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RYA/MCA Advanced CoC Exam Preparation Training
The RYA/MCA Advanced Certificate of Competence (CoC) exam is a practical assessment of your skippering abilities, conducted after 1.5 days of preparation training.
Our exam preparation is designed to fine-tune your practical skills and our instructors will work closely with you to address any areas of conern, ensuring you feel confident and thoroughly ready before your exam.
We conduct both the preparation training and exam on our Ribcraft 640, however, if you wish to complete the training and exam on your own vessel you can do so, provided it meets the requirements laid down by the RYA.
Advanced CoC Exam Pre-requisites
Prior to undertaking the Advanced CoC exam, students must demonstrate;
- Background knowledge to the level of RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
- Documented minimum sea time completed on a seagoing powerboat in the last 10 years;
- 30 days at sea, which may be reduced to 20 days at sea if an RYA Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate is held
- 2 days as skipper
- 800 miles, which may be reduced to 400 miles if an RYA Advanced Powerboat Course completion certificate is held
- 12 night hours
Pre-Course Requirements
Students must also;
- Be a minimum age of 18 years
- Hold a GMDSS compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA VHF/Short Range Certificate or higher
- Hold a valid Marine First Aid, either RYA First Aid or STCW Elementary First Aid
- Hold an Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate ONLY IF claiming reduced sea time detailed above
- Provide photographic ID card or document, such as passport or driving license
Recommended (not mandatory)
Students must be well-acquainted with all equipment on board, as they may be required to operate it during the exam.
Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA’s Powerboat Logbook (G20).
If you need the Certificate of Competence for work on a commercial vessel governed by the MCA’s codes of practice, you will need to obtain a commercial endorsement.
What our customers say
Well-constructed, practical lessons delivered by highly knowledgeable instructors. The night navigation exercises were fantastic.
Duncan, RYA/MCA Advanced CoC Exam Preparation Training - October 2026
Clear, well-structured, and full of practical insights. I gained the confidence and knowledge, and I felt fully prepared for the exam.
Matt, RYA/MCA Advanced CoC Exam Preparation Training - January, 2026
