yacht master 3000 gt

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JPMA & Hoylake Sailing School

(john percival marine associates), what are the requirements for a master (yachts less than 500gt or 3000gt) coc.

If you hold an OOW (Yachts) <3000gt or Chief Mate (Yachts) <3000gt CoC, you can move on to the Master (Yachts) <500gt or Master (Yachts) <3000gt CoC.

If you hold a Master (code vessels <200gt), OOW (Yachts <500gt) CoC you will need to achieve the OOW (Yachts <3000gt) CoC before moving on to these two Master CoCs.

In order to gain a Master (Yachts) <500gt or <3000gt CoC, you will need to do some classroom training, some yacht and watch keeping service, and finally an oral exam.

Required Service:

The main difference between the Master (Yachts <500gt) and the Master (Yachts <3000gt) is Yacht Service and Watchkeeping Service.

For Master (Yachts <500gt) you must be able to prove the following service:

A minimum of 12 months Onboard Yacht Service as a Deck Officer, including at least 120 days Watchkeeping Service, in vessels of 15 metres or over in loadline length. (starting from the date your OOW CoC was issued)

For Master (Yachts <3000gt) you must be able to prove the following service:

A minimum of 24 months Onboard Yacht Service as a Deck Officer, including at least 240 days Watchkeeping Service. All of this service must be completed in vessels of 15 metres or over in loadline length and include 12 months in vessels of 24 metres or over in load line length, or six months in vessels of 500gt or more. (starting from the date your OOW CoC was issued)

Onboard Yacht Service is being signed onto a yacht, whether you are on passage or not, and does not include leave, or time when you are undertaking your courses.

Watchkeeping service is Actual Sea Service spent as a Watchkeeping Officer in full charge of a navigational watch for not less than 4 out of every 24 hours whilst the vessel is engaged on voyage.

Sea Service Verification Process – please click here to read about new regulations.

The course certificates that you must have for Master are:

(the first 3 only apply if you hold an OOW <3000gt CoC, and do not need to be re-submitted if you already hold a Chief Mate <3000gt CoC)

Advanced Fire Fighting Certificate Medical First Aid Aboard Ship Certificate RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased & Practical Certs ( commercially endorsed ) or IYT Master of Yachts 200 tonnes (Unlimited) Certificate

Master Seamanship & Meteorology Course Completion & Pass Certs Master Stability Course Completion & Pass Certs Master Business & Law Course Completion & Pass Certs Master Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator Course Completion & Pass Certs Proficiency in Medical Care Aboard Ship Certificate Human Element Leadership & Management (Management Level) certificate (if this wasn’t submitted with your Chief Mate CoC application) MCA Celestial Navigation Exam  Pass Certificate (after 1st January 2014 – NOTE : this is NOT the YM Ocean cert. This certificate expires after 1 year) ECDIS certificate (after 1st January 2014, and if this wasn’t submitted with your OOW or Chief Mate CoC application)

Master <500gt : if you are yet to receive any of these certificates but have enough service, you can still apply for the Master <500gt NoE, but you will need to submit the certificates to the MCA before the CoC can be issued.

Master <3000gt : when applying for this you must either have the Master <500gt CoC already, or all of the above certificates before you can apply for the NoE, as stated in MSN 1802. If you hold the Master <500gt CoC and wish to upgrade to Master <3000gt, you do not need to resubmit any of the above certificates, unless they have been added to the requirements since your Master <500 CoC was issued.

Candidates who were issued an NoE for Master <3000gt prior to 31st December 2013, who do not hold a Master <500gt CoC already, MUST have completed all of the modules etc before attending the oral examination, otherwise they will receive an automatic fail. Read more here

NOTE: Updating Training for CoC applications – anyone serving on board ship, who holds any of the following certificates must, as of 1st January 2017, have documentary evidence of either completing the training course or updating training within the last 5 years:

• Personal Survival Techniques
• Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (CPSC & RB)
• Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB)
• Basic Fire Fighting
• Advanced Fire Fighting

Applying for an NoE:

To do the final oral exam for Master Yachts <500/3000gt, you will need a Notice of Eligibility. This document is issued once the MCA have assessed your eligibility, and an oral exam cannot be booked until the NoE is issued.

Your service needs to be proved with 2 forms of evidence for each vessel on which you are claiming service time. Usually a Testimonial and a Certificate of Discharge. If you have a discharge book, this can be used with a testimonial for each vessel, or if you are a member of the PYA they will attest your PYA logbook.

You must send a form of ID with your application. You can send a copy of your passport, signed by your Captain and with their CoC number noted, but you can also send any form of National ID – birth certificate or Discharge Book are usually easier to cope without!

It should be noted that written exam pass certificates have a validity of only three years. If your module pass certificates are more than 3 years old when you apply for an NoE you will have to submit new pass certificates to the MCA before they will issue an NoE.

Click here to view MSN 1858 (the testimonials and certificate of discharge can be found as annexes of the M Notice on pages 33-37)

Update to Electronic NoE application process & online oral exams

You will need to download the application form . You must complete the form and send all of your original certificates and testimonials to the MCA. The NoE will be processed in about 28 days. Once the NoE is issued you are deemed eligible to take the oral exam.

