rya yachtmaster offshore commercial endorsement

Maritime Training Sail & Power

What is a commercial endorsement?

It is an endorsement printed on your RYA certificate of competence to show that you have undergone additional training and a medical fitness test, enabling you to work on commercial vessels. There are two types of commercial endorsement:

The standard commercial endorsement allows you work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels. The following wording would appear on your certificate:

• For Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence: This certificate is valid for use as a Master of yachts of up to 200gt on commercially and privately registered yachts until (date of expiry).
• For Powerboat Level 2, Powerboat Advanced, Day Skipper and Yachtmaster Coastal Certificates of Competence: Valid for vessels of up to 24 metres in length used for commercial purposes subject to the codes of practice issued by the MCA until (date of expiry).

The STCW endorsement is for holders of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean Certificates of Competence working under non-UK maritime authorities. It requires you to take 4 additional courses:

• Personal Survival techniques (STCW A-V1/1-1)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-V1/1-4)
• Elementary first aid (STCW A-V1/1-3)
• Fire fighting and fire prevention (STCW A-V1/1-2)

The following wording would appear on your certificate: The certificate holder has completed training under the STCW code A- VI/1 Para 2.1. This certificate is valid for use as Master of yachts of up to 200gt on commercially and privately registered yachts until:(date of expiry).

Which certificates can be commercially endorsed?

The following certificates can receive the standard commercial endorsement:

I) Course completion certificate:

• RYA National Powerboat Certificate – Level 2
• RYA National Powerboat Certificate – Advanced (only if issued before January 1, 2005)
• RYA Day Skipper (tidal) practical course completion certificate.
• RYA Day Skipper (non-tidal) practical course completion certificate, only if supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate.

II) Certificate of competence (exam passed):

• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

In addition, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence can receive the STCW endorsement.

Which certificate do I need?

The MCA’s codes of practice categorise British flagged commercial yachts according to the type of yacht and the waters in which they operate. It is this categorisation that determines which of the above certificates you will need. See the MCA’s table of manning requirements below.

The RYA is a certifying authority for the codes of practice and can give advice on the coding and categorisation of commercial yachts. See the requirements for commercial boats link below.

How do I apply for a standard commercial endorsement?

Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:

• Your original certificate – see list above
• Your Professional Practices and Responsibilites certificate – more information
• A commercial endorsement application form – see link on the right
• An ML5 or ENG1 medical fitness certificate – download the MCA’s ML5 form from the link on the right. Skippers working in category 1 or 0 waters will need the ENG1 medical. Contact the MCA for a list of approved doctors.
• A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
• A passport sized photo with your name on the back

*From April 2012 applicants for the commercial endorsement will also have to complete an online course and assessment, as detailed in the ‘What is a commercial endorsement?’ section above.

How do I apply for a STCW endorsement?

• Your original RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean certificate of competence
• A commercial endorsement application form – see link below
• Evidence of completion of STCW courses – see list above

Revalidating your commercial endorsement

All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years by proving at least 150 days of actual sea service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years, and be in possession of a valid medical fitness certificate.

If you are unable to prove the requisite sea service but are able to demonstrate that during at least half of the five year period you have been employed on duties closely associated with the management and operation of one or more of the appropriate types of vessels, you may have your certificate considered for revalidation.

*April 2012 onwards applicants for the commercial endorsement also have to complete an online PPR course and assessment, as detailed here .

Once you have taken your first PPR course, at subsequent renewals of your commercial endorsement you will need to take a reduced version of the course and a short test to make sure you are still up to speed with the subject.

Note: If you are over 65 and subject to more regular medical fitness examinations, you do not need to take the PPR course each time you renew your medical. You will simply need to take it when your commerical endorsment is due for renewal (normally every five years).

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RYA Competent Crew | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

This course introduces the complete beginner to cruising and teaches personal safety, seamanship and helmsmanship to the level required to be a useful member of the crew of a cruising yacht.

• Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
• Sail Handling
• Fire Precautions and fighting
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• Meteorology
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• General Duties

***RYA Competent Crew Certificate*** (includes food and accommodation onboard)

RYA Day Skipper Theory | 6 Days | Ratio 12:1

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship.

• Nautical Terms
• Anchor work
• International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
• Definition of position, course and speed
• Navigational charts and publications
• Navigational drawing instruments
• Tides and tidal streams
• Visual aids to navigation
• Passage Planning
• Navigation in restricted visibility
• Marine Environment

***RYA/MCA Day Skipper for Sail & Power Craft Shore Based Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA Day Skipper Practical | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

This course is to teach pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the standard required to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar.

• Preparation for sea
• Maintenance and repair work
• Victualling
• Emergency Situations
• Yacht handling under power
• Yacht handling under sail
• Passage making

***RYA Practical Sailing Course Day Skipper Certificate*** (includes accommodation onboard and food)

SAMSA SRC Radio License 2 Days

Cover VHF Radio syllabus

*** SRC radio certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA Diesel Engine | 1 Day | Ratio 6:1

***RYA Diesel Engine Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

AY Deckhand / Superyacht Training | 2 Days

***Atlantic Yachting Deckhand Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

Boat Handling | 5 days

Re-capping day skipper theory & practical aspects plus boat handling experience

(includes accommodation | includes food)

RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Theory | 7 Days | Ratio 12:1

This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. The syllabus makes some provision for the revision of subjects in the Day Skipper Course but those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper Course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course in the timetable.

• The magnetic compass
• Tidal Streams
• Rules of the Road
• Safety at Sea
• Passage Plan
• GPS and chart plotter
• Echo sounders

***RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shore Based Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food) 

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

The aim of the course is to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht (7-15m LOA) safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night

• Passage making ability as skipper
• Adverse weather conditions
• Emergency situations

***RYA Practical Sailing Course Coastal Skipper Certificate*** (includes accommodation onboard and food)

RYA Radar | 1 Day | Ratio 12:1

***RYA Radar Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA Power Boat Level II | 2 Days | Ratio 3:1

***RYA Power Boat Level 2 Power Boat Handling Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA PWC | 1 Day | Ratio 4:1

• Layout of a PW, controls, propulsion and steering system, fuel and oil, stowage compartment
• Personal equipment – wetsuits/dry suit, personal buoyancy, head and eye protection
• Pre-launch checks
• Essential safety information, kill-cord, safe speed, local hazards

Collision Avoidance:

• Rules of the road applicable to PWs
• Priorities between different classes of vessels
• Overtaking, crossing and end-on approach rules
• Local rules, speed limits, prohibited areas

Orientation at Sea:

• Charts, scales, direction and distance
• Representation of land, shallows and deep water
• Buoys, lateral and cardinal
• Avoid shipping areas for water skiing etc.
• Tides, high and low water and tidal streams

Weather, Safety, Courtesy to other water users

• Sources and significance of weather forecasts
• Lee and water shores
• Safety and emergency equipment
• Courtesy to other water users
• Avoiding pollution ad disturbances and damage to wildlife habitats

***RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate of Proficiency*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA PPR online course | 1 day | Compulsory for commercial endorsement

(includes accommodation | excludes food)

Mile building Trips

• 50 days sea time
• 5 days as skipper
• 5 passages over 60nm, including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper

***Signed off in logbook ~ should candidate meet required tasks*** (includes accommodation | includes food)

Exam Preparation | boat handling | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

This course is designed to revise the theoretical and practical aspects of the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Exams. It is assumed that all aspects of boat handling and theory are familiar to the students and only revision is required.

• Practical navigation
• Boat Handling (sailing on and off docks, ferry gliding, blind navigation, picking up moorings, tidal stream work etc)
• General Seamanship
• Responsibilities of Skipper
• Safety checks & briefing

(includes accommodation onboard and food)

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam 3/4 Days

1 day passage plan

3 – 4 days practical exam

(We have allowed 3 – 4 days for the external exam to cover any unforeseen circumstances therefore you should not make any personal plans over this period)

NB: see link below on exam procedures.

..\..\Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Exam Syllabus.pdf

Successful graduates earn their RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement (includes accommodation onboard and food)

Outsourced:

Stcw 2010 11 days (standard of training & certification of watch keepers).

This is an outsourced course which is compulsory for any crew working in the yachting industry.

