ISSA Offshore Skipper – Motor Yacht Course
– 10 Day Recreational Motor Private Yacht Course

ISSA Offshore Skipper – Motor Yacht Course
– 10 Day Recreational Motor Yacht Private Course

Duration
10 Days

Advanced Level
see below for full details

Location
Cape Panwa

Certification
ISSA Recognised

Experience Required
Sea hours + certifications - see below

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

Why take this Course?

Why take this Course?

  • Progress from Inshore Skipper to Offshore Skipper.
  • Develop advanced motor yacht handling and seamanship.
  • Master advanced navigation, pilotage and passage planning.
  • Develop leadership and crew management skills.
  • Build confidence managing longer coastal passages.
  • Gain practical experience by day and night.
  • Prepare for internationally recognised ISSA Offshore certification.

Are You Ready for Offshore Motor Yacht Skipper?

Are You Ready for Offshore Skipper?

This advanced course is intended for experienced motor yacht skippers progressing beyond the ISSA Inshore Skipper Motor Yacht qualification.
Before enrolling you should normally have:

  • ISSA Inshore Skipper (or equivalent)
  • 800 logged sea miles
  • 30 days at sea
  • 12 hours night watch
  • VHF Radio Certificate
  • Man Overboard proficiency

If you're unsure whether you're ready, contact us—we'll be happy to advise.

We suggest you download the following pdfs

Offshore Skipper Course Guide
Yachtmaster Self Assessement

Where Will Your Motor Yachting Journey Take You?

The ISSA Offshore Skipper Motor Yacht Course is an important progression for experienced motor yacht skippers who want to develop the knowledge, judgement and practical skills required to take command on more demanding coastal passages.

Building on the ISSA Inshore Skipper Motor Yacht qualification, the course develops advanced navigation, passage planning, yacht handling and crew management skills, with experience operating during both daylight and night hours.

For skippers wishing to continue their development, the Offshore Skipper qualification provides an important foundation for gaining further experience and progressing towards Yachtmaster-level motor yacht qualifications.

Whether your goal is extended recreational cruising, confidently skippering larger motor yachts or continuing towards more advanced qualifications, Offshore Skipper represents a significant step in your motor yachting journey.

See the Course in Action

See the Course in Action

Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISSA Offshore Skipper Motor Yacht Course is an intensive ten-day programme for experienced motor yacht skippers who are ready to progress beyond Inshore Skipper level. The course develops the advanced navigation, seamanship, yacht handling and leadership skills required to take on the responsibilities of an Offshore Skipper in coastal waters, by day and night.

Throughout the programme you'll develop your knowledge of navigation, position fixing, pilotage, passage planning, tides and currents, meteorology and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS). Practical training develops confident motor yacht handling, mooring and berthing, Man Overboard procedures, safety, crew management and effective command of the vessel.

Theory and practical training are integrated throughout the course, allowing you to apply navigational and seamanship knowledge in realistic situations on the water. Particular emphasis is placed on sound judgement, passage preparation, safe vessel operation and the responsibilities involved in taking command of a motor yacht.

The course is designed for candidates who have completed the ISSA Inshore Skipper Motor Yacht Course or an appropriate equivalent and have approximately 800 nautical miles of logged experience. Successful completion leads to the internationally recognised ISSA Offshore Skipper Motor Yacht Certificate and provides an important foundation for further experience and progression towards Yachtmaster-level qualifications.

Course Schedule

Course Schedule

  • Course introduction • skills assessment • safety & IRPCS review
  • Navigation • chartwork • electronic navigation • position fixing
  • Pilotage • IALA buoyage • tides • secondary ports
  • Motor yacht handling • manoeuvring • berthing & mooring
  • Man Overboard • safety procedures • crew management
  • Meteorology • weather interpretation • passage preparation
  • Electronics • VHF • DSC • onboard communications
  • Passage planning • command decisions • offshore preparation
  • Practical skippering • navigation exercises • revision
  • Practical examination • theory assessment • course review

The schedule may be varied depending on weather and other considerations.

Skills You'll Learn

Skills You'll Learn

Navigation & Passage Planning

  • Traditional and electronic navigation
  • Position fixing techniques
  • Coastal and offshore passage planning
  • Pilotage and IALA buoyage
  • Tides, tidal streams and secondary ports
  • Meteorology and weather interpretation
  • Electronic navigation systems

Motor Yacht Command & Seamanship

  • Advanced motor yacht handling
  • Collision Regulations (IRPCS)
  • Crew management and leadership
  • Safety and Man Overboard procedures
  • Mooring and berthing techniques
  • Diesel engine checks and routine maintenance
  • VHF and DSC communications
  • Passage command and skipper decision making

Official ISSA Student Textbook

Optional Study Guide - ISSA Student Textbook

The Official ISSA Motor Yacht Offshore Skipper Student Textbook is available as an optional purchase and is an excellent companion to your practical training. Many students choose to purchase a copy before their course to become familiar with the topics covered, while others use it afterwards as a valuable reference to reinforce the skills learned on the water.