JPMA offers oral preparation courses for the Master oral exams. Click here for details.

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Expert Insight: How Superyacht Captains Can Master Growing Yacht Sizes

By Emily Dawkins

In recent years, a strong superyacht market has driven the industry to push the boundaries regarding design, technology, and materials. While luxurious concepts and cutting-edge technology continue to trend upward, the industry is also pushing the boundaries of size, and with that, comes a significant challenge: the ability to safely crew a yacht of 3,000 gross tonnes or more. We spoke to those at International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), which provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry, to discover more about how it is working to both address this challenge and advance the professional portfolio of superyacht captains around the world.

In the past, few superyachts ever exceeded a gross tonnage (GT) of 3,000. Today, there are over 150 yachts in operation exceeding this monumental volume, and with an additional five to eight yachts in this category also being delivered each year, the need for captains qualified for vessels over 3,000 GT is growing. 

‘Owners want their captains to grow with them,’ commented Patrick Bachofner, Worldwide Director, Yachts and Director of the Geneva Office for IRI. ‘The relationship between a yacht captain and owner is unique and often long-term. We recognised the need for a pathway to shatter that 3,000 GT ceiling for captains since owners are purchasing larger and larger yachts.’

Providing administrative and technical support to the RMI Maritime Registry, IRI is arguably the world’s most experienced privately held maritime and corporate registry service provider. 

Administering maritime and corporate programs as well as being involved in flag State administration since 1948, IRI understands and caters to the specialised needs of the maritime industry.

Recognising the capped 3,000 GT limit of the standard Master License, the RMI Yacht Registry developed a new certification for superyacht captains looking to expand their professional skill set, which was previously only available to those captains who had also obtained commercial sea time. 

This new certification, an STCW II/2 Certificate of Competency (CoC) Master (Yachts) Unlimited tonnage license, is only available through the RMI Maritime Administrator and the Maritime Professional Training (MPT). Thanks to the Master of Yachts Unlimited Tonnage – Marshall Islands Capstone Course, which includes coursework and exams, successful candidates receive the new license, which was previously only available to captains who had obtained commercial sea time. The license is also endorsed by the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry.

Marc Verburg, Director of Yacht Operations at IRI, shared how crewing a yacht over 3,000 GT requires a different skillset and knowledge of yacht operations: ‘Yachts of this size are often designed to emphasise luxurious comfort, speed, or even expedition capabilities, each of which requires additional knowledge for safe yacht operations.’

Launched in 2016, the Capstone Course builds upon the tradition of the United States Coast Guard’s Master-Unlimited License, which includes 15-course prerequisites, required sea time, stringent application requirements, and five days of exams and simulator assessment. 

‘Yachting is truly separate from the commercial maritime industry,’ shared John Hafner, Vice President Seafarers’ Manning & Training, who developed the course with MPT. ‘Unlike the commercial side of the business, many yacht deck officers have never attended a maritime academy and most have not worked on vessels that would qualify them to sit for the commercial unlimited tonnage Master’s license. The Administrator, working with MPT, created this pathway for yacht captains to advance their yacht CoCs and work on these larger yachts.’

‘Prior to the development of this course, owners of yachts over 3,000 GT often looked to the commercial maritime industry to crew their vessels,’  added Patrick, ‘there was no option for a yacht captain to grow.’

Despite being a fairly new addition to the superyacht industry certifications, the program is growing. Five superyacht captains successfully completed the rigorous Capstone Course during the last exam period in November 2022.  Although the course is meticulous, captains do not have to give up their current positions to complete it.

‘ The Capstone Course, launched in 2016, builds upon the tradition of the United States Coast Guard’s Master-Unlimited License, which includes 15 course prerequisites, required sea time, stringent application requirements, and five days of exams and simulator assessment.

“ We have a number of Masters in various stages of the process,’ explained Patrick. ‘Many are completing the coursework while still employed on their current command, or during refit or building. Courses are set about a year in advance, so it is essential that a captain plan ahead .’

So, what’s on the horizon? Regulatory change from the RMI will require captains to have a license for private yachts over 3,000 GT as of September 2024.

‘This segment continues to grow,’ added Marc, ‘the RMI Master of Yachts Unlimited Tonnage creates a new professional growth opportunity in one of the strongest areas of the yacht industry. Captains should take the time now to prepare and become certified so they can continue to advance their careers.’

To discover more about the licenses available for captains, get in touch with IRI today.

"Owners want their captains to grow with them...We recognised the need for a pathway to shatter that 3,000 GT ceiling for captains since owners are purchasing larger and larger yachts." Patrick Bachofner, Worldwide Director, Yachts and Director of the Geneva Office for IRI

"Owners want their captains to grow with them...We recognised the need for a pathway to shatter that 3,000 GT ceiling for captains since owners are purchasing larger and larger yachts."

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Master 3000 Requirements for Oral Exam

by Steph | Mar 20, 2023 | MCA Oral exam

Master 3000 (Yachts) oral exam Requirements

Please find the following list of requirements needed in order to apply for your Master Yachts <3000gt oral exam. These include comprehensive orals prep training, ensuring you have the correct yacht and sea service and certificates.