• Elementary First Aid – 2 days
• Marine Fire Fighting – 3 days
• PSSR (Personal, Safety and Social Responsibilities) – 2 days
• PST (Personal Survival Techniques) – 2 days
• PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties) – 2 days

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RYA commercial endorsement

What certificates can i commercially endorse.

Commercial Endorsement is required to  work , as skipper, on a British flagged vessel that takes “paying passengers”. A commercial vessel can be defined as:

“A motor or sailing vessel in commercial use (i.e. Charter) for sport or pleasure, carrying no cargo and not more than 12 paying passengers.”

You are able to apply for a Commercial Endorsement on any of the following qualifications:

• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Advanced Powerboat   Certificate of Competence
• RYA Day Skipper Practical (Power or Sail). You must have completed RYA Day Skipper Theory too
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

How do I apply for commercial endorsement?

Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:

• ENG1 or ML5 medical .
• Your original certificate that you intend to get commercially endorsed.
• Professional Practices and Responsibilities course , known as PPR. Note, that the PPR qualification lasts for life.
• Commercial endorsement  application through the RYA.
• Sea survival certificate

Note: If you hold STCW Basic Safety Training certificates then by sending in STCW plus 1-4 above

STCW upgrade to Master 200GT

If you hold all four  elements of the STCW Basic Safety training modules (Fire Fighting, Sea Survival, Elementary First Aid and PSSR) then you can apply for the STCW Master 200 endorsement. With an STCW endorsement your certificate of competence will be endorsed with the term “Master of Yachts 200GT”. With the STCW endorsement  your qualification allows you to skipper a UK registered vessel upto 200GT, which could be larger than 24m.

How long does commercial endorsement last?

All commercial endorsements are  required to be renewed every five years . To renew your commercial endorsement please use this link . You will need to be in the possession of:

• A valid ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate
• Your original certificate
• Passport photo

If you have any questions relating to RYA Commercial Endorsement then feel free to  contact us

What can I do with my Commercial Endorsement

Once you have commercially endorsed your RYA certificate, you are able to use the certificate commercially. The following describes what you can do with each certificate:

Powerboat level 2 – Allows you to work in Category 6 waters: within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s) and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight

Advanced Powerboat (with 12 months of relevant experience) – Allows you to work in Category 6 waters, within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s) and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight

Advanced Powerboat (with two years of relevent experience) – Allows you to work in Category 6 – 3 waters, up to 20 miles from a safe haven, day or night.

RYA Day Skipper Practical & Sail (Power or Sail): Allows you to work in Category 5 and 6 waters, within 20 miles from a nominated departure point in favourable weather and daylight.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal : Allows you to work in Category 6 – 3 waters, ip to 20 miles from a safe haven, day or night.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore : Allows you to work in Category 1 waters, up to 150 miles from a safe haven

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean : Allows you to work in Category 0 waters, Unrestricted service

NAVatHOME Australia

Commercial endorsement of your rya qualification, australian flagged vessels.

Marine Orders 505 has been updated in 2022 to formally recognise the RYA qualifications as the official pathway to obtain the Australian SailMaster Qualification, this is scheduled to become effective from the 1st of January 2023, and until that time holders of the RYA Certificate of Competence are allowed to operate commercially under Marine Exemption Orders 18.

Sailing Master Coastal (Inland and Inshore Waters)

Sailing master offshore (inland, inshore, and outside inshore).

• RYA Commercially Endorsed Certificate of Competency
• Short Range Radio Operators Certificte of Proficiency issued by ACMA (or higher qualification)
•       Coxswains Grade 1 NC Certificate of Competency
•       Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Certificate of Competency
•       Maritime Training Package MARC037
•       RYA Diesel Engine course and the Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling course
•       RYA Diesel Engine course and the RYA Level 2 Powerboat course

British Flagged Vessels

• RYA qualification commercially endorsed
• Complete the PPR course.
• Pass the Required Medical
• Have a VHF Certificate of Proficiency

Day Skipper

Yachtmaster certificates of competence, new zealand flagged vessels.

• Complete and pass the Royal Yacht Association (RYA) yachtmaster offshore or RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
• Meet the minimum sea service requirements (which match the RYA Yachtmaster seatime requirements)
• Pass approved training in commercial competencies by completing the required sections of a training record book
• Have current certificates for the required ancillary proficiencies (First Aid, Radio, survival craft, Fire Fighting)
• Pass the final exam for Maritime New Zealand
• Prove that you are a fit and proper person
• Be medically fit and have good eyesight
• Be at least 18 years old.

