yacht master commercial endorsement

Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

Advance your maritime career.

UKSA’s Professional Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is a bespoke, ALL-INCLUSIVE, comprehensive training package that will provide you with the skills you need to start your career in the maritime industry.

Our yachting career students will tell you that we provide unbeatable  course content, training and facilities.  You will also enjoy modern shorebased accommodation and freshly prepared daily meals while you are training with us.

About the Professional Yachtmaster course

This unique, premium qualification has been developed by Richard Baggett , one of the world’s top yachting instructors, and his highly experienced team at UKSA. The course is constantly monitored and adapted to ensure it remains relevant and always covers the current requirements for you to start working in the industry straight away. UKSA’s highly regarded Yachtmaster opens up the most opportunities for employment within the maritime sector. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, working on superyachts, flotilla, tug boats, and employment in the Merchant Navy.

• 16 weeks training
• 70 days afloat
• 2,500 tidal miles covered
• Navigation training
• Radar training
• Basic engineering and safety training
• Careers guidance from our professional team
• Networking within the industry

Train at UKSA and experience our unbeatable value, world-class tuition and invaluable industry support and insight.

Please note:  On occasion your sea phases may involve travelling outside of the UK. Therefore, to avoid restricting sailings we highly recommend that all Professional Yachtmaster Offshore students/Cadets are vaccinated against Covid-19 with the current maximum number of doses.

  Please note this is not mandatory in order to complete the course but a recommendation.

Why train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

• Accommodation in our new  Sea.Change building when shorebased for the duration of your course *
• Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
• Purpose built classrooms and navigational training simulators all on one site
• One-to-one mentoring throughout the course from your instructors
• Dedicated careers course manager
• Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
• Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
• Use of our swimming pool
• Access to our fully equipped gym

*  subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

Qualifications gained

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail) or RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail)
• RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• RYA Short Range Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities

Commercial Endorsement

To work professionally within the maritime industry, you must be commercially endorsed. To commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster Certification at the end of your training, you will need to complete the RYA application for Commercial Endorsement Form, but you will gain all qualifications needed to commercially endorse your ticket during training.

Entry requirements

You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (click  here   for more details) and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement (click  here  for more details). We recommend all students secure this before attending a course.

There are no other pre-requisites necessary to start the course. All that we ask is that you have enough sailing experience to know that you want a life at sea. If you don’t have any previous experience, we recommend you talk to our course advisors on  +44 (0)1983 203038  or  [email protected]

Funding available

We are here to support you

UKSA is committed to making training and qualifications accessible to those who have the desire to succeed in a yachting or watersports career. Funding could be available for this Yachtmaster course. To see a full list of all of our funding options visit our  funding opportunities page  or call us to talk about your options with our experienced course advisers on  +44 (0)1983 203038 .

Frequently asked questions

How to get a commercial skipper’s license

The recommended route to obtaining a commercial skippers license is to do two training courses which consist of the Day Skipper Shorebased course and the Day Skipper Practical course. These are both included in the Professional Yachtmaster offshore course. The first covers the theory and knowledge-based training, such as meteorology, navigation, pilotage techniques and collision regulations; the second is putting this theory into practice in addition to developing the practical skippering skills of crew management, boat handling, practical pilotage and passage making.

What is a Yachtmaster?

A Yachtmaster is a person with a wealth of maritime knowledge who can cope with plain sailing and motor cruising and is also able to cope in demanding situations. Our Yachtmaster offshore qualification is recognised and respected all around the world and is the ultimate aim of many skippers, both professional and recreational.

Who are the RYA?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) are the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inland waterways cruising.

View more Yachtmaster FAQs.

Dates and pricing

Don’t just take our word for it.

“The course is very professional, the instructors are experienced and highly motivated, and everyone is friendly and keen to help you succeed. The key reason I joined UKSA is to get my yachting ticket from an organisation that is well respected in the yachting industry. I also wanted to benefit from the careers support to be able to break into a career in professional yachting.”

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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).

Contact details

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

Find out About the Yachtmaster Offshore Theory & Practical Training, (both Online & Shorebased)

Use the global Yachtmaster Offshore Directory to Find a Course Near me (Select any Location)

Page Navigation

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore 200GT
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Requirements
• Course Breakdown
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Limited Theory
• RYA Yachtmaster of Yachts Practical Course
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Examination
•  RYA Yachmaster Offshore Certificate
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Commercial Endorsement

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Yachtmaster 200GT & 150NM Limited)

An RYA Offshore certifies an individual as competent to captain a vessel up to 24m in length and no more than 200 Gross Tonnes. The offshore certification is applicable passages during which the yacht is no more than 150 miles from harbour.

The Yacht master offshore consists of two components:

• Yachtmaster Offshore Theory 
• Yachtmaster Offshore Practical 

Both components can be done on an individual basis but in order to achieve a commercial endorsement for the yachtmaster offshore certificate of competency, both the theory and practical examinations must be passed.

Yachtmaster Offshore Requirements:

In order to be eligible to take the Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam, candidates must meet the minimum sea time requirements.

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore minimum sea time prerequisites are as follows:

• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500GT
• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA
• 2500 miles on yachts up to 500GT
• 5 passages over 60 miles long, which must include 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper

If a candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence for a different vessel type (Ie. power or sail) then the above prerequisites are adjusted as indicated on the RYA's Yacht Master Offshore Exam page.

Yachtmaster Offshore Course Breakdown

The Yachtmaster Offshore course consists of a 40-hour (minimum) theory course (excluding exam time), 5 days of practical training and preparation followed by a 2-day practical examination.

Yachtmaster Offshore Theory:

The following topics are covered during the Yachtmaster Offshore theory course:

• Position fixing,
• Course shaping and plotting,
• Tidal knowledge,
• Use of almanacs and admiralty publications,
• Electronic position finding equipment,
• Taking and interpreting forecasts,
• Plotting weather systems,
• Weather predictions using a barometer.
• Certificate issuing criteria

Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Online

The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory can be studied in an online or virtual distance learning format. The online version of the course allows students to work through the training content at their own pace, which may benefit those who are working with little time off.

Yachtmaster Offshore Practical

Although there is no formal training course leading up to the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical exam, it is common for yacht crew to complete a practical training course, leading up to the exam. This may vary slightly between schools but should be done at an RYA accredited center.

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.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Exam:

A valid GMDSS-approved SRC Radio Operators Certificate and a First Aid Certificate are requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Practical examination. The Elementary First Aid Certificate as acquired during STCW Basic Training is an accepted version. For recreational sailors, an RYA First Aid certificate is sufficient.

In addition to this, candidates need to ensure that they have met the minimum sea time prerequisites as highlighted above.

Practical Exam Assessment:

The exam will include an assessment of:

• The candidate's skills as a captain,
• Boat handling ability
• General seamanship,
• Navigation planning and execution
• Safety awareness and procedures
• Knowledge of the IRPCS,
• Meteorology,
• Lights, shapes, sounds, and other signals.

Practical Exam Duration:

• 8-12 hours for 1 candidate,
• 10-18 hours for 2 candidates.
• No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in one 2-day session.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate

Students who pass their Yachtmaster Offshore practical and theory examinations will be awarded an RYA Yachtmaster offshore certificate of competency. It is important to understand that CoC is a recreational license until it is commercially endorsed by the MCA.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Commerical Endorsement

In order to commercially endorse your Yachtmaster offshore certificate, you will need to submit the following:

• Original Yachtmaster Offshore certificate
• RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate
• an RYA commercial endorsement application form
• Your original, completed ML5, ENG1 , or an ENG1 equivalent medical form.
• A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
• A copy of your RYA Marine Radio SRC Certificate or other acceptable GMDSS Marine Radio Operator's Certificate .
• A passport-sized photo with your name on the back
• The application fee

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore License

A license card/ book will be provided to those who pass the relevant Yachtmaster offshore examinations. The license will include a photo, and details about the license holder, and will also include information about the endorsements associated with the license.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Training School Locations

Brazil Sao Paulo

Croatia Split

Greece Corfu

South Africa Cape Town Langebaan

Spain Barcelona

Turkey Marmaris

United Kingdom England Ireland Scotland

West Indies Antigua

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• 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.

RYA Sailing Accreditation Rated as the World’s Best

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing qualifications have been voted the premiere sailing accreditation for excellence and global reputation following a recent survey targeting 200 professional yacht and motorboat charter companies. The professional charter companies that were surveyed own and manage in excess of 6,000 charter boats across the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asia.

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Which certificate to become a skipper? Capitaine 200, Yachtmaster or Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

The profession of skipper is demanding and highly regulated. It must meet strict training requirements depending on the type of mission, the flag of the boat…

So which certificate should you choose to become a professional skipper and practice according to the rules? To give you an idea of the different possibilities, we present you with 3 major command titles that are widespread in Europe. These are the Capitaine 200 (French title), the Yachtmaster (English certificate limited to yachting) and the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT (Belgian title). 

Advantages and disadvantages, price and training center, we explain everything!

1. Becoming a professional skipper: a regulated profession

A. skipper, a position of great responsibility.

The skipper (or captain) is in charge of driving the boat. He is the “chief on board”, and must ensure order and safety, while carrying out his mission: charter, coaching or boat delivery. 

As a ship’s captain, he has an important responsibility in the good realization of a navigation. He is the one who will decide on the maneuvers, itineraries and behaviors to adopt in order to guarantee the safety of the passengers and the boat. 

From this responsibility and from the skills required to drive a boat, the obligation to justify maritime professional training titles arises . This obligation is necessary to exercise the profession of skipper on a commercial basis, which means for remuneration. 

B. The training obligations of a professional skipper

In order to sell his services as a skipper, the latter must justify the qualifications and trainings required to carry out the mission.

The training requirements depend on several parameters, including the type of boat (motor or sail), the flag and tonnage of the boat , the type of mission (boat delivery, charter or coaching)…

We are going to present you the 3 most common certificates to be a professional skipper on pleasure boats.

2. Capitaine 200, Yachtmaster and Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT, 3 options to become a professional skipper

A. the capitaine 200.

The Capitaine 200 title, issued by the Merchant Navy, is the most common on France.

The Capitaine 200 is a professional navigation title that allows you to sail as a skipper on motorboats up to 200 gross tons , which means medium-sized boats (~24 meters). It is limited to 20 miles from the coast .

With its “Sailing” module , the Capitaine 200 also allows to drive sailing boats without any distance limitation from the coast . 

In addition to the Capitaine 200 , there are some mandatory complementary training courses :

• A Basic Safety Training (BST)
• At least a Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC)
• A Medical Training Certificate (EM1, 2 ,3)
• A Medical Checkup (ENG1)

➡️ Without these training courses, the Capitaine 200 , such as the Capitaine 200 “Sailing”, cannot be effective. 

- Advantages of the Capitaine 200

The Capitaine 200 allows to work commercially on boats waving the French flag. Its limitation of 200 UMS allows to cover the majority of the French fleet and offers to skippers many possibilities of navigation.

In addition, the Capitaine 200 is an STCW certificate , which means that a skipper holding a Capitaine 200 can easily work on foreign flags (especially under flags whose country is a signatory of the STCW Convention: Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia…). Some countries that are signatories to this Convention can request a visa recognition . This is notably the case of the United Kingdom.

- Disadvantages of the Capitaine 200

The training to obtain this navigation title is quite expensive : between 6 000 to 10 000 €; and requires a significant investment in time (~12 weeks to follow the 5 training modules). Moreover, once the Capitaine 200 title is obtained, it is necessary to justify 12 months of effective navigation (as second in command, seaman or other) to “patent” the title and be able to exercise the function of Captain.

The prerogatives of the Capitaine 200 are limited to motorboats. The “Sailing” module is required to work on a sailboat.

⚠ Please note 1: The Capitaine 200 as well as the additionnal training courses must be renewed globally every 5 years. The revalidation/recycling of these titles has a significant cost: between 150 and 1 000 € depending on the title to renew.

⚠ Please note 2: Merchant Navy certificates do not allow you to work as a sailing instructor. For these types of missions, the French regulations require state diplomas: BPJEPS, BEE, DEJEPS…

- Where to take the training to obtain the Capitaine 200?

There are many schools and training centers approved to take the Capitaine 200 in France. For example, La Macif in Marseille, the Ecole de Formations Maritimes (EFM) in Les Sables d’Olonne, the Centre Européen de Formation Continue Maritime in Concarneau… Simply register for the proposed sessions.

The Capitaine 200 can be financed, in whole or in part, by the PTA (Personal Training Account, CPF in French). 

The Capitaine 200 is delivered by the French Maritime Affairs.

B. The Yachtmaster

The most common title for working internationally is the Yachtmaster. Indeed, the Yachtmaster is an English title of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), recognized by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is valid for all the territories of the British crown, the Red Flag; and thus in many countries of the world . It allows skippers to command pleasure boats up to 24 meters long, without distance limitation with the Ocean extension. It has 3 levels, each with limitations: Coastal (60 Nm), Offshore (150 Nm), and Ocean .

