RYA Yachtmaster GMDSS & Yachtmaster Oral Exam 2

Question 1

During the Yachtmaster Offshore oral exam, a candidate is asked to plan a passage from Dartmouth to Cherbourg overnight. Which are the most critical planning factors?

Accepted Answer

Traffic Separation Scheme crossing (Dover Strait or off Casquets), tidal gate timing at headlands, weather window, crew watch system, French port entry tides, and Navtex/GMDSS check

Answer

Cross-Channel passage planning covers: TSS crossing procedure (at right angles, minimise time in scheme), tidal gates (Portland Bill, Alderney Race, Casquets), weather window, crew watches, fuel, flares, and destination port tides.

Question 2

A yacht is approaching the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off Ushant. Under COLREGs Rule 10, which procedure is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cross the TSS at right angles (or as nearly so as practicable) to minimise time in the scheme and proceed in the appropriate traffic lane if using it

Answer

COLREGs Rule 10 requires vessels using or crossing TSS to do so at right angles. Vessels crossing (rather than proceeding along the route) should do so as nearly perpendicular as practicable.

Question 3

The Yachtmaster Offshore certificate requires a minimum qualifying sea time of:

Accepted Answer

50 days, 2,500 nm, including 5 days as skipper and 2 offshore/night passages as skipper

Answer

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore eligibility requires: minimum 50 days, 2,500 nm sea time; at least 5 days as skipper; 2 qualifying offshore passages (50+ nm); 2 night hours.

Question 4

A vessel is approaching a busy anchorage at night. What is the correct light display?

Accepted Answer

A vessel at anchor shows an all-round white light forward (and a second all-round white light aft for vessels over 50 m)

Answer

COLREGs Rule 30: a vessel at anchor shows one all-round white light forward (under 50 m). This is mandatory — failure to display an anchor light is a COLREGs infringement and a safety hazard.

Question 5

The Alderney Race is one of the strongest tidal streams in European waters. A Yachtmaster passage plan for this area should ensure:

Accepted Answer

Timing arrival at or near slack water to avoid the strongest stream and associated dangerous overfalls

Answer

The Alderney Race can run at 6–8 knots at springs. Even in moderate winds, the resulting overfalls and confused sea state can be dangerous. Passage planning must time the slot near slack water.

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster GMDSS & Yachtmaster Oral Exam 2