What is Watchkeeping  Service?

Watchkeeping service is Actual Sea Service spent as a Watchkeeping Officer in full charge of a navigational watch for not less than 4 out of every 24 hours whilst the vessel is engaged on voyage.

What is the Correct Required Service:

• In order to be eligible for a Yacht service, you must provide proof of having spent a minimum 24 months working as a Deck Officer,  of which a minimum of 240 days must include watch keeping service. All service starts from the date your OOW COC  was issued and must be served:
•   at sea on vessels larger than 15 metres in length or loadline length and importantly include   12 months in vessels of 24 metres or over in load line length
• or six months in vessels of 500gt or more.

Sea Service Verification Process    –  read about new regulations.

Course Certificates Required for Master 3000

The course certificates that you must have for Master 3000 are:

• If you hold an Officer of the Watch OOW 3000 Certificate of Competency (CoC) ,  must have an Advanced Fire Fighting Certificate, Medical First Aid Aboard Ship Certificate, RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased and Practical Certs commerically endorsed.
• If the individual already holds a Chief Mate Certificate of Competency of less than 3000 gross tons, they do not need to resubmit these certificates.

However both must obtain:

•  Master Seamanship and Meteorology Course Completion and Pass Certs,
• Master Stability Course Completion and Pass Certs,
• Master Business and Law Course Completion and Pass Certs,
• Master Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator Course Completion and Pass Certs, and a Proficiency in Medical Care Aboard Ship Certificate.
• Human Element Leadership and Management certificate ( Management level )
• MCA Celestial Navigation pass Certificate It is important to note that this certificate is different from the YM Ocean Certificate.
• The ECDIS Certificate

Applicants must either possess a Master <500gt CoC or all the listed  qualifications to qualify for the Master 3000 NOE certification.

 You do not need to provide any certificates when upgrading to Master <3000gt if you already have a Master <500gt CoC. Unless the requirements have changed since you received your original certificat

Application Process for an NoE Master 3000

In order to take the oral exam for Master 3000gt, it is essential to have the Notice of Eligibility. This document is given out after the MCA has examined whether you qualify, and you won’t be able to make an appointment for the oral exam until you receive the NoE.

In order to validate your service hours, you must submit two forms of proof per vessel. This proof is usually composed of a testimonial and a Certificate of Discharge. Alternatively, if you possess a discharge book, it can be used along with a testimonial for each boat. Additionally, if you are a member of the Professional Yachting Association, they will verify your PYA logbook.

You must provide proof of your identity when you submit your application, such as a copy of your passport that is signed by your Captain and includes their CoC number, or any form of National ID like a birth certificate or Discharge Book. Written exam pass certificates are only valid for three years, so if your module pass certificates are beyond that time frame, you will need to provide new certificates to the MCA before they can give you a NoE.

Click here to view MSN 1858

In order to be eligible for the Online oral exams, it is necessary to download and complete the application form and submit the required certificates and testimonials to the MCA. It will take approximately 1-2 months for the application to be processed and the NoE to be issued. After this, the applicant is eligible to take the oral exam.

Orals Preparation

At Captain Barry Sadler Maritime Training we provide an E-Learning Academy and blended learning Orals prep with a 90% pass rate . View our oral preparation e learning courses for the Master 3000 oral exams. Our course houses 38 individual modules containing videos, quizzes, books and course notes as well as access to the offline app.

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Master Yachts <3000GT STCW Reg II/2 - TM CoC

€3,000  EUR

Course Name:

Master on Yachts

Course Aim:

This course gives candidates the required training and knowledge as per the STCW, so as to be eligible to sit a TM Master Reg II/2 (limited to Yachts less than 3000GT) Oral Examination.

On successful pass of the oral examination, and presentation of the required sea service, candidates will be able to work as a Master on Yachts less than 3000GT – Unlimited Area, as per STCW Reg II/2.

• Academic & Ancillary Study Units as required.
• Daily Lunch

Price & Duration:

The published price includes 100 hours of class-based and simulator training.

Intakes for this course are held every January and October.

Entry Requirements

Hold one of the following recognised qualifications: A recognised Certificate of Competency as Chief Mate on yachts less than 3000 GT (STCW Regulation II/2) or A recognised Certificate of Competency as Master on yachts less than 500 GT (STCW Regulation II/2) or A recognised Certificate of Competency attesting a higher capacity than those mentioned above. NB. To be eligible for the COC, applicants need to have: The required STCW ancillary certificates . The required sea going service. Various options of seagoing service are considered. Speak to us to verify your eligibility.

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Master less than 3000 gross tonnage (yachts)

This certificate is issued under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 and Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023 , made under the Navigation Act 2012 .

What will this certificate allow me to do?

You will be able to perform the duties of:

• Master on yachts of less than 3000 gross tonnage in any operating area or
• Watchkeeper deck officer on yachts of less than 3000 gross tonnage in any operating area.

Yacht means a vessel that:

• is less than 3000 gross tonnage
• is commercial use for sport or pleasure
• does not carry cargo
• does not carry more than 12 passengers.

