IYT Recreational Instructor Training Centre

Sigma-Marine Yachting School is an IYT Instructor Training Centre with practical training in Greece and Montenegro since 2018.
IYT’s Recreational Training courses are taught by highly qualified yachtsmen and women with years of experience.
IYT INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE:
OVERVIEW.
This is a training course to prepare experienced sailors to become IYT recreational instructors at all levels up to Yachtmaster Offshore. It is designed to ensure that new Instructors are familiar with all aspects of the IYT training scheme and have the ability to train their students the way IYT require.
Based on continuous coaching the course aims to enthuse and arm IYT instructors with valuable teaching skills that will greatly benefit their future careers and enhance the reputation of the IYT Worldwide partners schools they are associated with.
Instructor Training course was designed under the guidance of John Goode who was a down-to-earth mariner with a great sense of humour and renowned for his 'plain language' teaching methods. After going to sea under sail at the age of 12 and becoming a Chief Officer in the merchant navy he ran his own sea training school (sail & power) for 30 years – passing on his innovative navigation and seamanship skills to many thousands of sailors. His training techniques and enthusiasm to help fellow yachtsmen have earned him worldwide recognition and a Fellowship of the Royal Institute of Navigation.
Successful completion of this course almost always guarantees that the subsequent online application to IYT to become an “IYT Recreational Instructor” will be approved – see bottom of page for details.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications to attend the course should be made to our Training Centre – not to IYT.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- The Candidates should be at least 18 years of age or over.
- All applicants must have an personal IYT account ID number.
- Although previous IYT qualifications are desirable, the course is open to anyone who has the minimum seatime required of an instructor (see IYT website for different levels) and have the practical ability and theoretical knowledge of at least that required for the level of IYT courses they wish to teach.
- To benefit fully from the course – which focuses on Instructor training techniques – participants are advised to revise their maritime knowledge before attending.
DURATION:
5 days from 09:00 –18:00 every day. The 1st and 5th days are classroom based. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th days take place on board of our yacht.
The course requires 100% attendance.
NUMBERS ON COURSE:
Maximum of only 5 Candidates ensures everyone receives individual attention and the full benefit of the course trainers time.
ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE:
Candidates will be individually debriefed. Those who are successful are advised the highest level of IYT course they have been assessed as competent to teach.
A pdf down-loadable “Instructor Training Course Completion Certificate” showing that level the will appear in the candidates personal IYT account profile.
GRADUATES CAN THEN APPLY ONLINE FOR THE “IYT RECREATIONAL INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE”
Instructor Training Course graduates can log in to the IYT website using their IYT account ID number to complete the instructor application. This will require a documented record of seatime and copies of Medical forms, Sea Survival & VHF certificates, etc, to be downloaded.
After a satisfactory check of these documents, and taking into account the level achieved on the Instructor Training Course, instructors will receive a credit-card-sized plastic “IYT Recreational Instructor Certificate” valid for 5 years. A fee for this 5 year certificate will be charged.
They will also receive an “Official Instructor Membership Letter” valid for 1 year listing the courses they are approved to instruct. An Instructor membership fee is payable annually and must be maintained in order to remain qualified to instruct and place orders for student certificates.
Although candidates do not have to be associated with a school when they take the Instructor Training Course – because IYT does not allow freelance instructors they must be associated with a school when making their online application to IYT for their “IYT Recreational Instructor Certificate”.

More detailed information you can find on www.iytworld.com or contact directly to Sigma-Marine Yachting School.

Marine Communications (VHF-SRC)

The IYT Marine Communications course (Very High Frequency – Short Range Certificate) is recognised by the Republic of the Marshall Islands. It is designed to ensure a thorough understanding of maritime radio communication at sea. It is intended for all marine environments and follows International standards.
The course provides VHF Radio and SRC training for the entire spectrum of VHF radio communications for recreational and professional boating. Students will learn how on board radios and handheld radios, EPIRBs, SARTs, AIS and DSC-enabled radios, are used effectively in marine communications.
COURSE OUTLINE:
- introduction to VHF radio's;
- basic radio theory;
- line of sight;
- subsidiary equipment;
- common radio terms;
- regulations / licensing requirements;
- VHF radio equipment;
- radio procedures;
- transmitting and receiving;
- the phonetic alphabet;
- emergency radio communications;
- EPIRB and SART;
- hand held short range VHF radios.