• Commercial Endorsment

National Yachting School  » Commercial Endorsment

Commercial Endorsment for professional skippers

Commercial endorsment, authorizing the management of vessels up to 200gt for commercial uses, may be obtained for all types of RYA certificates – RYA Day Skipper, RYA Coastal Skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean. Commercial endorsment is issued by the British government's Ma­ritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Certificates to RYA Yachtmaster Coastal with commercial endorsement are valid for recreational and commercial vessels up to 24 meters length, permissions differ in navigation and distance from shore.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates with commercial endorsement are valid for recreational and commercial vessels up to 200gt, distance of 150 miles from a safe haven, respectively indefinitely. This certificate is then used as a basis for further qualification levels (MCA Officer of the Watch, MCA's Chief Mate, Master 500GT and 3000GT) that allow you to work professionally on vessels up to 3000gt.

This is the British system, officially valid on ships under the British flag. Higher certificates (Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean) with commercial endorsement are commonly recognized as sufficient qualification in many other states. To obtain internationally recognized commercial endorsement it is necessary to complete STCW courses. But it is always necessary to ask the local authorities about specific conditions of the flag state and the territorial waters.

Commercial endorsement is valid generally for 5 years (skippers over 65 years must renew their medical certificate more often). Toobtain the commercial endorsement you will need:

• Completed application RYA / MCA
• A certificate of medical examination according to the standards of MCA
• Survival at sea course. Recognised courses are RYA Basic Sea Survival, ISAF Sea Survival Training or standard STCW courses.
• „Professional Practices and Responsibilities“ online course ( more infoabout the online course )

If you are interested in obtaining the Commercial endorsment please contact us. For more detailed informations about the Commercial endorsment visit the RYA website

Due to the coronavirus crisis, we are canceling all practical courses in Croatia until further notice. For new course dates, please keep an eye on our website.

Winter courses on Canaries

In NYS we believe that there’s no such a thing as winter in sailing and you can always find a good place to enjoy your hobby any time throught the year. So we offer popular winter courses again, this time on Canary Islands, starting from Tenerife because of the best flight connections.

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Process the Commercial Endorsement

In this article we want to outline the necessary steps to process the Commercial Endorsement of a RYA degree what would be to move from a recreational title to a professional.

What the RYA says:

What is a commercial endorsement?

A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels.

A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement.

Which certificates can be commercially endorsed?

The following certificates may request a commercial endorsement:

Course completion certificates:

• RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate (only if issued before 1 January 2005)
• RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate.

Certificates of competence:

• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

In addition, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence can receive the  STCW endorsement .

Which certificate do I need?

The MCA codes of practice classify British-flagged commercial yachts according to the type of yacht and the waters in which they operate. You can consult the MCA staff requirements table.

Professional Practices and Responsibilities course (PPR)

The PPR is an online course that is done from home through a recognized RYA center and since April 2012 it has been a requirement to complete the course.

All new applicants for approval must take the course before submitting their application.

Holders of existing commercial endorsements who obtained their endorsement before April 2012 should take the course before their next revalidation.

How do I apply for a commercial endorsement?

Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:

• Your  original certificate
• Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate   PPR Course
• A commercial endorsement  application form
• Original ML5 or  ENG1 medical fitness certificate 
• A copy of your  STCW  Personal Survival Techniques
• Copy of your RYA Marine Radio  SRC Certificate or other acceptable  GMDSS Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate.
• Passport sized  photo with your name on the back
• The  application fee

The Medical Certificate must be recognized by the RYA/ MCA. There is one in English, ENG1.

For Spaniards it is best , once the Basic Traning is completed and the Maritime Booklet is processed, to do the Medical checkup of the ISM (Social Marine Institute), which is recognized by all countries that signed the Agreement STCW95.

The PPR is an online course that is done from home through a recognized RYA center.

Once you have all the necessary certificates, you must complete the “Appliction for Commercial Endorsement”, and send it to RYA. As you will see, by not working in the UK territorial waters, we have to present the 4 STCW modules.

