The first step in teaching within the practical cruising scheme is to become qualified as an RYA Cruising Instructor, before moving up to the Yachtmaster Instructor qualification. Both qualifications can be taken in sail and motor cruisers, and the certificate will be endorsed accordingly.

Due to the short time available on the instructor course, there is limited opportunity to fill any gaps in knowledge. The course is a blend of assessing the candidate's knowledge, providing a structured framework to instruct, coach, observe and deliver constructive feedback, and ensure the structure and standards required of RYA courses are understood. Candidates must therefore ensure they have sufficient underpinning knowledge prior to attending.

An effective instructor must have credibility with students and a genuine interest and engagement with the subject is essential for this. Questions from students will often stray outside the core syllabus or be concerned with seeking advice about equipment or situations. Without enthusiasm and a depth of knowledge far above the RYA syllabus, this credibility could easily be lost. It is difficult to quantify in writing exactly what this means but without extensive practical experience of the subject, candidates are unlikely to be successful on an instructor course.

Due to the arduous nature of practical training afloat, an instructor certificate obtained or revalidated after the instructor's 67th birthday will require revalidation with effect from the instructor's 72nd birthday. An instructor certificate obtained or revalidated after the instructor's 70th birthday will be valid for a period of two years before an update is required. Cruising Instructor.

Required Certificates:

• First aid certificate
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence, commercially endorsed 
• Online pre-course knowledge check

Experience:

Experienced skipper with theoretical and practical knolwedge well in excess of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

Pre-entry experience

Candidates are required to pass an online pre-course module prior to being eligibile to attend the course.

Qualifies to teach

Can instruct RYA practical courses up to the level of Day Skipper

Validity:

Five years, after which candidates will need to attend a RYA Cruising Instructor revalidation. Revalidation is carried out over one day on the water.

During restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, an online revalidation is available. If revalidating online, the certificate will be valid for two years, after which time the normal on-water revalidation will be due.

RYA Membership:

Required