A yacht does not need to be designed to carry sail and may be a training vessel, a sail training vessel or a short ranger yacht provided they are not designed to carry cargo.

Am I eligible?

To get a Master less than 3000 gross tonnage (yachts) certificate of competency you must meet medical, sea service and course requirements. The requirements depend on whether you are getting a certificate for the first time or revalidating an existing certificate. Each requirement and how to prove that you meet them is explained in these instructions.

Important disclaimer

These instructions are summary information only. We make decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 , Marine Order 74 (Master and deck officers - yachts) 2023 , Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers) 2014 , Marine Order 73 (Ratings) 2014 and Marine Order 74 (Master and deck officers – yachts) 2015 . Please refer to these marine orders for full details of eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.

What type of qualification do you need?

Replace a lost or damaged certificate

Get an endorsement for your certificate

New certificate

What do i need to do.

To get this certificate, you need to:

Prior to the initial issue of a Certificate of competency and Certificate of recognition you must obtain a  Certificate of medical fitness  in Australia. As per Marine Order 76 (Health—medical fitness) 2017   you can only perform the duties of a seafarer on a relevant vessel if you are medically fit to perform those duties.

The medical examination can be organised by contacting Sonic HealthPlus . We strongly recommend that you complete the medical examination before you commence training to ensure that you are medically fit for a seagoing career.

To book a medical examination, you can:

• Call toll free: 1300 763 822

Email: [email protected]

Read more about medical fitness .

You will need to complete these courses:

• Master less than 500 gross tonnage (yachts) certificate of competency
• Basic safety training, including security awareness training
• Advanced firefighting
• Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats
• Medical care on board ships
• ECDIS and hold an AMSA issued endorsement.

These courses must be completed with an  approved training organisation .

All of the certificates and training you complete and provide evidence of must comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

You will need to provide evidence that you have completed 24 months sea service as an officer in charge of a navigation watch. This service must have been completed on vessels greater than or equal to 12 metres, while holding one or more of the following certificates:

• Watchkeeper deck less than 3000 gross tonnage (yachts)
• Master less than 500 gross tonnage (yachts)
• Chief mate less than 3000 gross tonnage (yachts)
• Any certificate AMSA considers equivalent to the above

Of these 24 months sea service, at least 8 months must have been served on vessels greater than or equal to 20 metres.

All sea service must be documented qualifying sea service.

Read more about sea service .

How to apply for sea service assessment

You will need to complete this sea service and then submit a Seafarer form 419 to us so we can assess your sea service and issue you with an AMSA assessment letter. This letter is the evidence you need to prove that you have met the sea service requirements for your qualification. This letter will also instruct you to complete your oral examination.

You will need to hold one of these certificates:

• Any certificate AMSA considers equivalent to the above.

You will need to hold one of the following valid certificates:

• GMDSS Radio operator's certificate
• GMDSS Certificate of recognition

If you are serving on an ECDIS equipped ship, you will also need to hold an ECDIS endorsement.

You will need to lodge a formal application using Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for a Master less than 3000 gross tonnage (yachts) certificate of competency.

Lodge from within Australia

You will need to fill out Seafarer form 419 , attach all required supporting documents and lodge it at a participating Australia Post retail outlet .

You will need to pay the fees for your application at the post office at the time of lodgement.

Lodge from overseas

You will need to fill out Seafarer form 419 , attach all required supporting documents including a colour passport-style photograph and send the paperwork to us by email to [email protected] . When we receive your email, we will let you know how to pay the fee for your application via AMSA online portal.

Revalidate certificate

To revalidate your certificate, you need to:

You will need to provide evidence that you are medically fit to perform duties in the capacity of a Master less than 3000 gross tonnage (yachts). As per Marine Order 76 (Health—medical fitness) 2017   you can only perform the duties of a seafarer on a relevant vessel if you are medically fit to perform the duties.

To revalidate your current certificate you will need an AMSA medical completed on form 303 . If this form is completed outside Australia it must be completed in a country that holds an agreement with us.

You can organise a medical examination by contacting Sonic HealthPlus .

Obtain a Certificate of medical fitness from overseas

We will accept a Certificate of medical fitness completed in a country we have an agreement with for revalidation purposes.

You will need to print the relevant medical paperwork and make an appointment with a medical examiner. The medical examiner must be approved by the administration of the country which has an agreement with us.

You will need to provide evidence that you have completed sea service performing functions for your current certificate for either:

• At least 12 months in total during the preceding 5 years before application
• 3 months in total during the preceding 6 months prior to revalidating.

All submitted sea service must be documented qualifying sea service.

All certificates and training must comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and be with an organisation we have approved.

If you are revalidating your certificate and you are an overseas permanent resident, some STCW short courses may be completed in a country we have an agreement with..

With required sea service

If you already have the required sea service, you will need to:

• sea service
• your participation in the mandatory abandon ship and fire drills required by SOLAS
• your participation in scheduled drills required by the on-board safety management system (see sample template letter).
• Keep the original of this letter and send us a copy with your application.
• Complete continued competence refresher training for the STCW short courses in Advanced firefighting and Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats in the previous 5 years.