The Yachtmaster must be completed with a “Commercially Endorsed” mention to be used on commercial services and to be professionally recognized internationally. To obtain this endorsement, the skipper must obtain the Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) certificate, the Basic Safety Training (BST), and the MCA Medical Examination (ENG1) .

With a Yachtmaster, seamen can perform charter and boat delivery missions as well as training/coaching missions.

- Advantages of the Yachtmaster:

A large part of the pleasure boats in the world are under British flag or Red Flag (Bermuda, BVIs, Jersey…). Having an English certificate opens the doors to international yachting.

The cost of the training to obtain a Yachtmaster is less expensive than the Capitaine 200 “Sailing”: count between 2 200 and 2 500 €.

The title of Yachtmaster being acquired for life , it allows you to work for private shipowners under the Red Flag without any renewal. However, the additional training courses (BST, ENG1…) must be renewed respectively every 5 and 2 years to renew the Commercial Endorsement which allows international recognition . Overall, this is a big saving compared to the Capitaine 200 certificate.

The Yachtmaster is an exam without any previous training. Although weeks of training are highly recommended, it can be taken very quickly for experienced seamen who wish to become more professional.

The Yachtmaster takes into account the sailing experience gained prior to the exam to allow immediate access to the job of Captain without the need to validate sea time with a lower position (as for the Capitaine 200 ).

The training to obtain this title is 100% in English , which allows you to acquire and justify a sufficient level of English to maneuver a boat.

B. Disadvantages of the Yachtmaster

The Yachtmaster is not recognized by the French State and some other countries as a command title. It cannot be the subject of a visa recognition as it stands; and therefore cannot be used to work on the flags of these countries.

⚠ Please note 1: The Master 200 GT can easily be obtained for seamen who already hold a Yachtmaster. All that is required is to pass the Master 200 GT oral exam. This is a good way to be authorized to work on French flag with a Yachtmaster .

⚠ Please note 2: Visas recognition issued by France are only valid for 5 years , so they must be renewed.

The prerogatives of the Yachtmaster are specific for each title. The Yachtmaster Sailing is required to command a sailboat, while the Yachtmaster Engine is required for a motorboat. 

The Yachtmaster exam is taken completely in English.

- Where to take the training to obtain a Yachtmaster?

To obtain a Yachtmaster, you must pass an exam that includes an assessment of your navigation, maneuvering and safety at sea skills. You must also demonstrate a certain level of English.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is based in the United Kingdom, but it has approved training centers around the world, including France. There are several sailing schools in France that offer Yachtmaster training courses. 

To find an RYA accredited sailing school, you can visit the RYA website which lists all the accredited schools.

C. The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT (C-Yachting 200 GT) is a specific Belgian certificate for vessels up to 200 gross tons. It is a certification title issued by the Belgian Maritime administration that attests to the holder’s ability to command as Captain, navigate safely and manage the crew and passengers of a commercial yacht.

To obtain a Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT, the seaman must first justify a significant navigation experience (or hold a Yachtman…), but also compulsory complementary trainings:

• A Medical Training Certificate (EM1, 2, 3)

Without these trainings, the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT cannot be effective.

The Master Commercial Yachting is an STCW qualification recognized by the signatory countries of the Convention to perform boat delivery, charter and coaching missions. 

It is delivered by the approved training institutes.

- Advantages of the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

Most European countries and signatories of the STCW Convention recognize Commercial Yachting as such, and do not require a visa recognition. When a visa is required (as is the case in France and the United Kingdom), it is generally very easy to obtain .

The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT is also a training course delivered in English and can be obtained in 6 months for the most hurried. The exam takes place in Belgium or France.

The Master Commercial Yachting takes into account the sailing experience made before the training. Thus, following the success of the exam, the certificate allows you to immediately exercise the profession of Captain without the need to validate a sea time with a lower position (as for the Capitaine 200 ).

The prerogatives of the Master Commercial Yachting are valid for both sailing and motor vessels .

- Disadvantages of the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

If the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT is a patent recognized by France (unlike the Yachtmaster) and the United Kingdom, it must however be the subject of an application for a visa recognition for these 2 countries. The holders of a Commercial Yachting can therefore work under the French and British flags, subject to applying for a visa recognition.

Part of the exam is in English, which can be both a disadvantage for people who are not comfortable in English and an advantage for a profession that is definitely internationally oriented.

⚠ Please note: The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT is an STCW certificate; as such, the mandatory additional training courses (GOC/ROC, BST…) must be renewed every 5 years. The holders must then apply for a renewal of the certificate to the competent authority: The Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport .

- Where to follow the training to obtain a Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT?

In general, the training includes theoretical and practical courses, as well as a certain number of hours of navigation.

The cost of the training will depend on the training organization you choose and the duration of the training. List of Belgian approved training organizations.

Capt’n Boat recommendation: The Yachter

The Yachter is an approved training organization that offers E-learning courses (at home from your computer) that can be adapted to the candidates. Via this organization, you can obtain your Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT (Capitaine Master 200 GT in their website) in minimum 3 months or more depending on your schedule, your constraints… The courses are concrete and the instructors are demanding and caring.

Throughout the training, candidates are supervised by a professional STCW instructor. Private lessons can be arranged as an option as well as a face-to-face session with a mock exam. The Yachter also trains for the Master Commercial Yachting 500 GT (Capitaine Master 500 GT) and Master 500 GT Unlimited (Capitaine Master 500 GT Unlimited).

The theoretical exam allows you to obtain the title of Officer Of Watch (OOW200). It takes place over 4 days in France or in Belgium. The practical exam is done in one day on a sailing and/or motor vessel in the South of France.

⚠ Please note: This training is intended for sailors who already have a training title: offshore license, BACPN, Yachtmaster, Capitaine 200 . It is the ideal solution to obtain an additional navigation title and/or start a professional practice .

3. Conclusion

The profession of skipper requires certain skills and qualifications. The Capitaine 200 , the Yachtmaster or the Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT allow each to exercise the position of command on board within certain limitations.

If the Yachtmaster is the most internationally recognized certificate, it is not recognized in France and does not allow you to work on boats waving the French flag.

The Capitaine 200 , completed with its “Sailing” module, is THE French title, however it is long and expensive to obtain.

The Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT , on the other hand, is recognized in France as well as in the United Kingdom, but requires a visa recognition to be effective in these countries.

⛵ So which patent do you opt for?

No matter which patent you choose, on Capt’n Boat we offer missions on all flags (French, English, Italian, Croatian, Greek, Romanian, Polish, US …) and on all types of boats: you will certainly find your hapiness!

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• 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...

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.

Related Posts

What course suits me best to start with? Differences between PER and Day Skipper

What would you carry in your emergency bag?

About the RYA

Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

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

Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Theory

The Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster certificate has become the industry standard qualification after the entry-level stage. It is the first formal training in navigation and seamanship that deckhands receive on their path to higher MCA issued certificates and it is a vital part of their maritime education. This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages. It will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills. 

Instructor student ratio 1:8

You will learn: 

• position fixing 

• course shaping and plotting 

• tidal knowledge 

• use of almanacs and admiralty publications 

• electronic position finding equipment 

• taking and interpreting forecasts 

• plotting weather systems 

• weather predictions using a barometer and by observation 

• collision regulations 

• customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad. 

For MCA OOW, Chief Mate and Master Certificates it is a requirement that this theory course is successfully completed as part of the training. This course is fully redeemable with your ONE Account vouchers (excluding exam fee).

We provide this yacht training course in Antibes.

3 exam papers over the duration of the course

GMDSS SRC Marine Radio (VHF) , Elementary First Aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3)

• Navigational knowledge of Day Skipper standard
• Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) Online test (for commercial endorsement)
• 2500 sea miles (at least half in tidal miles and half in vessels between 7mLWL-24m LOA sub 80GT and all below 500GT), 50 days at sea, 5 passages over 60nm in vessels between 7m LWL-24m LOA and sub 80GT - including: 2 overnight passages and 2 as skipper
• Personal Survival Techniques (for commercial endorsement)
• I have a sufficient level of spoken and written English to understand the course content and to pass any verbal or written assessments.

Bateaux.com

Yachtmaster : Obtenir le Commercial Endorsement pour utiliser son diplôme de skipper

Le Yachtmaster Offshore est une qualification britannique qui permet de travailler en tant que skipper dans de nombreux pays, en dehors de France. Mais pour cela, il faudra un commercial endorsement, c'est-à- dire une autorisation d'exploitation commerciale du titre. Quelques conseils pour l'obtenir simplement.

Écoutez cet article

Après avoir passé les différentes épreuves théoriques et pratiques du diplôme de Yachtmaster Offshore , il reste une formalité plus qu'anecdotique à accomplir avant de pouvoir exercer comme skipper professionnel dans les pays reconnaissant ce titre. Vous devrez en effet obtenir un commercial endorsement. Nous vous expliquons comment vous y prendre.

