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8-DAY THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL COURSE + EXAM

YACHT MASTER CATEGORY A – YM 100 GT

The highest commercial navigation qualification — 8 days of advanced theory in Rijeka and practical sailing from Punat, preparing you for the Yacht Master A (100 GT) licence exam.

Course Details

Yacht Master Category A YM 100 GT

Duration

8 days
5 days theory + 3 days practical sailing

Locations

Theory: Adria Libar – Rijeka
Practice: Punat

Vessel

Salona 45 / Oceanis 45
depending on availability

Group size

Minimum 4 participants

Exam: At the Harbour Master's Office in Senj or Rijeka (depending on captain availability).

What You Will Learn

  • Adopt advanced navigation, including detailed passage planning and night navigation
  • Learn organization of navigation watches, risk assessment and decision-making in demanding conditions
  • Understand stability, construction and systems of larger yachts and safe vessel handling in offshore conditions
  • Master international regulations, master's obligations and commercial navigation procedures
  • Adopt advanced safety protocols: muster lists, emergency procedures, working with crew and passengers
  • Develop crew management skills (leadership, task allocation, communication)
  • Master VHF/DSC communications, nautical English and international protocols
  • Practice maneuvering, docking, anchoring and working with onboard systems on a larger displacement yacht
  • Prepare for the theoretical and practical exam for Yacht Master A – 100 GT

Course Programme

Days 1–5 · Theoretical Part · Rijeka – Adria Libar

1 Advanced Navigation 1

  • Navigation calculations, positions, courses
  • Chartwork and nautical publications
  • Planning of daily and night passages

2 Advanced Navigation 2

  • Electronic navigation (GPS, plotters, ECDIS-light)
  • Position fixing and navigation corrections
  • Use of pilots, almanacs and manuals

3 Regulations & COLREG

  • International collision avoidance rules
  • Master's duties and legal requirements
  • Vessel documentation and commercial navigation

4 Meteorology & Risk Assessment

  • Analysis of weather systems and forecasts
  • Decision-making in demanding conditions
  • Safety assessments and action plans

5 Crew, Safety & Communication

  • Organization of watches and crew leadership
  • Safety procedures, muster lists
  • VHF/DSC communication and international phraseology

Days 6–8 · Practical Part · Punat

6 Yacht Maneuvering

  • Stern and alongside docking
  • Maneuvering in confined spaces

7 Navigation & Safety

  • Navigation in different conditions
  • Anchoring, departure, navigation on route
  • Safety procedures at sea

8 Advanced Maneuvers & Exam Prep

  • Complex maneuvers and scenarios
  • Working with systems on a larger displacement yacht
  • Final preparation for the theoretical and practical exam

Note: The course programme may change depending on weather conditions. The instructor will adapt the plan if necessary to ensure the highest possible level of safety and course quality.

Authorisations – Yacht Master A (100 GT)

  • Command of yachts and vessels up to 100 GT
  • Navigation for commercial and personal purposes
  • Command of a vessel in all navigation areas permitted for yachts up to 100 GT
  • Command of the yacht and organization and supervision of crew work
  • Implementation of safety procedures and maintenance of prescribed master's duties
  • Navigation of the vessel in accordance with maritime regulations and international navigation rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 100 GT mean?

GT stands for Gross Tonnage — a measure of a vessel's total internal volume. 100 GT covers the vast majority of sailing yachts and motorboats used for charter in the Adriatic and beyond.

Do I need Category C before taking Category A?

Holding Category C is strongly recommended. The Yacht Master A course assumes solid knowledge of commercial navigation and regulations — topics covered in the Category C programme.

Where is the practical part conducted?

Days 6–8 of practical training take place in Punat on a Salona 45 or Oceanis 45 depending on availability — larger displacement yachts that simulate real offshore conditions.

Is the Yacht Master A internationally recognised?

Yes. The Croatian Yacht Master A (YM 100 GT) licence is recognised throughout the EU and the Mediterranean and qualifies you to captain commercial charter yachts professionally.