Do you need your RYA theory course invigilated? Most people don’t. The vast majority of students can take their exam at home exactly as they complete the rest of the course. However, there are a small number of situations where the RYA requires the final exam to be invigilated in person by an RYA instructor.

This guide explains when invigilation is needed, when it isn’t, and what the process involves.

Which RYA Theory Exams Can Be Invigilated?

The following theory exams can be invigilated if required:

• RYA Day Skipper Theory

• RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Theory

• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory

However, you only need invigilation in specific circumstances, explained below.

Do I Need My Day Skipper Theory Exam Invigilated to Charter a Yacht?

No.
If you want to charter a yacht using your RYA Day Skipper certificate, an invigilated theory exam is not required.

The only time Day Skipper needs to be invigilated is for use in UK commercial work, and even then a non-invigilated certificate still allows you to work up to 3 nautical miles from your home port (in cat. 6 waters).

Do I Need My Yachtmaster Theory Invigilated for a Commercial Endorsement?

No.
Even if you plan to work commercially on vessels up to 200 GT as Skipper, you do not need an invigilated theory certificate to commercially endorse an RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence.

Invigilation is only required when progressing beyond the RYA pathway into MCA qualifications and larger vessel tickets.

To learn more about RYA Yachtmaster Practical Exams click for sail or motor.

When Invigilation Is Not Required

You do not need invigilation for:

• Completing your RYA theory course

• Chartering yachts (Day Skipper or above)

• Skippering your own vessel

• Working commercially on vessels under 200 GT with a Yachtmaster CoC

• Using a Day Skipper certificate to skipper a commercial craft in cat. 6 waters (up to 3 nm from a home port)

When Invigilation Is Required

Invigilation is required for:

• Working commercially more than 3 nm from a home port with a Day Skipper certificate

• Using an RYA theory certificate as part of progression towards MCA qualifications

How Do I Arrange an Invigilated RYA Theory Exam?

If you take your theory course with Ardent Training:

• We can suggest suitable RYA instructors who can act as invigilators

• Any qualified RYA instructor can invigilate your exam

• It does not need to be an RYA examiner

Just get in touch via instructor@ardent-training.com or through live chat and we’ll help you organise it.

What Happens During an Invigilated Exam?

An invigilated exam follows the same format as the usual online exam, but with two differences:

• You sit the exam with an instructor present in the same room

• The invigilator ensures the work is your own

Other than that, the experience is the same as a non-invigilated exam.

Where Can I Do My RYA Theory Course Online?

Click here for RYA Day Skipper

Click here for RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Theory

Click here for RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship

Why the RYA Requires Invigilation in Some Cases

Invigilation exists for one reason: exam integrity where commercial responsibility or legal compliance is involved.

In recreational sailing, whether your exam was supervised or not makes no difference. But for commercial work, especially beyond local waters, the MCA needs evidence that the theory knowledge was tested under controlled conditions.

Invigilation ensures:

• the exam was completed without outside assistance

• the result accurately reflects the candidate’s own knowledge

• the certificate can be relied on in a safety-critical environment

This is why invigilation matters mainly for Day Skipper commercial work beyond 3 nm and progression towards higher MCA qualifications, not for most everyday scenarios.

Invigilation Options: In Person vs. Training Centre

If you need an invigilated theory exam, you have several options:

1. At Home With an RYA Instructor – An instructor can supervise you in person at your home, workplace, or a mutual environment.

2. At an RYA Training Centre – Many training centres offer invigilation on request, even if you did your course elsewhere.

3. At a Yacht Club – There is not guarantee, but many yacht clubs have an RYA instructor somewhere in their membership who may be able to thelp.

This is not limited to the UK. If you live or work overseas, you can take the exam with any RYA instructor worldwide.
Invigilation is tied to the instructor’s qualification, not the country.

4. Not Permitted: Video-call Invigilation – The RYA does not allow remote or webcam invigilation for theory exams.
It must be in-person supervision.

Costs and Practicalities

Invigilation costs vary because each instructor or school sets their own rate. Typical ranges:

• £25–£50 for a simple sit-down invigilation at a training centre

• £50–£100 if an instructor travels to you

• Travel expenses may apply if you arrange a home or workplace visit

What you should expect:

• A quiet, suitable exam space

• ID check

• No access to additional resources (google/chatgpt/etc)

• The invigilator remains in the room, though you can still contact Ardent Training for queries.

• If the exam is taken with an online training centre, they will still be the ones to mark the exam and provide the result.

The exam content is the same whether invigilated or not.

FAQs

Q. Can I take an invigilated RYA theory exam online using a webcam?
A. No. The RYA requires all invigilated exams to be supervised in person.

Q. Can any RYA instructor invigilate my exam?
A. Yes. Any RYA instructor can act as an invigilator. They do not need to be an examiner.

Q. Can I sit an invigilated exam abroad?
A. Yes. You can use any RYA instructor worldwide.

Q. Can I choose to have my exam invigilated even if I don’t need it?
A. Yes. Some students prefer it for personal reassurance or future MCA progression.

Q. Is invigilation required for Yachtmaster commercial endorsement?
A. No. Invigilation is only relevant for Day Skipper >3 nm or MCA progression.

Q. How long does the invigilated exam take?
A. The time limits are identical to the home exam versions. Your training centre will confirm the exact durations.

Q. If I later want to progress to MCA qualifications, can I get my exam invigilated after the fact?
A. Yes. You can sit an invigilated paper later if needed.

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