Les deux Commercial Endorsement

Il existe deux niveaux : le Commercial Endorsement, qui permet de travailler au Royaume-Uni , et le STCW Commercial Endorsement, qui permet de travailler dans un certain nombre de pays qui reconnaissent cette certification, dont la France ne fait pas partie. Pour travailler à l'étranger en dehors du Royaume-Uni , il est donc préférable d'avoir les deux Commercial Endorsements.

Le STCW Commercial Endorsement est une mention qui atteste qu'un marin a validé les qualifications fondamentales de sécurité pour travailler à bord d'un bateau : ces qualifications sont les mêmes pour tous les marins dans le monde entier, et sont décrites par la Convention internationale sur les normes de formation des gens de mer, de délivrance des brevets et de veille ou STCW en anglais, qui émane de l'Organisation Maritime Internationale (OMI).

Même si la France ne reconnaît pas le Yachtmaster, puisque les marins français sont soumis à cette même convention, il est possible de passer ces qualifications estampillées STCW en France : il s'agit du Certificat de Formation de Base à la Sécurité ou CFBS, ou en anglais Basic Safety Training, BST. C'est un pack comprenant 4 formations :

• Techniques Individuelles de Survie (TIS)
• Formation de Base de Lutte contre l' Incendie (FBLI)
• Enseignement Médical de Niveau 1 (Med 1), comprenant le PSC1
• Sécurité des Personnes et Responsabilités Sociales (SPRS)

Ce pack CFBS est accessible dans plusieurs centres de formations en France et coûte entre 900 et 1600 euros environ. Il est éligible à certains financements comme le compte personnel de formation . La formation dure une semaine, et donne un certificat à renouveler tous les 5 ans.

Le Certificat Médical

Pour pouvoir accéder au CFBS, mais aussi pour demander un Commercial Endorsement, il vous faudra un certificat d'aptitude à la navigation. La RYA accepte le certificat français, nommé Certificat d'Aptitude à la Navigation des Gens de Mer, un formulaire qui ne peut être rempli que par un Médecin des Gens de Mer.

Pour prendre rendez-vous auprès du médecin des gens de mer, il faut dans un premier temps demander un numéro de marin provisoire auprès des Affaires Maritimes , qui le donneront sans problème si vous expliquez que vous souhaitez rentrer en CFBS. Ce numéro, provisoire, est identifiable parce qu'il commence par deux astérisques (**). Une fois ce numéro de marin provisoire en main, vous pouvez téléphoner ou prendre rendez-vous en ligne auprès d'un Service de Santé des Gens de Mer, dont la consultation sera ensuite gratuite.

L'examen médical est composé de tests visuels, auditifs, de dépistages de drogue, de questions sur la santé physique et mentale, et d'un examen sommaire. A l'issue de cet examen, en cas de validation, vous vous verrez attribuer un certificat d'aptitude, valable généralement un an ou deux,la durée pouvant varier.

En marge du CFBS et du certificat médical, il faut un autre diplôme, cette fois-ci propre au Royaume-Uni : le certificat de Professional Practices and Responsibilities. Il s'agit d'une formation en ligne permettant de déterminer les prérogatives d'un skipper professionnel, par rapport à ses diplômes, à ceux de l'équipage, aux zones de navigation… Cette formation est accessible par des plateformes en ligne comme Nav At Home, pour la somme de 50 euros environ, et dure en moyenne une journée.

L'envoi du dossier par la poste

Une fois ces diplômes en poche, vous pouvez désormais envoyer votre candidature à la RYA, ce qui se fait par la poste. Pour résumer vous enverrez donc un dossier avec :

• Votre Diplôme original de Yachtmaster
• Une copie du PPR
• Une copie du TIS
• Une copie du FBLI
• Une copie du PSC1 ou du Medical 1
• Une copie de votre Certificat d'Aptitude à la Navigation des Gens de Mer
• Un formulaire rempli de demande de candidature au Commercial Endorsement

Cette demande, traitée en moyenne en un mois par la RYA, coûte 50 euros, et si les papiers sont en ordre, aboutira en la réception de votre diplôme de Yachtmaster avec les mentions correspondantes au Commercial Endorsement et STCW Commercial Endorsement.

Au terme de ce combat administratif, vous voilà désormais prêt à travailler en tant que skipper, dans tous les pays qui reconnaissent le Yachtmaster, ou pavillon correspondant !

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• 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...