These continued competence training courses are valid for up to 5 years.

It is a requirement of the STCW Code that seafarers, every five years, provide evidence of having maintained the required standards of competence in firefighting and sea survival at the appropriate level, as well as fast rescue boats. Currently AMSA considers this requirement as one of the criteria for issue or revalidation of an Australian seafarer certificate issued under the Navigation Act, as specified in the Marine Order 70 series. In the case of revalidation, this is considered every five years. An Australian seafarer certificate will not lapse or expire if, during the five year period of the certificate’s validity, STCW training has not been maintained by the seafarer. 

However, AMSA nonetheless strongly recommends seafarers maintain the currency of their STCW Code training over the life of their Australian seafarer certificate, as this is often enforced by foreign Administrations and companies operating foreign flagged vessels.This simply means that seafarers need to be conscious of the period that has elapsed since they last completed STCW Code training requirements and ensure they renew their training five years from this date, even if the five year period does not coincide with the renewal date of their Australian seafarer certificate. 

Without required sea service

If you do not have the required sea service, you will need to complete the full STCW short courses in:

• Advanced firefighting
• Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats.

You will also need to complete one of the following options:

• Complete an approved revalidation course for your certificate within 5 years before applying to revalidate your certificate.
• Complete an oral examination.
• Perform duties and functions that we consider at least equivalent to sea service.

Read more about  approved training organisations and revalidating your current certificate.

You will need to lodge a formal application using the Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for a Master less than 3000 gross tonnage (yachts) certificate of competency.

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• Professional qualifications

Working as an RYA Yachtmaster

Your qualification must be appropriate to the vessel and area of operation. For commercial use, all certificates must be commercially endorsed .

Working with an RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence will enable you to skipper vessels up to 24 metres in length, operating in category 3,4,5, and 6 waters - up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

Working with an RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence will enable you to work as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters - that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven.

This Certificate of Competence can used commercially in its own right, or as a pre-requisite for the MCA's Officer of the Watch qualification, which enables you to work worldwide on vessels of up to 3000gt.

Working with an RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean certificate

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence will enable you to work worldwide as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt.

This Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right. It is also a pre-requisite for the MCA's Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

For more information about working with RYA qualifications, the categorisation of waters and required certification click here . 

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• Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Deck CoC Requirements

Updated 29 June 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coc-requirements/deck-coc-requirements

Important information

This page outlines the requirements for an Deck CoC application, after a successful oral exam. These requirements apply to all UK Deck and CoC applicants.

Unless specifically requested on the application form, STCW certificates, academic examination passes and other certificates will not have been recorded with your NOE application. Please ensure you provide every document listed below for your CoC application, even if you have previously sent these in.

Failure to provide all of the required documentation may result in your CoC application being delayed or even rejected.

The following certificates require updating every 5 years:

Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1)

Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2)

Proficiency In Survival Craft & Rescue Boat (STCW Code A-VI/2-1)

Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/3)

Tanker Training Certificates (if no sea service in last 5 years)

Medical Fitness Certificates are valid for no more than 2 years.

SQA Knowledge examination certificates are valid for 3 years only.

IAMI examination certificates are valid for 3 years only.

If you wish to carry a tanker endorsement over to a higher capacity CoC, we require evidence of 3 months service on the relevant tanker, or a valid MCA approved tanker training certificate.

At least 6 months of the qualifying seagoing service must have been performed within the 5 years immediately preceding the issue of your Certificate of Competency.

Full information can be found in MSN 1856 Amendment 1 , MSN 1858 Amendment 1 , MGN 495 , MGN 496 , MGN 411 and MSN 1866 Amendment 1 .

Officer of The Watch Unlimited

Foundation degree/scottish professional diploma route.

The following documents are required for the issue of your CoC:

College letter confirming Education and Training programme A+B or OOW II/1 standard met

Seafarers on this route are exempt from OOW SQA Examinations.

ENG1 or acceptable equivalent

The following certificates must be from an MCA Approved Training Provider :

Signals (within the last 3 years)

NARAS/NAEST Operational

Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

The following Certificates must be issued under the authority of an MCA accepted country or an MCA Approved Training Provider :

AMERC issued GMDSS or from a country on our FSE list

Medical First Aid (STCW Code A-VI/4-1)

Advanced Fire Fighting (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/3)

PSCRB (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/2-1)

The following Certificates must be issued under the authority of an IMO White List country:

Personal Survival Techniques (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/1-1)

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/1-2)

Full information can be found in section 3.2 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

HND/HNC Route (UK Cadets)

Pass SQA OOW written exams at an approved SQA centre in the following subjects: Navigation and Stability & Operations

The following Certificates must be from an MCA Approved Training Provider :

The following Certificates must be issued under the authority of IMO White List country:

Alternate Route (1+1)

HELM Operational - 1+1 schemes can have a letter confirming you have covered the HELM O requirements in lieu of the training certificate

Experienced Seafarer Route

HELM Operational - As per MSN 1856 Amendment 1 (page 12, section 10.4)

Candidates who hold a Master Yacht CoC (<500 or <3000 GT) and have completed HELM Management will not need to complete HELM Operational.

OOW less than 500 GT, near coastal trading area

Pass the following SQA written exams examinations:

General Ship Knowledge

Chart-work and Coastal Navigation

Meteorology

SQA written examinations and MCA oral examination must be passed within 3 years prior to the date of the issue of your Certificate of Competency.

HELM Operational

Full information can be found in section 6.1 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

Chief Mate Unlimited

College letter confirming Education and Training programme C+D or or Chief Mate/Master II/2 standard met

Pass SQA Chief Mate/Master written examinations for SQA Navigation and SQA Stability & Structure (both valid for 3 years once passed).

NARAS/NAEST Management

HELM Management as per MSN 1856 Amendment 1 (page 12, section 10.4)

Medical Care (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/4-2)

Full information can be found in section 3.3 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

HND Route (UK Cadets)

College letter confirming Education and Training programme C+D or Chief Mate standard met. Alternatively, may provide HND Certificate.

Pass SQA Chief Mate/Masters written exams at an approved SQA centre in the following subjects: Navigation and Stability & Structure

College letter confirming Education and Training programme C+D or Chief Mate standard met. Alternatively candidate may provide their HND Certificate

These certificates must be from an MCA Approved Training Provider :

College letter confirming Education and Training programme C+D or Chief Mate standard met

Chief Mate, less than 3,000 GT, unlimited area

Full information can be found in section 5.3 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

Chief Mate, unlimited tonnage, near coastal

Pass the following SQA written examinations:

Magnetic compass and navigational aids

Ship construction and stability

Shipboard operations

Holders of a Master less than 500 GT, near-coastal trading area, II/3 CoC must first complete additional academic units required to meet the standard for an OOW unlimited, regulation II/1 standard. You will require a letter from the college confirming you have met the OOW academic standard.

Full information can be found in section 5.1 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

Chief Mate, near-coastal, less than 3,000 GT

Full information can be found in section 4.1 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

Master Unlimited

HELM Management as per MSN 1856 Amendment 1 (page 12, section 10.4). We can accept some Royal Navy Equivalents

Full information can be found in section 3.4 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

Master, Unlimited Tonnage, near-coastal

Full information can be found in section 5.2 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

Master, less than 500 GT, near coastal including German waters

• HELM Operational if OOW <500GT Near Coastal CoC held (if you hold a UK OOW Unlimited CoC then you will not need to provide HELM O)

ECDIS if NAEST completed before June 2005

Full information can be found in section 6.2 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

Master, less than 3,000 GT, Near Coastal, specified trading areas

• HELM Operational if OOW <500GT Near Coastal CoC held (If OOW Unlimited CoC held then HELM O is no longer a requirement)

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/1-2 )

Full information can be found in section 8.2 of MSN 1856 Amendment 1 .

OOW (Yacht less than 3000 GT)

Evidence of successful completion of the MCA approved training module AND passing the corresponding IAMI written examinations for:

‘Navigation and Radar (OOW Yachts)’ (pass < 3 years old),

‘General Ship Knowledge (OOW Yachts)’ (pass < 3 years old)

Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC&RB) or Restricted Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC&RB) or Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/2-1)

EDH, this course must have been completed, and the certificate issued at least 18 months prior to the issue of your Certificate of Competency.

HELM Operational as per MSN 1856 Amendment 1 . We can accept some Royal Navy Equivalents

Full information can be found in section 3.3 of MSN 1858 Amendment 1 .

Master Code Vessel (less than 200 GT), less than 150 nautical miles from a safe haven

An RYA Yachtmaster certificate Offshore and a certificate of successful completion of a shore-based Yachtmaster Offshore course (RYA Offshore Yacht Master Shore based certificate is not required if the Yacht Master Offshore was issued before 31 July 2003); or an IYT Master of Yachts Limited certificate. These are not required if already shown at the NOE stage.

ECDIS (optional)

Full information can be found in section 3.1 of MSN 1858 Amendment 1 .

Master Code Vessel (less than 200 GT), unlimited area

An RYA Yachtmaster certificate Ocean and a certificate of successful completion of a shore-based Yachtmaster Ocean course (RYA Ocean Yacht Master Shore based certificate is not required if the Yacht Master Ocean was issued before 31 July 2003); or An IYT Master of Yachts unlimited certificate. These are not required if already shown at the NOE stage.

Full information can be found in section 3.2 of MSN 1858 Amendment 1 .

Master Yacht (less than 500 GT)

‘Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts)’,

‘Stability (Master Yachts)’ ,

‘Business and Law (Master Yachts)’,

• ‘Navigation, Radar and ARPA Simulator (Master Yachts)’

Passing the IAMI ‘Celestial Navigation’ written examination, less than 1 year old.

HELM Management as per MSN 1856 Amendment 1 . We can accept some Royal Navy Equivalents

Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC&RB) or Restricted Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC&RB) / Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training) (STCW Code A-VI/2-1)

Full information can be found in section 3.5 of MSN 1858 Amendment 1 .

Master (Yacht less than 3000 GT)

• ‘Seamanship and Meteorology (Master Yachts)’
• ‘Stability (Master Yachts)’
• ‘Business and Law (Master Yachts)’

Passing the IAMI ‘Celestial Navigation’ written examination less than 1 year old.

You are not required to provide the MCA Approved training module and the corresponding IAMI written examinations pass certificates if you hold a Master (Yachts less than 500GT) Certificate of Competency.

Full information can be found in section 3.6 of MSN 1858 Amendment 1 .

OOW Tug less than 500 GT near coastal

AMERC issued GMDSS GOC or ROC or a GMDSS issued from a country on our FSE list

NARAS/NAEST operational

HELM Operational. We can accept some Royal Navy Equivalents

Pass the required MSQ units detailed in Annex B of MGN 495 within the last five years

Full information can be found in section 10.4 of MGN 495 .

OOW Tugs less than 3000 GT near coastal

Signals (within last 3 years)

Pass the required MSQ units detailed in Annex B of MGN 495 within the last five years. Some Ancillary Certificates may be held in lieu of MSQ units. If OOW Tugs <500 Near Coastal, II/3, is held then only the outstanding modules are required

Pass the SQA examination for Chartwork and practical navigation (035-21)

Full information can be found in section 10.5 of MGN 495 .

Master Tugs less than 500 GT near coastal

Pass the required MSQ units detailed below within the last 5 years.

Direct Tug operations-unit number 47

Manoeuvre a tug-unit number 12

Full information can be found in section 10.6 of MGN 495 .

Master Tugs less than 3,000 GT near coastal

NAEST Management

Full information can be found in section 10.7 of MGN 495 .

Master Workboat less than 500 GT unlimited area

If a master code vessel < 200 gt coc is already held, the following documents are required for the issue of your coc:.

Workboat Operations Module < 5 years old

Yachtmaster Ocean and corresponding shore-based certificate

NARAS Course & pass Certificate (OOW Yachts)

General Ships Knowledge course & pass Certificate (OOW Yachts)

NARAS Course & Pass Certificate (Master Yachts)

Stability Course & Pass Certificate (Master Yachts)

Business & Law Course & Pass Certificate (Master Yachts)

Seamanship & Meteorology Course & Pass Certificate (Master Yachts)

PSC&RB, PSC&RB (Restricted) or Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen (STCW A-VI/2-1) (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training)

Medical First Aid Certificate (STCW Code A-VI/4-1)

Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/3) (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training)

Medical Care (STCW Code A-VI/4-2) (less than 5 years old or you must also submit updated training)

Human Element, Leadership and Management (HELM) Management Level

Full information can be found in section 11.2 of MGN 496 .

If an Officer of the Watch (Yachts < 3000 GT) CoC is already held, the following documents are required for the issue of your CoC:

Yachtmaster Ocean

Full information can be found in section 11.4 of MGN 496 .

If a UK Officer of the Watch Unlimited CoC is already held, the following documents are required for the issue of your CoC:

Full information can be found in section 11.3 of MGN 496 .

If a Fishing Class 1 CoC is already held, the following documents are required for the issue of your CoC:

Full information can be found in section 11.5 of MGN 496 .

UK Class 1 Fishing CoC

Valid AMERC issued GMDSS or from a country on our FSE list

Navigation Control Course (Fishing) OR NAEST Management

Electronic Navigation System (ENS Fishing) OR NAEST Operational

Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/3) OR Basic Fire Fighting/Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2) and Fishing Officer Fire Fighting

Basic Sea Survival OR Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1)

Class 1 Fishing SQA’s

Navigation (2 papers);

Ship Construction & Stability;

Safety & Management

Full information can be found here .

UK Class 2 fishing CoC

GMDSS ROC or GMDSS GOC from a country on our FSE list

Signals (less than 3 years old)

SQA Class II Fishing SQA or Scotvecs

Navigation;

Chartwork & Pilotage;

Meteorology; and

UK Class 3 fishing CoC

Long Range Radio Certificate or GMDSS ROC or GMDSS GOC from a country on our FSE list

Fisherman’s Safety Training

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Malta now issuing CoC's for Master under 3000 GT

10 August 2022

The Yacht Deck Career path under the Maltese Flag is now complete with Transport Malta announcing the publication of the Master on Yachts less than 3000GT Reg. II/2.

In order to be eligible to undergo examinations leading to a certificate of competency as Master on Yachts less than 3000 GT (STCW Regulation II/2) you will need to hold one of the following recognised qualifications:

A recognised Certificate of Competency as Chief Mate on yachts less than 3000 GT (STCW Regulation II/2)  or

A recognised Certificate of Competency as Master on yachts less than 500 GT (STCW Regulation II/2)  or

A recognised Certificate of Competency attesting a higher capacity than those mentioned above.

