The Swiss offshore licence, Swiss Certificate of Competence for Ocean Yachting, allows unlimited navigation on all seas with sailing and/or motor yachts. In the theory lessons students acquire the knowledge needed for a solid, complete training as future skippers. The practical training takes place at sea (1,000 nautical miles under sail or 500 under motor) with our school or with a skipper qualified in the same category.
The theory exam covers the following subjects:
- A Navigation and boat handling
- B Manoeuvres, boat and equipment
- C Meteorology
- D Maritime law
- E Medicine on board
- F Exercises on sea areas
- G Chart work exercises
In addition to the theory exam, you need:
- proof of sea experience: 1,000 nautical miles under sail, 500 under motor
- an eyesight certificate
- a hearing certificate
- a first aid certificate
- the sailing licence category D and/or the powerboat licence category A
Our theory courses take place in person at our school in Lugano (in Italian); course material is provided electronically on our e-learning platform.
The course includes:
- access to the e-learning platform (valid 18 months)
- plotting triangles for chart work
- practice charts
- «Sea experience log» booklet
The licence is issued on the basis of the ordinance on the offshore licence of the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office in Basel (SMNO).
Two organisations are officially authorised to issue the licence: the Swiss Yachting Association (SYA) and the Cruising Club of Switzerland (CCS).
Our theory course prepares students for the SYA exam; preparation for the CCS exam only on request.