Introduction to Boating & International Crew

These modules, both theory and practical, give a basic understanding of the knowledge that is required to be an active crew member on board a yacht either power or sail.
CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS:
- crew on a vessel up to a maximum length of 78 ft /24 metres;
- in coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore;
- in daylight hours and in fair conditions with moderate wind and sea conditions.
It is the level of competence that someone needs either when acting as watchkeeping crew on a yacht and as a skipper of a small yacht in protected waters where help is immediately available in calm conditions.
COURSE OUTLINE:
- nautical terminology;
- safety briefing;
- passage planning;
- rope work;
- basic rules of the road;
- introduction to weather;
- basic sail handling;
- basic handling under power;
- man overboard procedures;
- vessel equipment and instruments;
- engine checks and maintenance;
- deck seamanship;
- sailing vessels handling skills;
- sailing vessels under power;
- power vessel handling skills;
- dingy handling under power.

International Bareboat Skipper (Power or Sail)

This is a five day course. It is not for beginners and the recommended entry level requirements are a VHF radio operators certificate, and to have logged over 200 nautical miles and 10 days at sea before advancing to this level. The recommended minimum age to obtain this certification is 18.
CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS:
- Command of a vessel up to a maximum length of 78 ft /24 metres;
- In coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore;
- In daylight hours and in fair conditions with moderate wind and sea conditions.
This certificate is the level of competence that one needs when chartering a boat in the Mediterranean or West Indies where there are restrictions in terms of cruising area and distance from the base and the vessel has to be safely moored in a marina or anchored before dark.
Course Outline:
- Responsibilities of a bareboat skipper
- Crew safety checks
- Hull and rig checks
- Machinery and systems checks
- Fuel and water capacity and range
- Menus and quantities
- Float plan
- Sources of meteorological information
- Weather patterns
- Sea and land breezes
- Cloud types and formations
- Pilotage and passage planning
- Considerations when planning a passage
- Routine for navigating a coastal passage
- Passage strategy
- Port regulations, customs, immigration
- Pilotage plans
- Vessel handling in confined quarters
- Mooring, anchoring, coming alongside
- Ropes, knots, care and use of lines
- General deck work
- Tides and currents theory
- Tidal heights, springs and neaps
- Rule of "twelfths"
- Position fixing, running fixes
- Plotting the effect of tides and currents
- Collision regulations
- Lights, shapes and sounds
- Application of the regulations
- Advanced dingy handling
IYT’s International Bareboat Skipper Sail Certificate covers command of a sailing vessel with a sail area of greater than 80 square metres/861 square feet.

Yachtmaster Coastal (Power or Sail)

The IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Coastal certificate is a recreational certificate of competency for command of sailing and/or power vessels up to 24 meters in length up to 60 nm offshore. It is a comprehensive live aboard course consisting of 6 days for sail or 5 days for power which includes the practical on water examination.
It has come to our attention that it has not been made perfectly clear to all IYT Worldwide yachtmaster candidates that this certification is for recreational use only and may never be upgraded to a professional certificate. Therefore, we require all candidates taking a recreational IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Coastal to complete an acknowledgement prior to taking the course which will be submitted to IYT Worldwide before we release certificates.
CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS:
- command of a vessel up to a maximum length of 78 ft /24 metres;
- in coastal waters up to 60 miles offshore;
- in moderate wind and sea conditions;
- not for commercial use;
Note: Yachtmaster Coastal is a recreational course that can be taught in any language BUT cannot be upgraded to the professional Master of Yachts certificate.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR THE IYT YACHTMASTER COASTAL COURSE?
- 30 days and 800 miles at sea including 2 days as watch leader/skipper;
- 12 hours underway on watch at night;
- minimum sea time must have been met prior to the final examination.
Course Outline:
- International collision regulations
- Navigational charts and publications
- Dead reckoning and estimated position
- Position fixing
- Tides and currents
- Pilotage
- Safety at sea
- Meteorology
- Ropework
- Anchoring
- Boat handling
- Docking
- Passage planning
For more information: https://www.iytworld.com/courses/recreational/yachtmaster-coastal-power-or-sail

