Yachtmaster commercial endorsements


Email: training@aiguaseaschool.com
or call us at any time on (+34) 871 23 03 73 or UK Tel 0113 815 1385

If you are studying Yachtmaster with Aigua Sea School try to attend the free theory workshops run by the sea school principal; the workshops were developed with YOU in mind, to help you prepare for your studies.

Commercial endorsements

Aigua Sea School has built a solid reputation for the training of Yachtmaster candidates. We have trained students who have gone on to be the captains and first officers of superyachts, private yachts and commercial vessels. Our excellent reputation has been built on our commitment to our students and a genuine desire to help them succeed in their chosen career.

In order to work commercially with your new certificate of competence, there are two options available to you for a commercial endorsement.

First of all, what does it mean?

It is an endorsement printed on your RYA certificate of competence to show that you have undergone additional training and a medical fitness test, enabling you to work on commercial vessels.

There are two types of commercial endorsement, standard and STCW:

For the standard commercial endorsement you need to provide the following: an MCA approved medical report (in date) for example the ENG1 or ML5; an up to date First Aid certificate and proof of attending a Sea Survival course. This endorsement allows you work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA's codes of practice for small commercial vessels. The following wording will be printed on your certificate:

For Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence:

This certificate is valid for use as a Master of yachts of up to 200gt on commercially and privately registered yachts until (date of expiry).

For Powerboat Level 2, Powerboat Advanced, Day Skipper and Yachtmaster Coastal Certificates of Competence:

Valid for vessels of up to 24 metres in length used for commercial purposes subject to the codes of practice issued by the MCA until (date of expiry).

STCW endorsement

The STCW endorsement is for holders of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean Certificates of Competence working under non-UK maritime authorities. In addition to an MCA approved medical report, as also required above, you will need to provide the following course completion certificates:

  • Personal Survival techniques (STCW A-V1/1-1)
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-V1/1-4)
  • Elementary first aid (STCW A-V1/1-3)
  • Fire fighting and fire prevention (STCW A-V1/1-2)

The following wording would appear on your certificate:

The certificate holder complies with STCW 95 regulations V1/1 Sections V1/1-4. This certificate is valid for use as a Master of yachts of up to 200gt on commercially and privately registered yachts until (the a date of expiry five years from the date of issue).


The RYA is currently developing an online training course to prepare commercial endorsement holders for the extra responsibilities of being a professional skipper or crew, above those needed for safe leisure boating. The course will cover the legal requirements, regulations, guidance and processes for managing the vessel and its crew. From April 2012 this will become a pre-requisite for anyone applying for their first commercial endorsement, and for those renewing their endorsement. Further details will be available nearer the time through the RYA Magazine, the RYA website, the marine press and, of course, from Aigua Sea School who will keep you up to date on all new developments.

Return to top

For more info email: training@aiguaseaschool.com
or call us at any time on (+34) 871 23 03 73 or UK Tel 0113 815 1385