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RYA Yachtmaster Theory Prep

Offshore-level theory — secondary ports, tidal vectors, colregs in depth.

Pass mark 18/25 75 minutes RYA syllabus-aligned How many can I get wrong?
Don't cram it, drill it. Ten questions a topic beats an hour re-reading.
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Try 3 real RYA Yachtmaster Theory Prep questions
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Q1. When calculating tidal predictions for a secondary port using Admiralty Tide Tables, what is the correct first step?
  • A.  Find the times and heights of HW and LW at the associated Standard Port for the day required
  • B.  Apply the rule of twelfths directly to the secondary port
  • C.  Look up the secondary port's own set of daily tidal curves
  • D.  Calculate the tidal stream rate at the secondary port
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Find the times and heights of HW and LW at the associated Standard Port for the day required
Secondary ports are not given full daily predictions; you must first obtain the Standard Port's HW/LW times and heights for the day, then apply the secondary port's own time and height differences to derive its figures. Secondary ports never have a printed daily curve of their own.
Q2. A true course of 045° is required. Variation is 6°W and deviation for the approximate compass heading is 3°W. What compass course should be steered?
  • A.  042°(C)
  • B.  054°(C)
  • C.  048°(C)
  • D.  036°(C)
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. 054°(C)
Going from true to compass, westerly errors are added: 045°T + 6°W = 051°M, then 051°M + 3°W = 054°C. Subtracting instead of adding when converting true-to-compass is the usual mistake, which would wrongly give 036°.
Q3. Which vessel is exhibiting the correct shapes if she shows a black ball, diamond, ball in a vertical line by day?
  • A.  A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
  • B.  A vessel engaged in fishing
  • C.  A vessel constrained by her draught
  • D.  A vessel not under command
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
Rule 27 assigns the ball-diamond-ball day shapes to a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. A vessel not under command shows two balls in a vertical line, and a vessel constrained by draught shows a cylinder.
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Ten quick questions on one topic, marked instantly with explanations.
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Advanced tidal calculations & secondary ports · 35
Course to steer & estimated position · 35
Colregs in depth incl. lights & sound signals · 36
Meteorology for offshore passages · 35
Passage planning & pilotage · 34
Safety, stability & heavy weather · 35
RYA Yachtmaster Theory Prep — common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Prep?
The exam has 25 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 25-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
What is the pass mark for the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Prep?
You need 18 out of 25 correct to pass, which is about 72%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 75 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with RYA syllabus-aligned.