Yachtmaster Offshore (Power or Sail)

The IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Offshore certificate is a recreational certificate of competency to command sailing and/or power vessels up to 24 meters in length up to 150 nm offshore.
The courses are designed to provide the highest standard of maritime education for the recreational yachtsman and woman and for those who are serious about obtaining the best nautical qualifications available. They are ideal for those who greatly want to expand their knowledge and experience and increase their confidence in commanding a yacht. For those who are taking the courses, completion of the 5 day STCW Basic Safety training courses is not required but highly recommended. The five day STCW 78/95 course covers: Fire fighting, Sea Survival, First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
It has come to our attention that it has not been made perfectly clear to all IYT Worldwide yachtmaster candidates that this certification is for recreational use only and may never be upgraded to a professional certificate. Therefore, we require all candidates taking a recreational IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Offshore course to complete an acknowledgement prior to taking the course which will be submitted to IYT Worldwide before we release certificates.
CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS:
- command of a vessel up to 24 meters in length;
- up to 150 miles offshore;
- not for commercial use.
Note: Yachtmaster Offshore is a recreational course that can be taught in any language BUT cannot be upgraded to the professional Master of Yachts certificate.
Course Syllabus:
- Chartwork instruments
- Charts, latitude and longitude
- Distance, speed, time & direction
- The magnetic compass, variation& deviation
- Position lines and position fixes
- Dead reckoning and estimated positions
- Tides
- Currents
- Course to steer to counteract a current
- Meteorology
- Pilotage
- Passage planning
- Electronic navigation aids
- International regulations for preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)
- Ropework
- Towing
- Anchoring
- Emergency procedures
For more information: https://www.iytworld.com/courses/recreational/yachtmaster-offshore-power-or-sail

Yachtmaster Ocean

This certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate a 24 meter vessel globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an Ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology.
To gain the IYT Yachtmaster Ocean certificate, candidates must first hold the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore certificate.
The course consists of 6 days of astronavigation and worldwide meteorology. A thorough knowledge of all subjects covered in the IYT Yachtmaster Offshore course is assumed.
It has come to our attention that it has not been made perfectly clear to all IYT Worldwide yachtmaster candidates that this certification is for recreational use only and may never be upgraded to a professional certificate. Therefore, we require all candidates taking a recreational IYT Worldwide Yachtmaster Ocean course to complete an acknowledgement prior to taking the course which will be submitted to IYT Worldwide before we release certificates.
The IYT Yachtmaster Ocean certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an Ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology.
CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS:
- command of a vessel up to 24 meters in length;
- all oceans / anywhere in the world;
- not for commercial use.
Note: Yachtmaster Ocean is a recreational course that can be taught in any language BUT cannot be upgraded to the professional Master of Yachts certificate.
Course Outline:
- The Earth and the celestial sphere
- The PZX triangle
- The sextant
- Measurement of time
- Meridian altitudes
- Sun sights
- Planet sights
- Starsight planning
- Starsights
- The pole star
- Moon sights
- Compass checking
- Satellite navigation systems
- Great circle sailing
- Meteorology
- Passage planning
For more information: https://www.iytworld.com/courses/recreational/yachtmaster-ocean-power-or-sail

