Experience you need before the exam
According to the RYA, within the last 10 years you need:
- •50 days at sea on yachts
- •5 days as skipper
- •2,500 nautical miles
- •5 passages over 60 miles, including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper
At least half of the qualifying sea time must be in tidal waters, and your sea time must be on the right type of vessel — sail for a sail exam, power for a power exam. You also need a VHF/SRC radio certificate and a valid first aid certificate.
The commercial endorsement
To be paid as skipper on many commercially operated yachts (for example British-flagged yachts under the MCA small commercial vessel codes), you need a commercial endorsement on top of the certificate. With the Offshore certificate this allows you to work as master of vessels up to 200gt up to 150 miles from a safe haven.
- •A seafarer medical (ENG1 or ML5)
- •The RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) course
- •Sea survival training (RYA Basic Sea Survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques)
- •A valid first aid certificate
Working on other flags
For work under non-UK authorities, holders of a commercially endorsed certificate can add an STCW endorsement. Requirements differ between flags and change over time — always check the flag state and the RYA before you accept a job.
Sources
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