This guide covers why invigilation matters, when you need it, and how to arrange it if you study online. It applies to RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore, and Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased courses. Classroom courses include invigilation by default, since you sit assessments in the training centre.
Quick answers
Most online students do not need invigilation.
You do need invigilation for some commercial endorsement routes, professional roles, or specific employer requirements. See details below.
Classroom shorebased courses should include invigilation by default, but it’s always worth checking beforehand.
An invigilated exam is supervised at an RYA Recognised Training Centre, or under an agreed remote procedure that your provider arranges with a centre. You sit the assessment under exam rules, show ID, and use only permitted materials.
Which theory courses have an invigilated path
Day Skipper Shorebased with optional invigilation when required.
Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased with optional invigilation when required.
Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased with optional invigilation; required if you want written-exam exemption at the oral.
Essential Navigation and Seamanship is assessed within the course; no separate invigilated path is available. The SRC (VHF) Certificate uses a separate in-person practical exam at an RYA centre.
Online course or classroom
Classroom shorebased: you attend the centre; the instructor supervises assessments; invigilation is included by default.
Online or distance learning: you study at home; ask your provider to arrange an invigilated exam if you need one; you sit it at their centre or via an agreed remote process.
Most online students sit their final exams at home or in a quiet place of their choice, with no formal invigilation.
You do need invigilated exams in order to:
Obtain a Commercial Endorsement to a Day Skipper Certificate of Competence.
What it allows: Skipper MCA-coded small commercial vessels carrying up to 12 passengers.
Required for endorsement: Day Skipper shorebased exams invigilated at an RYA training centre.
Where you can operate: Set by vessel coding, not the exam provider.
Category 6, up to 3 miles from a nominated departure point, favourable weather and daylight.
Category 5, up to 20 miles from a nominated departure point, favourable weather and daylight.
What to do next: Check with your employer or operator which category they require.
Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Invigilation
You do not need invigilated exams in order to:
Skipper vessels up to 200 registered tonnes.
Attain a Commercial Endorsement to a Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Certificate of Competence.
Qualify as an RYA Cruising Instructor or Yachtmaster Instructor.
Most online students sit their final exams at home or in a quiet place of their choice, with no formal invigilation.
You do need invigilated exams in order to:
Use the Yachtmaster Shorebased Course Completion Certificate as entry into MCA large yacht qualifications such as OOW 3000 or Master 200 certification route.
For the MCA to accept your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased qualification as collateral for MCA large yacht qualifications your exams must be invigilated by an RYA Instructor.
Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Invigilation
You do not need invigilated exams in order to:
Invigilation is not required if you are taking the course for your own personal interest and simply intend to use the knowledge gained for leisure sailing.
Most online students sit their final exams at home or in a quiet place of their choice, with no formal invigilation.
You do need invigilated exams in order to:
Invigilation by an RYA Instructor is required if you intend to use this course as a pre-requisite for the RYA/MCA Ocean Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence Exam, or MCA Master 200 (unlimited) Certificate of Competence.
How to arrange invigilation if you study online
Step 1:
Tell your course provider you need an invigilated exam.
Step 2:
Choose a venue and date. Use our Directory to find local training centres, then contact us to coordinate.
Step 3:
Expect a fee. The host centre sets it. Prices vary by partner and location.
Step 4:
Bring ID and permitted materials. Your invigilator will confirm the list.
Step 5:
Sit the exam under supervision. Papers go back to your provider for marking and certification.
Day Skipper uses two written papers, typically 90 minutes each.
Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore uses either three longer papers or four shorter papers, depending on the centre.
Yachtmaster Ocean offers a written-exam exemption only if your Ocean shorebased final exam was invigilated; otherwise you sit a written paper at the oral exam.
Accessibility
Ask for adjustments when you book. Centres and providers can agree reasonable accommodations in advance.
International students
You can arrange invigilation with an RYA centre outside the UK. Use our Directory to find a local training centre, then contact us to coordinate dates and exam format.
FAQs about our exam invigilation
Most students do not. You only need invigilation if you want a commercial endorsement or your employer requires it. The standard online assessments are included and marked by an instructor.
Yes. We can invigilate at our own assessment centre or arrange a session with a partner centre. Availability varies by location. Let us know and we’ll arrange it for you.
You will sit two papers, 90 minutes each. Bring photo ID. You may use a 2B pencil, eraser, Portland plotter, dividers, a non-programmable calculator, the RYA Training Almanac, RYA Charts 3 and 4, and scrap paper.
Fees apply for invigilated exams and vary by partner or venue. We will confirm the price before you book.
Please contact us before you enrol so we can confirm the best option, dates, and costs for you.
Yes. You can take the standard online assessments now and book an invigilated exam later if you need one for commercial endorsement.
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is an internationally recognised qualification that certifies an individual’s ability to operate a pleasure craft safely. It is particularly useful for those who wish to hire or operate boats abroad, as many countries require proof of competence before allowing access to their waters. This guide outlines the steps necessary…
A Practical Guide To Licensing Requirements If you have stood on a yacht and asked yourself whether you need a licence to take charge, you are not alone. Rules vary by country, the boat you sail, and whether you own or charter it. This guide covers the UK, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. It includes links to…
Red to port, green to starboard—and what about cardinals, junctions and sector lights? This plain-English UK guide to IALA Region A turns theory into calm, tidy pilotage, with quick-reference downloads for lights and sound signals.
A Brief History of the Nautical Almanac Sailing the high seas has never been for the faint of heart. Imagine setting off into the great unknown, armed only with your wits, a sextant, and a disturbing lack of Wi-Fi. It’s the kind of thing that makes modern sailors shudder as they check their GPS for…
Why Some Sailors Just Can’t Stay Ashore The wind howls like a banshee, rain lashes against the windows, and the mere thought of venturing outside sends shivers down your spine. It’s a perfect day… for some hardy souls to don their foul-weather gear, wrestle their boats from the clutches of winter, and head out onto…
Thinking of a family sailing holiday in Greece? Here’s why the Ionian is perfect for beginners—and how to get qualified in time for summer. 🌴 Why the Ionian Is Perfect for First-Time Sailors 🛥️ Do You Need a License to Charter a Boat in Greece? Yes—but it’s simpler than you might think. To charter a…
Join for Free!
Join for free and get access to lots of resources and downloads, including our Sailing Essentials course.
