RYA YACHTMASTER Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield RYA YACHTMASTER facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of a clearing bearing when entering a harbour? → To define a limit that keeps the vessel on the safe side of a hazard
2. When planning a cross-Channel passage from the UK to France, which publication gives standard port tidal predictions for English Channel ports? → Admiralty Tide Tables, Volume 1 (NP201)
3. Distress signals listed in COLREGs Annex IV include all EXCEPT which of the following? → Waving a flag with a large red cross
4. The Buys Ballot Law states that in the Northern Hemisphere: → If you stand with the wind on your back, low pressure is to your left (port)
5. In IALA Region A (UK and Europe), when entering a harbour from seaward, a red port-hand buoy should be left: → To port (on your left)
6. What does a vessel displaying two black balls in a vertical line indicate during daylight? → A vessel at anchor
7. What is the internationally agreed signal for a helicopter rescue crew to stop hoisting a casualty? → Arms raised horizontally (like a 'T' shape) — the international signal to stop/hold hoist
8. Which factor is LEAST relevant when selecting a safe anchorage? → The vessel's flag state
9. Under GMDSS sea area A1, a vessel is within range of a VHF DSC coast station. What sea area A2 adds to this coverage? → MF (medium frequency) DSC coverage for vessels up to approximately 400 nm from shore
10. Which publication provides detailed coastal and harbour pilotage information for UK waters? → Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots)
11. A vessel is navigating in thick fog and cannot see anything. Which of the following gives the most reliable continuous position fix? → GPS cross-checked with radar ranges to charted features
12. What lights does a vessel 'not under command' display at night? → Two all-round red lights in a vertical line, plus sidelights and stern light if making way
13. A depth sounding taken with an echo sounder shows 18.5 m. The tide height is 2.3 m. What is the charted depth at that position? → 16.2 m
14. A vessel approaches a harbour entrance and the sector light shows red. What is the correct action? → Alter course until the white sector of the light becomes visible
15. The Yachtmaster Offshore certificate requires a minimum qualifying sea time of: → 50 days, 2,500 nm, including 5 days as skipper and 2 offshore/night passages as skipper
16. Which celestial body provides the most practical and frequently used sight for offshore passages in the Yachtmaster Offshore context? → The Sun — always visible in daylight, its Almanac data is the simplest to use
17. A harbour pilot book is most valuable because it provides: → Detailed local information on hazards, approach marks, tidal gates, and facilities
18. When berthing alongside in a tidal river with a strong current, the skipper should ideally approach: → Heading into the current for better control and a natural brake
19. The 'sextant' is used in celestial navigation to measure: → The altitude of a celestial body above the visible horizon
20. Fire on board: what type of extinguisher is correct for an electrical fire? → CO2 (carbon dioxide) — leaves no residue and is safe for electrical equipment
21. A vessel is approaching a headland with a tidal race. How should the skipper time the passage? → Arrive at or near slack water or when the stream is fair, before it builds to maximum rate
22. What is a 'leading line' in pilotage? → Two marks or lights kept in line to indicate a safe approach course into a harbour
23. What is a 'tidal gate' in the context of harbour entry and passage planning? → A location that can only be navigated safely at certain states of the tide
24. A skipper needs to maintain a straight track through a harbour entrance despite a beam tidal stream. This technique of angling into the tide is known as: → Crabbing (ferry gliding)
25. A vessel displays a red light over a white light over a red light in a vertical line. What does this indicate? → A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
26. Approaching a harbour entrance at night, a single white light is seen dead ahead. This could indicate: → Any of the above and the source should be verified before proceeding
27. A MF (medium frequency) DSC distress alert should be sent on which frequency? → 2187.5 kHz — the international MF DSC distress frequency
28. Why should the position of a dropped anchor always be marked on the chart? → To ensure the anchor and chain are not laid over submarine cables or seabed hazards
29. Why might a skipper plan to enter a harbour with a bar at or near high water? → To take maximum advantage of the depth of water over the bar
30. What is a transit in the context of coastal pilotage? → Two fixed objects kept in line to indicate the vessel is on a safe course