In order to be granted an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Coastal certificate, you must meet the minimum criteria to take the external Yachtmaster examination. You must also hold a GMDSS Radio Operators Certificate and a First Aid Certificate. The RYA run a 1-day First Aid course for students which leads to certification. 

However, during the current COVID-19 crisis the RYA have made some exceptions for students. They are set out below;

You may choose to take the RYA First Aid Course or use alternative first aid qualifications, providing the course meets the minimum requirements given below.

Minimum requirements
Course duration: 1 day with at least 6 hours of instructional time.

Any course that is not the RYA First Aid at Sea Course must cover the following;

• Understand the role of a first aider in regard to:
• The importance of preventing cross-infection
• The need for recording and/or reporting incidents and accident
• Assessing a scenario and circumstances to ensure they act safely, promptly and effectively in an emergency
• Can perform CPR to current protocols, and understand the differential for drowning.
• Understand the importance of the recovery position and the need to modify it for small spaces.
• Can administer first aid to those who are unconscious
• Can identify types of external bleeding and control bleeding
• Can use appropriate dressings, bandages and other first aid equipment available, including improvised dressings and bandages.
• Understand the term shock, recognise and treat it
• Can recognise and understands the treatment for hypothermia following immersion and/or exposure.
• Recognise the signs of a reduced level of response, with particular reference to serious head injuries.
• Can administer suitable first aid for:
• breathing difficulties
• choking
• chest pain
• seasickness
• diabetic emergency
• anaphylaxis
• hyperthermia
• fractures
• seizures
• burns, including scalds, chemical and electrical
• minor injuries including small cuts, grazes, bruises and small splinters
• Can choose suitable first aid equipment

Other accredited courses considered acceptable include the MCA Proficiency in Medical First Aid and the MCA Proficiency in Medical Care. Accreditations vary between every 3 and every 5 years.

Related articles:

• What's the difference between RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Coastal?
• The Minimum Requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam
• The Minimum Requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Examination
• Why you should take your RYA Yachtmaster Exam in the Mediterranean
• Books for Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation