ISSA Offshore Skipper
– 10 Day Recreational Sailing Course

ISSA Offshore Skipper Sailing Course
– 10 Day Recreational Course

Duration
10 Days

Advanced Level
see below for full details

Location
Mai Khao

Certification
ISSA Recognised

Experience Required
Sea hours + certifications - see below

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

Why take this Course?

Why take this Course?

  • Progress from coastal skipper to offshore skipper.
  • Build confidence planning and managing longer passages.
  • Master advanced navigation and pilotage.
  • Develop leadership and crew management skills.
  • Gain practical experience under sail and power.
  • Prepare for internationally recognised ISSA Offshore certification.
  • Ideal preparation for future Yachtmaster qualifications.

Are You Ready for Offshore Skipper?

Are You Ready for Offshore Skipper?

This advanced course is intended for experienced sailors progressing beyond the ISSA Inshore Skipper 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 Sailing Journey Take You?

The ISSA Offshore Skipper Course represents one of the highest levels of recreational yacht training offered by Sail in Asia. By successfully completing the course you'll have developed the knowledge, judgement and practical experience needed to skipper larger sailing yachts on extended coastal passages with confidence.

Many students use this qualification as the foundation for building additional sea miles, gaining practical skippering experience and preparing for more ambitious cruising adventures. Others continue developing their skills towards recognised Yachtmaster-level qualifications or specialist sailing disciplines.

Whether your goal is extended cruising, skippering your own yacht or simply becoming a more capable and confident sailor, the ISSA Offshore Skipper Course marks an important milestone in your sailing journey.

See the Course in Action

See the Course in Action

Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISSA Offshore Skipper Course is an intensive ten-day programme designed for experienced sailors who are ready to progress beyond the ISSA Inshore Skipper qualification. Combining advanced classroom theory with extensive practical sailing, the course develops the knowledge, judgement and leadership skills required to confidently skipper a sailing yacht on extended coastal passages and offshore voyages.

Throughout the programme you'll refine advanced navigation techniques including chartwork, electronic navigation, position fixing, pilotage, passage planning, weather forecasting and tidal calculations. Practical training focuses on yacht handling under sail and power, marina manoeuvres, anchoring, crew management and making safe, informed decisions in a wide variety of real sailing conditions.

The course is continually assessed through practical exercises and theoretical instruction, culminating in both practical and written examinations. Successful candidates will demonstrate the confidence and competence expected of an Offshore Skipper, capable of planning and managing longer passages while maintaining the safety of both yacht and crew.

On successful completion you'll be awarded the internationally recognised ISSA Offshore Skipper Certificate, demonstrating your ability to command recreational sailing yachts of up to 24 metres (78 feet) in coastal waters up to 60 nautical miles offshore, in moderate weather conditions, by day and night. This qualification represents one of the highest levels of recreational yacht certification within the ISSA training pathway.

Course Schedule

Course Schedule

  • Course introduction • skills assessment • IRPCS review
  • Navigation • chartwork • electronic navigation • position fixing
  • Pilotage • buoyage • tides • coastal passage planning
  • Yacht handling under sail and power • marina manoeuvres
  • Anchoring • mooring • ropework • crew management
  • Meteorology • weather routing • passage preparation
  • Offshore navigation • night sailing • watchkeeping
  • Passage planning • command decisions • safety management
  • 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
  • Weather interpretation and forecasting
  • Modern chart plotters and navigation apps

Offshore Command & Seamanship

  • Advanced yacht handling under sail and power
  • Collision Regulations (IRPCS)
  • Crew management and leadership
  • Offshore safety procedures
  • Anchoring and berthing techniques
  • Diesel engine checks and routine maintenance
  • VHF and onboard communications
  • Passage command and skipper decision making

Official ISSA Student Textbook

Optional Study Guide - ISSA Student Textbook

SIA student textbook cover for offshore skipper displaying a capstan with rigging on a wooden decked sailing yacht under sail

The Official ISSA 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 offshore skipper student textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety at sea using vhf radio basics
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about crew management
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about handling a yacht under sail, specifically sail trim
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about secondary ports including bell curve
  • 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

Course Availability

Course Availability

  • 10 Day Course - 3 times yearly
  • From Play Yard - Mai Khao (NE Phuket)
  • 11th - 20th February
  • 11th - 20th June
  • 22nd - 31st October
  • Maximum number of students 6
  • Training Available from Mai Khao
  • Advanced Booking Recommended • Discounts as below
  • Private Courses available, price upon application

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 30 days • 121,000 thb
  • 31 - 89 Day Discount
  • Book in advance 31-89 days • 110,000 thb
  • 90 Day + Discount
  • Book 90 days + in advance • 97,000 thb

Flexible payment options available, including PayPal, Wise, KBank and direct bank transfer.
Early booking discounts may be available for courses reserved more than 60 days in advance. 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 Course 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 yacht handling, sound navigation, passage planning and good seamanship under sail and 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 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 sailing. Theory is taught in the context of real passages, navigation exercises and yacht handling, allowing you to apply what you learn immediately on the water.

Successful candidates can skipper recreational sailing yachts up to 24 metres (78 ft) in coastal waters up to 60 nautical miles offshore in moderate conditions. Many graduates continue building sea miles towards even more advanced qualifications.

Courses operate from two dedicated Sail in Asia locations. Cape Panwa offers direct access to Phuket's southern islands and longer cruising routes, while Mai Khao provides convenient access from Phuket Airport and a relaxed training environment. Compare Cape Panwa and Mai Khao training bases →

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 Mai Khao, 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 Sailing Journey Starts Here

Completing the ISSA Offshore Skipper Course marks a significant achievement in your sailing development. Whether your ambition is extended coastal cruising, skippering your own yacht or preparing for more ambitious offshore adventures, you'll leave with the 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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