coastal passages.
Module 15
Restricted Visibility
Precautions and limitations imposed by fog and restricted visibility.
Module 16
Pilotage
Harbour entry, IALA buoyage (Region A), transits, leading lines, and clearing bearings.
Module 17
Marine Environment
Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment.
Module 18
Signals & Communications
Distress, urgency, safety calls, DSC/VHF procedure, visual signals, flag signals, Morse, and harbour traffic signals.
Module 19
Electronic Navigation
Yachtmaster-level use of GNSS, chart plotters, electronic charts, radar, AIS, alarms, and backup navigation.
Module 20
Special Situations Afloat
Carbon monoxide, engine and steering failure, grounding, flooding, dismasting, towing, abandon ship, and medical emergencies.
Free downloads
Useful resources to share or print
Yachtmaster theory revision checklist
A one-page checklist for advanced chartwork, tides, meteorology, COLREGs, pilotage, and passage-making revision.
Download PDFYachtmaster chartwork and passage-making quick reference
A compact reminder sheet for CTS, multi-hour tide vectors, secondary ports, deck log habits, and passage checks.
Download PDFCommon questions
How many modules are in Yachtmaster Theory?
There are 20 modules covering the main Yachtmaster Offshore theory knowledge areas.
Which topics are usually hardest?
Integrated chartwork, multi-hour CTS, secondary ports, tidal streams, COLREGs in restricted visibility, and weather interpretation often need extra practice.
Can I browse the syllabus for free?
Yes. The module list and free previews are available before unlocking full access.
Keep exploring
Related Yachtmaster revision pages
Advanced revision plan
Use a focused Yachtmaster Offshore theory revision plan covering advanced chartwork, tidal streams, meteorology, pilotage, and passage making.
Course cost guide
Plan your Yachtmaster Offshore theory, exams, books, equipment, and revision budget, including where a GBP 9.99 revision companion fits.
Practice questions
Try independent Yachtmaster Offshore theory practice questions with explanations across tides, chartwork, COLREGs, weather, and passage planning.