Commercial Endorsements
What is a commercial endorsement?
Which certificates can be endorsed?
Which certificate do I need?
Applying for a commercial endorsement
Applying for a STCW endorsement
Revalidating your commercial endorsement
It is an 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. 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 complies with STCW 95 regulations V1/1 Sections V1/1-4. 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).
We are currently developing an online training course to prepare commercial endorsement holders for the extra responsibilities of being a professional skipper or crew, above those needed for safe leisure boating. The course will cover the legal requirements, regulations, guidance and processes for managing the vessel and its crew. From April 2012 this will become a pre-requisite for anyone applying for their first commercial endorsement, and for those renewing their endorsement. Further details will be available nearer the time through RYA Magazine, our website and the marine press.
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.
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.
Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:
- Your original certificate - see list above
- 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 below. 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 Personal Survival Techniques STCW95
- A passport sized photo with your name on the back
- The fee
*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.
Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:
- Your original RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean certificate of competence
- A commercial endorsement application form - see link below
- 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.
- Evidence of completion of STCW courses - see list above
- A passport sized photo with your name on the back
- The fee
*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.
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.
*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.