 In addition, the sea service required to be eligible for the CoC MoY <300GT, at a minimum, the individual must have accumulated either:

A total of 24 Months of approved seagoing service

24 months as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels not less than 24 m LOA or 80 GT in length whilst holding a certificate of competency as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on yachts less than 3000 GT or a higher qualification, of which, at least *3 months in the capacity of Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels over 500 GT or

A total of 15 Months of approved seagoing service

12 months as Chief Mate on vessels not less than 24 m LOA or 80 GT whilst holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate on yachts less than 3000 GT or as Master on yachts less than 500 GT or a higher qualification; and

*3 months in the capacity of Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or Chief Mate on vessels over 500 GT, whilst holding a certificate of competency as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on yachts less than 3000 GT or higher or

A total of 12 Months of approved seagoing service

12 months as Chief Officer on vessels over 500 GT whilst holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate on yachts less than 3000 GT or Master on yachts less than 500 GT or a higher qualification or

12 months as Master on yachts not less than 24 m LOA or 80 GT whilst holding a certificate of competency as Master on yachts less than 500 GT; and

*3 months in the capacity of Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or Chief Mate on vessels over 500 GT, whilst holding a certificate as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch less than 3000 GT or higher.

The above-mentioned seagoing service required for the qualification should be interpreted as onboard service (the time spent signed on a yacht , irrespective of the vessel activity ). *Seagoing service shall be accumulated within 5 years preceding the submission of an application for the issue of a certificate of competency as Master on Yachts less than 3000 GT.

All courses on the Yacht Deck Career path under the Maltese Flag are available at MaritimeMT .  If you have further questions, please contact [email protected]

PYA meets with Prefect Maritime

Antibes (France), 11 September 2024 - The PYA and other representatives of the yachting industry, met with the new Prefect Maritime (PREMAR) responsible for French Med operations, as well as with officials from French Maritime affairs. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the yachting season and any relevant topics.

Statement from the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) regarding the tragic sinking of Bayesian

Antibes (France), 26 August 2024 - In light of the recent tragic sinking of the yacht Bayesian and loss of lives, we understand that many are deeply concerned and eager to know the details surrounding this unfortunate event. However, we urge everyone—media, the public, and all interested parties—to refrain from speculating on the causes, responsibilities, or circumstances until the official inquiry is concluded.

PYA Agents Network around the world

As the season begins and you embark on your global travels, we want to ensure that our PYA members have access to essential services. To facilitate this, we have enlisted a network of PYA Agents located around the world. These agents specialize in certifying original documents, helping you maintain accurate profiles and supporting your MCA applications.

Log in or Sign up

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Leveller Senior Member

Hi there, just thought about the meaning of the MCA Master 3000GT. What if the yacht is bigger than 3000GT? I mean yachts like OCTOPUS or PROJECT PLATINUM must be bigger, so are there any other licenses a captain on these yachts has to have? Tryed to find a captains homepage on the net with references over 250 feet, didn't find one. Leveller

Crewagency Guest

Yacht Captains On Yachts over 3000 GT you must got your proffessional Captains ticket. That is normally done with a nautical study to obtain the Captains unlimited licence. For any questions contact me in germany +492384911127 A Yachtmaster is a Yachtmaster and a Captain is a Captain

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MCA Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) Course, Certification & Requirements

Working towards officer of the watch (oow).

To work as an Officer on watch for vessels up to 3000gt, you’ll need to hold an Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) Certificate of Competency.

• GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC)

• Human Element, Leadership and Management (Operational Level)

Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (Restricted)

• Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)

• Navigation and Radar (OOW Yachts)

General Ship Knowledge (OOW Yachts)

Orals Preparation Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt)

Why officer of the watch (yachts <3000gt), about the course.

Before you can sit the oral exam to obtain the MCA Officer of the Watch (Yachts <3000gt) Certificate of Competency, you must complete a number of OOW (Yacht) and MCA Ancillary courses.

Modules and certification

Courses required for certification:.

• General Ships Knowledge (OOW Yachts)

The following Ancillary courses are also required:

• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat Other than Fast Rescue Boats (restricted)
• Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

It is recommended that you complete 

• Orals Preparation course.

To qualify for the Officer of the Watch (Yachts <3000gt) Certificate of Competency Oral examination you will be required to hold the pass certificates from the training courses above and also meet the entry requirements.

Entry requirements

Before taking your oral exam, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:.

• Be at least 19 years of age
• Hold either, an RYA Yachtmaster certificate and a certificate of successful completion of a Shorebased Yachtmaster course or IYT Master of Yachts Limited
• Hold a STCW Basic Safety Training certificate
• Hold a valid ENG1 or accepted equivalent
• Since the age of 16 have obtained a minimum of 36 months’ onboard yacht service. This must include 365 days of seagoing service on vessels of 15 metres or over in load line length, made up of:
• Actual sea service
• Stand-by service – A maximum of 14 consecutive days may be counted at one time, but on no occasion may a period of standby service exceed that of the previous voyage;
• Yard service – up to a maximum of 90 days continuously or in separate periods;
• Have completed a  Yacht Training Record Book  (Note: Not required if the candidate can provide evidence of 36 months  actual sea service  in vessels of at least 24 metres in load line length)

Please Note: The above entry requirements are not required to attend the training courses for Officer of the Watch (Yachts<3000gt), however are required to apply for your Notice of Eligibility (NoE) and sit the final CoC Oral Examination. Full details can be found on the MCA Oral Examination Form MSF 4343 .

For full Training and Certification Guidance of the UK requirements of Deck Officers on Large Yachts (>24m) please refer to MSN 1858 .

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