Sample Pages:

  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for motor yacht offshore skipper textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying map and annotations for nautical navigation charts
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about chart symbls and chart datum
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about lateral marks for iala buyage and pilotage
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about IALA buoyage and pilotage
  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for inshore skipper textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety at sea
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about navigation including chart symbols and chart datum
VIEW TEXTBOOK DETAILS

Private Course Availability

Private Course Availability

  • 10 Day Private Course
  • Course price from 300,000thb per person
  • Dates arranged to suit you
  • Minimum 2, maximum 6 persons
  • Training subject to instructor & vessel availability
  • Training Available from Cape Panwa
  • Advanced Booking Recommended • Discounts may be Available

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

CHECK AVAILABILTY

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

  • NORMAL PRICE
  • Booking within 89 days • 32,000 thb
  • 90 Day Discount
  • Book in advance 90 days plus • 29,000 thb

Flexible payment options available, including PayPal, Wise, KBank and direct bank transfer.
Contact our team for current availability, payment options and booking assistance.

PAYPAL
Online Payment

WISE
Electronic Transfer

KBANK
KPlus Payments

BANK TRANSFER
Direct Bank Transfer

Ready to Apply?

Ready to take the Next Step?

Send us your preferred dates and any questions, and our team will confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.

If this course sounds right for you, send us your preferred dates and details. We'll check availability, instructor scheduling and yacht allocation before confirming the next steps.

SEND COURSE ENQUIRY

Offshore Skipper Motor YachtCourse FAQs

Yes. This is an advanced course intended for experienced sailors. You should normally hold an ISSA Inshore Skipper Certificate (or equivalent), have around 800 logged sea miles, 30 days at sea, a VHF Radio Operator Certificate and the other published prerequisites before attending.

Assessment takes place throughout the course and concludes with both practical and theory examinations. You'll be expected to demonstrate confident motor yacht handling, sound navigation, passage planning and good seamanship under power.

Yes. Equivalent qualifications such as RYA Day Skipper, ASA, AYA or IYT may be accepted, subject to your practical experience and logged sea miles. Contact us if you're unsure.

If you're uncertain whether you meet the required standard, download our Offshore Skipper Course Guide and Yachtmaster Self-Assessment (see above) before booking. We're also happy to discuss your experience and recommend the most suitable pathway.

Yes. The Offshore Skipper Motor Yacht Course is designed for experienced sailors. The mileage and sea-time requirements ensure students arrive with the practical foundation needed to successfully complete this advanced programme. If you're unsure whether your experience qualifies, please contact us before booking.

The course combines classroom sessions with extensive practical yachting. Theory is taught in the context of real passages, navigation exercises and motor yacht handling, allowing you to apply what you learn immediately on the water.

Successful candidates can skipper recreational motor yachts up to 24 metres, operating up to 60 nautical miles offshore, day and night.. Many graduates continue building sea miles towards even more advanced qualifications.

Course fees typically include tuition, use of training vessels, certification fees where applicable and course materials. Specific inclusions are listed on each course page.

Yes. We can recommend a range of nearby accommodation options to suit different budgets and locations. Please contact us before booking if you'd like advice on the most convenient place to stay.

We also have our own rental property in Ao Yon (Cape Panwa), you can read more here Accomodation with Sail in Asia in Phuket→

We accept a range of payment options, including credit card, Wise, KBank transfers and international bank transfer. Our team will confirm the most suitable payment method when your course availability has been confirmed.

Early booking and multiple course discounts may be available from time to time. Please contact us to discuss current offers and availability.

Your Offshore Motor Yacht Journey Starts Here

Completing the ISSA Offshore Skipper Motor Yacht Course marks a significant step in your development as a motor yacht skipper. Whether your ambition is extended coastal cruising, taking command of your own motor yacht or progressing towards Yachtmaster-level training, you'll leave with greater knowledge, judgement and confidence to plan and undertake longer passages safely.

Need advice before booking?
If you'd like to discuss your previous experience, prerequisites or whether this course is the right next step, our instructors are happy to help. Contact us by email or WhatsApp and we'll guide you through the enrolment process.
Contact us by email or WhatsApp — we're here to help.

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