If you already have all the certificates before processing the Yachtmaster Title, you can send everything together (usually done by the examiner once passed the exam), and in this way the RYA sends the certificate with the Commercial Endorsement.

But usually, what to do, is first to process the title of Yachtmaster, and once all necessary certificates have been obtained, the Application Form is filled and the Commercial Endorsement is processed.

Re-validating your commercial endorsement

All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years by testing at least 150 days of actual maritime service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years, and be in possession of a valid medical fitness certificate.

And remember!

Yacht Point is the only school in Barcelona approved by the RYA and the Generalitat de Catalunya.

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What is a commercial endorsement?

A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels.

A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement.

Which certificates can be commercially endorsed?

The following certificates can receive the standard commercial endorsement:

I) Course completion certificate:

• RYA National Powerboat Certificate – Level 2
• RYA National Powerboat Certificate – Advanced (only if issued before January 1, 2005)
• RYA Day Skipper Practical course completion certificate, if supported by a Day Skipper Theory course completion certificate

II) Certificate of competence (exam passed):

• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster CoastalCertificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence
• In addition, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence can receive the STCW endorsement.

Which certificate do I need?

The MCA’s codes of practice categorise British flagged commercial yachts according to the type of yacht and the waters in which they operate. It is this categorisation that determines which of the above certificates you will need.

The RYA is a certifying authority for the codes of practice and can give advice on the coding and categorisation of commercial yachts.

How do I apply for a standard commercial endorsement?

Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:

• Your original certificate – see list above
• Your Professional Practices & Responsibilities certificate
• A commercial endorsement application form
• An ML5 or ENG1 medical fitness certificate
• We can only accept the latest version of the ML5 form (currently Rev 04/12). Skippers working in category 1 or 0 waters will need the ENG1 medical. Contact the MCA for a list of approved doctors.
• A copy of your Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
• First Aid Certificate . There are some First Aid qualifications that are Unacceptable to the RYA/MCA (only required if applying for a commercial endorsement to a Day Skipper , Power Boat Level 2 or Advanced Powerboat Course Completion Certificate).
• SRC Certificate or other acceptable marine radio operator’s certificate (only required if applying for a commercial endorsement to a Day Skipper , Power Boat Level 2 or Advanced Powerboat Course Completion Certificate.
• A passport sized photo with your name on the back

Note : From April 2012 onwards applicants for the commercial endorsement also have to complete an online PPR course and assessment, as detailed here .

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A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels.

A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement.

Any of the Yachtmaster qualifications above can be commercially endorsed by the RYA thus enabling you to work on commercial vessels. The endorsement is printed on your RYA certificate of competence to show that you have undergone additional training and a medical fitness test, enabling you to work on commercial vessels.

There are two types of commercial endorsement: The standard commercial endorsement allows you work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels. 

For Yachtmaster Coastal Certificates of Competence:

• Valid for vessels of up to 24 metres in length used for commercial purposes subject to the codes of practice issued by the MCA until (date of expiry).

For Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence:

• This certificate is valid for use as a Master of yachts of up to 200gt on commercially and privately registered yachts until (date of expiry).

The STCW endorsement is for holders of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean Certificates of Competence working under non-UK maritime authorities. It requires you to take 4 additional courses:

• Personal Survival techniques (STCW A-V1/1-1)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-V1/1-4)
• Elementary first aid (STCW A-V1/1-3)
• Fire fighting and fire prevention (STCW A-V1/1-2)

The following wording would appear on your certificate:

• The certificate holder has completed training under the STCW code A- VI/1 Para 2.1. This certificate is valid for use as Master of yachts of up to 200gt on commercially and privately registered yachts until:(date of expiry).

Documents needed to apply for a standard commercial endorsement:

• Your original RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean certificate of competence.
• Your Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate.
• A commercial endorsement application form.
• A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques 
• An ML5 or ENG1 medical fitness certificate.
• A passport-sized photo with your name on the back.
• The fee 

Documents needed to apply for an STCW commercial endorsement

• Evidence of completion of STCW courses.

Great school..

Had lot of experience and learnt a lot from instructor, Dave, while always having fun in what we were doing. Excellent food items and menu appealing to all tastes.

