I was,am getting ready to spend a lot of time in the caribean sailing on our 45 foot cat . for fun I thought i would look into an RYA course as they seem to be the international standard. I have been sailing for 50 years mostly on
lake Ontario and have owned a larger sized 27 feet or bigger since 1984 . I am what most people would consider experienced .
I purchased an online course from NAVATHOME for coastal
skipper. I received the very well thought out material ,including a fictional set of
charts ,dividers and such . As sone as i looked at the study material I knew I was beat. So I down graded (purchased) the beginner level Day
skipper course . All the theory was on line and could be done at your pace .They have very responsive help and all in all a great experience .
Last spring my wife and I went
Grenada for our practical test which was basically a 5-7 charter with an Rya skipper who put us through our paces .I am now working toward my Coastal yachtmaster ticket . I now have a physical licence with my picture on it that is recognized world wide.
you can take the practical with any certified
school in the world .We used
blue water in
Grenada on a 45 foot
monohull .We had the the instructor to ourselves
.Rya also hasa competent crew course so the partner can get a certificate as well ,there is no theory for that .
good luck
David
PS it was not navathome,s fault that I bought the the wrong course .someone else gave me bad advise .they are not mentioned here.