Key takeaways
- ✓Master (Code Vessels) <200GT is the first MCA master CoC for Yachtmaster holders: limited to 150 miles from a safe haven with Yachtmaster Offshore, unlimited with Yachtmaster Ocean.
- ✓It needs 6 months' actual sea service (any size vessel) while holding Yachtmaster Offshore, plus STCW, GMDSS, ENG1, HELM (Operational) and an MCA oral exam.
- ✓To reach Master (Yachts) <500GT or <3000GT you first need OOW (Yachts) <3000GT — the 200GT route does not lead there directly.
- ✓Master <500GT: at least 12 months as a deck officer on yachts of 15 m+, with 120 days of watchkeeping, after the OOW CoC.
- ✓Master <3000GT: at least 24 months as a deck officer with 240 days of watchkeeping, including time on larger yachts (24 m+ or 500GT+).
The ladder at a glance
| Certificate | Typical role | Key requirements (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| RYA/IYT Yachtmaster Offshore (commercially endorsed) | Skipper of small commercial yachts (<24 m), delivery skipper | Practical exam, sea miles, STCW basics, first aid, VHF |
| Master (Code Vessels) <200GT | Captain of small yachts and Code vessels | 6 months' sea service holding YM Offshore, ROC/GOC, ENG1, HELM (O), oral exam |
| OOW (Yachts) <3000GT | Second/first officer on superyachts | Around 36 months' yacht service incl. 365 days at sea on 15 m+ vessels, modules, oral |
| Chief Mate (Yachts) <3000GT | Chief officer on large yachts | Service as OOW, further modules, oral |
| Master (Yachts) <500GT | Captain of yachts up to ~45–50 m | 12 months as deck officer incl. 120 days watchkeeping, modules, oral |
| Master (Yachts) <3000GT | Captain of large superyachts | 24 months as deck officer incl. 240 days watchkeeping, modules, oral |
Master (Code Vessels) <200GT in detail
This certificate was created so experienced Yachtmasters can hold an MCA master CoC. There are two variants: limited to 150 miles from a safe haven (if you hold Yachtmaster Offshore) and unlimited area (if you hold Yachtmaster Ocean).
- •STCW Basic Safety Training (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR) — with refreshers within the last 5 years
- •Commercially endorsed RYA/IYT Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean (shorebased and practical)
- •GMDSS ROC (with Offshore) or GOC (with Ocean)
- •ENG1 medical certificate
- •HELM (Human Element, Leadership and Management) at operational level
- •6 months' actual sea service on vessels of any size while holding Yachtmaster Offshore, at least 6 months of it in the last 5 years
- •Notice of Eligibility (NoE) from the MCA, then the two-part exam: an online written Part A and an online oral Part B
Moving up to Master (Yachts) <500GT and <3000GT
The bigger master tickets sit on the "large yacht" route. First you need OOW (Yachts) <3000GT, which requires substantial yacht service (the MCA form lists 36 months' onboard yacht service including at least 365 days' seagoing service on vessels of 15 m or over), several STCW modules and an oral exam.
After the OOW CoC you build officer service. For Master <500GT you need at least 12 months as a deck officer with 120 days of watchkeeping on yachts of 15 m+ load line length. For Master <3000GT you need 24 months as a deck officer with 240 days of watchkeeping, including service on yachts of 24 m+ or 500GT+.
The Master modules include Master Seamanship and Meteorology, Stability, Business and Law, Navigation/Radar/ARPA and the MCA celestial navigation exam, followed by the oral.
Sea service: what counts
- •Actual sea service: time at sea on a passage, including short waits at anchor during the passage.
- •Stand-by service: time after a voyage while preparing for the next one — max 14 days at a time, never more than the previous voyage.
- •Yard service: time standing by a build, refit or repair (counted with limits).
- •Watchkeeping service: at least 4 hours in every 24 in full charge of a navigational watch on a voyage.
- •Yacht service must be verified (Nautilus or PYA) and proven with two forms of evidence per vessel — usually a testimonial plus a discharge record.
Deliveries are a fast way to build actual sea service and watchkeeping days. Log every passage with dates, miles and your role.
Tips for planning your path
- •Start a proper sea-time logbook from day one and get testimonials signed at the end of every job.
- •Book courses in your time off between rotations; the celestial navigation pass is only valid for a limited time, so plan the oral soon after.
- •Check flag acceptance: many flags (Cayman, Marshall Islands, Malta) accept or endorse MCA CoCs, but some yachts require a flag endorsement.
- •Keep ENG1 and STCW refreshers current — an expired certificate can block your NoE.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Master 200GT and Master 500GT?+
Master (Code Vessels) <200GT is built on Yachtmaster and covers small yachts. Master (Yachts) <500GT is a large-yacht officer CoC that requires OOW (Yachts) <3000GT, 12 months as a deck officer with 120 days of watchkeeping, more modules and an oral exam.
Can I go from Master 200GT straight to Master 500GT?+
No. You first need OOW (Yachts) <3000GT. The 200GT certificate does not lead directly to the 500GT or 3000GT master tickets.
How much sea time do I need for Master 200GT?+
Six months of actual sea service on vessels of any size while holding Yachtmaster Offshore, with at least six months in the five years before you apply.
Does delivery work count as sea service?+
Yes. Passages on deliveries count as actual sea service when they are documented with testimonials and dates. Watchkeeping time counts toward officer CoCs if you were in charge of the watch.
How long does it take to become a yacht captain?+
With steady work, Master 200GT can be reached within a year or two of Yachtmaster Offshore. Master <3000GT usually takes many years, because it needs the OOW CoC and two years as a deck officer.
Sources
- GOV.UK — MSN 1858 Amendment 1: UK requirements for deck officers on large yachts
- GOV.UK — Certificate of competency: yacht deck (MSF 4343)
- GOV.UK — MIN 690: MCA oral examinations and NoEs
- JPMA / Hoylake Sailing School — Requirements for Master (Code Vessels) <200GT
- JPMA / Hoylake Sailing School — Requirements for Master (Yachts) <500GT or <3000GT
- Day Skipper vs Yachtmaster Coastal vs Offshore (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Sea-time logbook guide (Maritime Delivery guide)
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