Chartering Abroad 

If you are chartering a vessel abroad, you will generally need proof of your competence. As the vessel is unlikely to be British flagged, it is necessary to ask the charter company for advice on what evidence will be acceptable.

There is no international requirement for another country to accept a UK qualification in place of their own - except for under certain conditions full STCW qualifications (for working aboard large commercial vessels).Sadly as the RYA scheme is UK based, rather than having an international force behind it, we cannot force the Governments of other countries to accept our certificates as proof of the holder's competence.

In general the boat you are looking to charter abroad won't be UK registered. It will therefore be up to the country in question's maritime authority to advise whether or not your RYA certificate is acceptable.

When planning your overseas charter, it is prudent to obtain from the charter company (preferably in writing) details of the certification they require, what cruising area this is acceptable for and that this certification will meet the requirements of their insurance. In case you are asked for proof of your competence in the places you visit during your charter you should also confirm that your evidence of competence will be acceptable to the maritime authorities in the area concerned.