Programme
Each year, around 4,500 applicants request a Commercial Endorsement in order to use their RYA/MCA qualifications to work professionally as skippers or crew.
RYA/MCA qualifications are among the most internationally recognised certifications for professional maritime work.
Typical professional roles include:
Delivery skippers or crew
RYA instructors (sail and/or power)
Charter skippers or crew
Mega-yacht crew
Deckhands
Workboat skippers
RIB drivers
Corporate skippers
Regardless of your role on board, once you work at sea you are considered a maritime professional. The laws governing a cruise ship captain are not fundamentally different from those you must comply with as a professional skipper. At all times you have a duty of care toward your crew, passengers and other mariners — and you may be held accountable if things go wrong.
The course covers the legal framework required to operate commercially, regardless of the type of vessel. Although specific operational scenarios are addressed (sail, power, RIBs, workboats), the focus is on duty-of-care principles, risk management and safe decision-making.
The course is divided into four modules:
The Commercial Environment – understanding the skipper’s role within the commercial maritime sector.
People – the importance of safety crew, maintaining competence, and safely managing the vessel.
Vessel – required safety equipment, maintenance, operational procedures and risk-control measures.
Scenarios – ensuring the vessel is fit, legal and compliant for commercial work; environmental responsibilities; passage planning; and navigation control through simulated case studies.
After completing all modules, an online final test is required. Upon passing, you may download and print your certificate immediately.
Your learning package includes:
Online learning resources
Email support for questions and guidance
In-person support at our facilities if you wish to clarify topics
Certificate (available for download immediately after passing the online exam)
Price
(VAT included)
- e-learning platform access
Requirements
This course is intended for those who already hold an RYA Certificate of Competence and wish to obtain a Commercial Endorsement.
Commercially endorsable certificates include:
MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail
MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Power
MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sail
MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Power
MCA / RYA Advanced Powerboat
As well as the following RYA certificates:
RYA Dayskipper Shorebased with Dayskipper Sail
RYA Dayskipper Shorebased with Dayskipper Power
RYA Powerboat Level 2
If your Commercial Endorsement must be renewed, or if you are applying for the first time after 1 June 2012, this certificate is mandatory. You are exempt only if you hold an MCA Master qualification.
Duration
You should allow a minimum of 6 hours to complete this course. However, to gain maximum benefit, we recommend allowing a week to consolidate your knowledge and complete the practice tests before the final assessment.
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