Why don't we include Examiners travel in our up-front course fees?
Updated 1 December 2022
For a start, the examiners travel costs vary quite a bit depending on where the examiner is traveling from, time of year, number of candidates and so on. So we prefer total transparency.
So why do some schools offer an all inclusive price including travel costs? Because it's in their interest to do so. A school near us charges significantly more for a Yachtmaster motor course than we do, they don't include fuel for the exams, but say that their price includes examiners travel - so as I see it each candidate is paying possibe more than the 'real' cost of the examiners travel but it's bundled in and hidden.
Our examiners fees are typically around €100-150 per candidate, sometimes less.
We keep examiners travel to a minimum by charging only for the costs we've paid for flights, and any costs the examiner has in the UK - so typically travel to/from the UK airport and UK airport car parking. We often pick the examiners up from the airport, regardless of the time of day, we house them at our expense, and we take them back to the airport, usually after we've bought them a beer to say 'thanks' for their time and input. We don't charge any of this to our students.
Finally, whilst on the subject of exam costs - its well worth remembering that at Deep Blue Sea Training we include ALL the fuel thats used during the week AND for the exam.
So when you're deciding who to train with for an externally moderated exam such as Yachtmaster, bear this in mind. An all-inclusive price that doesn't include exam fuel and hides the real cost of examiners travel will not be in your favour. And don't forget to ask how much the extra exam fuel is likely to be.
With Deep Blue Sea Training you get exam fuel included. And total transparency on the examiners travel costs. We prefer it that way.
Tony Stanton
RYA Courses for Recreational Boaters
For many people. learning to sail and spending time out on the water is the ultimate leisure pursuit. Whether you are a complete beginner hoping to find your sea legs for the first time, or a seasoned sailor keen to build new skills and experience, at Deep Blue Sea Training we can help you achieve your goals through thorough, fun and challenging training in the stunning surroundings of the beautiful Balearics. Whether you want to learn to sail a dinghy, or something bigger like our cruising yacht Layla, or maybe you want to learn to handle a motor yacht or powerboat.
If you currently work, or are hoping to work in the yachting industry you need appropriate training and qualifications. For sail, motor, power and personal watercraft, the Royal Yachting Association of Great Britain (RYA) has a wide range of highly respected qualifications that are internationally recognised and many of which can be commercially endorsed for those working in the maritime sector.
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