MCA ICC 24m Sail, 24m Power Coastal and Inland

The International Certificate of Competency, commonly referred to as “ICC” is a certificate of competency, not necessarily a “course”. The ICC is a certificate confirming that an individual is competent to the level required to meet the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Inland Water Committee (UNECE IWC) Resolution 40.
IT IS WISE TO HOLD BOTH FLOTILLA SKIPPER (OR HIGHER) & THE ICC
In the past, if you were chartering in Europe, an International Certificate of Competency (ICC) may have been sufficient proof of your ability to safely operate a boat.
However, it has recently been brought to our attention that a number of European charter companies and insurance companies will not accept an ICC as sufficient proof to command a yacht for a one week bareboat charter (power or sail). These companies are insisting that the charterer should hold an IYT International Flotilla Skipper or IYT International Bareboat Skipper, power or sail (or equivalent qualification that is on their “approved” list).
The charter companies and insurance companies do not have a comfort level handing over an expensive yacht to someone who they feel is not sufficiently qualified to command it for a weeks duration.
Some customers have had their charters cancelled because they have only held an ICC.
However, some charter companies in Greece are rejecting the IYT International Flotilla and/or Bareboat Skipper as it notes the restriction of “daylight hours”. This restriction is applied as charter companies do not allow their boats to be operated after sundown. Chartered boats are expected to be at dock or anchored by sundown.
The charter companies’ response has been to insist on an ICC which does not state this restriction. So, bottom line, we recommend holding both Flotilla Skipper or higher as well as the ICC to avoid any issues when chartering.
It is imperative that you check with your charter company in advance of your charter to make sure that you hold the required qualifications.
The ICC is required for operators of most vessels on both inland and coastal waters in a large part of the European Union.
- Candidates who successfully complete the International Flotilla or Bareboat Skipper course may be automatically awarded the 24M ICC provided the course was taken with a partner school approved to offer the 24M ICC.
- Candidates who successfully complete the Small Powerboat & RIB Master – MCA Recognised course may be automatically awarded the 10M ICC. Schools that offer the Small Powerboat & RIB Master – MCA Recognised course will also be approved for the 10M ICC Certification so there will be no issue regarding the partner school chosen for the “RIB” course.
WHO MAY OBTAIN AN ICC
IYT Worldwide has had approval from the M.C.A. (Maritime and Coastguard Agency of Great Britain) for many years to issue ICCs to United Kingdom passport holders and persons of other nationalities provided they are eligible under Resolution 40. See below. The school must be approved by IYT Worldwide to instruct the ICC course. The applicant must:
- be 16 years of age or older.
- be physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft, and in particular, must have sufficient powers of vision and hearing.
- have successfully passed a written and practical examination or prove the necessary competence for pleasure craft operation by holding an acceptable IYT Worldwide certificate.
WHO MAY RECEIVE AN ICC BASED ON RESOLUTION 40
In accordance with UNECE Resolution 40 (Revision 4), citizens and residents of countries (listed below), that are signatories to Resolution 40, will be obliged to obtain an ICC from their own national issuing authority and not from IYT (with the exception of the United Kingdom and Latvia, see below). The only exception for IYT to issue ICCs to citizens of these countries, is if the applicant can provide proof of residency* in a country not on this list. For example: an Austrian National living in Spain or Greece that can provide “proof of residency” in Spain or Greece would be allowed to receive an ICC from IYT.
*Proof of residency (examples) Utility bill (electric or gas), Property tax bill, Telephone bill, Insurance bill, IYT can issue ICCs to any other country’s citizens that are not listed below.
As of June 2023 the following countries have adopted resolution 40.
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Latvia**
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom***
**The government of Latvia has given written permission for IYT to issue ICCs to their own nationals and residents.
*** IYT has been authorised to issue ICC’s to United Kingdom Nationals for the past 16 years which are issued on behalf of the British Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Reference: UNECE Resolution 40 document https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/doc/2015/sc3wp3/Guidelines_to_Resolution_No._40_e.pdf

Small Powerboat & RIB Master Training - MCA Recognised

A 3-day Theory and Practical course designed to cover the requirements to meet the Small Commercial Vessel Code and the requirements for issue of an ICC based on Resolution 40 from the Economic Commission for Europe Inland Transport Committee Working Party on Inland Water Transport. This is a 2-day in person practical course for candidates that have completed the online Small Powerboat & RIB Master eLearning course.
Limitations:
- Covers vessels up to 15m
- Operation in coastal regions – in sight of land
- Driven by outboard or inboard motors
- In fair weather
- No horsepower limitations
This three day course covers one day of theory and two days of practical boat handling including:
- Safety at sea
- VHF Radio operations
- Small powerboats and rigid inflatable boats
- Launching and recovery
- Anchors and anchoring
- Nautical terminology
- Boat handling under power
- Man overboard procedures
- Ropes and rope-work
- Basic rules of the road (collision regulations)
- Glossary of terms
The IYT “Master of Yachts” and the IYT “Small Powerboat & RIB Master” certificates do not require a “commercial endorsement” because they are commercial certificates, recognised by British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).