Very comfortable and well-maintained boat. Great instruction. And very good organisation! It made me comfortable with the choice I made even before coming to Brittany, thank you Alison. Excellent food! Now I understand better the comments left on the website.

I really enjoy the style of teaching, the atmosphere and felt Dave's experience could not have been beaten by similar school.

Friendly, patient and take time to explain you when you don't understand. Perfect, good instruction, friendly, excellent food.

Dave was brilliant

I had complete confidence in him, loved his sense of humour. Food was absolutely excellent and plentiful. Booklet of cake recipes would have been brilliant too! Never thought that I would enjoy it so much - loved it.

Really professional & well run

Training was well delivered & effective, well-tailored to my training needs & matched to experience. Dave has a well-judged & supportive approach to training - an excellent mentoring style, creates a great environment for learning. Catering was outstanding, many thanks Alison. It would be invidious to choose between the excellent cakes - Yum. A really professional & well run course, a well-equipped & maintained boat, a thoroughly enjoyable & good humoured week of mentoring & learning.

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• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158) available from the webshop (see right).

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams can be taken under sail or power and your certificate will be endorsed accordingly. The candidate or a training centre provides the boat and the RYA provides an examiner. Note: All qualifying sea time and passages must be gained on vessels appropriate to the type of exam i.e. gained in sailing vessels for a sail exam and power vessels for a power exam.

There is no formal training course leading up to the exam, but those who have not previously taken RYA courses often find it useful to book themselves in for some informal training at an RYA centre prior to their exam. This training can be tailor-made to your specific needs and helps to fill any gaps in your knowledge that may become apparent.

The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS, meteorology and signals.

Boats used for exams

You may use your own boat or a boat that you have chartered or borrowed. You will be responsible for ensuring the boat is seaworthy and suitable for the area in which the exam takes place and equipped as shown below.

The boat used must be between 7m and 18m (LOA) and be in sound, seaworthy condition, equipped to the standard set out in the RYA Boat Safety Handbook 2nd Edition (code G103). The boat must be equipped with a full up to date set of charts and navigational publications along with working instruments and either plotter or GPS. In addition to the candidate there should be two crew on board as the examiner will not take part in the management of the boat during the exam.

There may be vessels that will meet the guidelines outlined above but by virtue of their layout, construction, handling characteristics or other factors may be unsuitable for use for an RYA Yachtmaster Practical examination. The RYA reserves the right to refuse an exam on a vessel that, in the view of the RYA Chief Examiner, will not allow the examiner to conduct an examination to the standard required by the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Qualification Panel.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• can provide a boat
• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• hold an SRC (Short Range Certificate) or higher level GMDSS radio operators qualification
• hold a valid first aid certificate
• have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

Additionally if not on the boat, you will need to bring to the exam:

• laminated or waterproof charts
• GPS set (may be hand held)
• tide tables
• pilotage information for the local area, eg pilot books, port information etc
• plotting instruments.
• Photographic ID card or document, such as a passport or driving licence

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed .

Useful links

Arranging your exam, commercial endorsements, exam payments service, mca manning requirements, professional qualifications.

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster

What is an RYA Yachtmaster?

The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper. Unlike other qualifications in the cruising programme, there is no formal training course to become an RYA Yachtmaster. Instead, provided you have sufficient experience, certification and seatime, you can put yourself forward for an exam to test your skills and knowledge. There are a number of RYA navigation courses that will help you prepare for your exam. Many RYA Yachtmaster candidates also choose to book themselves into an RYA training centre for some specialised exam preparation training, but this is not compulsory.

You are capable of coastal passages

You are competent to undertake passages up to 150 miles offshore

You have the knowledge and experience to sail worldwide

• Arranging your exam

The Coastal and Offshore exams are practical tests afloat, and the Ocean is an oral exam. Find out more about qualifying passages, exam fees and how to book. 

With an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean Certificate of Competence you can start a career at sea.

You'll need to have the appropriate qualification for the vessel and area of operation.

If you want to work commercially, you'll need a commercial endorsement.

Find out more about other RYA professional qualifications.

• Getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course

Can you really become an RYA Yachtmaster in as little as 14 weeks? Check out our top tips for getting the most from a Yachtmaster Fast Track course...