yacht master ocean 200gt certificate

RYA Certificates of Competence, Part 5 - Yachtmaster Ocean

Sailing qualification recognised around the world as a clear mark of your sailing ability.

By Marcin Wojtyczka

In this article in series about RYA certifications we reveal how to pass the RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean Certificate of Competence.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence is proof that you have the knowledge and experience needed to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world. The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean is the highest certification level at RYA.

The holder of a Yachtmaster Ocean qualification should be competent to skipper a yacht of up to 24 metres LOA (up to 200gt) anywhere in the World (Category 0 waters - unlimited).

The assessment is done by oral interrogation (~1.5 hours). You also need to pass the written (~1.5 hours) exam if you did not complete the Ocean Theory course, complete a qualifying passage, and prepare narrative account and navigational records. You have to stand to attention before seasoned RYA-appointed examiner and convince him that you sailed as skipper or first mate and that you know the job. To be honest, there is probably no better way of doing it.

Don’t treat the examination just as an exam. This is a great opportunity to get feedback on your skills and become a better sailor.

Requirements

You can find the official requirements here .

• Hold an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• Have completed a qualifying passage which meets the following criteria: You were fully involved with the planning of the passage, including a selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, spare gear, victuals and organising the watch-keeping routine. Throughout the passage you must have acted in a responsible capacity either in sole charge of a watch or as a skipper. Qualifying passage should be non-stop by the shortest navigable route with no change of skipper. During the qualifying passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land or any charted navigational object while sailing a distance of 200 miles. You can find the exact requirements of the qualifying passage here . If you have any doubts about whether your chosen route qualifies, you can always contact RYA at [email protected] During the qualifying passage you should take some sights to prove that you are actually capable of navigating out of sight of land by astro navigation. If circumstances prevent astro sights from being taken on the ocean-qualifying passage you can also take them on another shorter passage. You just have to make sure to be enough far from shore so that the sights are taken out of sight of land.

Preparation

Before taking the oral exam, it is recommended to take Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course . If you complete the course, you will be exempted from the written examination.

Please also take a look at our routes . On all our offshore passages we are navigating using celestial navigation. Some of our passages qualify for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification where you can be a watch leader to meet the qualifying passage requirements. Many of our participants passed the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam and keep returning year after year to us in order to become yet more confident and experienced. Our practical on-the-water training builds confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to how to skipper a yacht and manage its crew.

Exam Syllabus

During the oral exam, the questions should generally be related to your qualifying passage but may also refer to longer passages if needed to find out if you are capable of an ocean crossing. You may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage-making in a yacht, including passage planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

After booking the exam and at least 1 week before the exam date you must provide the examiner with:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage.
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passage, out of sight of land, showing that you navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. As a minimum, this should include the planning, reduction, and plotting of a sun-run-meridian altitude or sun-run-sun sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, star or planet.

The examiner will not be hard on you if you provide a good narrative account and lots of navigational records. You should show him or her that you thought about many aspects of voyage planning and execution, and that you care about the safety of the yacht and the crew. You will definitely fail if you show a cavalier altitude.

The narrative should include the following:

• Brief description of the chosen vessel and suitability for the voyage
• Crew selection
• Pre-checks on the condition of the yacht, including hull, rigging, engine, electrics and fittings checks
• Navigational passage planning: route selection, sources of information to decide on a strategy, expected and possible durations of the passage if no wind/rig failure/divert to the port of refuge etc.
• Navigational equipment: electronic and manuals
• Weather: source of information pre-departure, weather forecasting sources on passage, actual weather experienced
• Harbours planned: pilotage, reporting, berthing, customs and immigrations procedures
• Ports of refuge
• Watchkeeping rota
• Consumables provisioning: victualling (water and food) and fueling/bunkering - estimating daily usage, the amount carried, allowance for delays, calms and emergencies, preparation for what-if scenarios (e.g. contamination of water, fridge failure etc.)
• Consumables monitoring en route: fuel, gas, food, water, battery
• Methods of charging batteries, battery capacity and electrical consumption calculations
• Medical kit carried and preparation for medical emergencies (e.g. availability of suitable courses)
• Standing orders
• Safety briefing conducted
• Routine equipment checks and maintenance, precautionary replacements
• Drills practices before departure and during the passage
• Fire precautions
• VHF / HF / MF channels monitored
• Communications equipment carried
• Position reporting to shore stations
• Navigational hazards including shipping lanes and shallows
• Expected shipping traffic and other vessels encountered (e.g. fishing fleets)
• Use of courtesy ensigns and Q flag
• Emergency (contingency) plans: MOB, rig failure, hull breach, steering failure, port/hatch failure, engine failure, abandon ship, divert to the port of refuge, heavy weather preparation and tactics, emergency repairs (e.g. jury-rigging, repairing damage to the hull, jury-steering)
• Spare gear and tools required, carried and used
• Deck safety: clipping on and numbers of the crew on deck
• Charts and publications used
• Copy of ship’s log and charts
• Navigation by sextant: all written sight reduction, compass check and plotting sheets completed at sea (not tidied up ashore)
• Procedure for cleaning and securing the yacht at the end of the passage

Example of RYA Yachtmaster Ocean narrative.

The written exam will include questions on celestial navigation (sights and sight reduction) and worldwide meteorology.

If you hold the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased course completion certificate you will be exempted from the written examination.

Learning materials

• Celestial Navigation in practice - Astro navigation primer.
• Celestial Navigation - With the Sight Reduction Tables with Pub. No 249 - This book gives the clearest explanation of how celestial navigation works and how to use it without bogging down in theory.
• How to use sextant (PDF) , Video
• RYA Certificates of Competence
• Certificates

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200 Course 300

MPT is the most complete full service private maritime school in the country and has been training mariners since 1983. Our Fort Lauderdale based campuses host over 45,000 square feet of classrooms, deck and engineering training labs, the Ship's Store, and student service facilities.

Preparing for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master...

Course description.

  Yachtmaster Certificate of Competency

The Yachtmaster Qualification is the pinnacle of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training and Certification System. It is widely recognized throughout the world as a prestigious accomplishment.

 Holding this credential can:

- Improve your resume for any deck department position on yachts - Serve as prerequisite training for an MCA OOW 3000 GT CoC - Professional Development in your yachting career  - Serve as your Certificate of Competence (CoC) for operators of yachts up to 200 tons

The Yachtmaster Course should be undertaken by crew aspiring to advance to the MCA OOW level up to 3000 tons and by those who are advancing to the command level for Master of Yachts up to 200 tons.

  2 Routes Available – Same Course:

Yachtmaster Coastal Yachtmaster Offshore

Yachting professional candidates are encouraged to start their training and professional development as early in their career as possible. Many will take their STCW Basic Safety Training Program (#140) and then when they qualify, it is recommended to obtain the Yachtmaster Coastal CoC. Candidates wishing to upgrade to the offshore route later can simply examine, without additional required training.

Whether you qualify for the Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore, the training is the same. The only difference is your experience and practical skill level. You will be examined towards whichever level you qualify for.

The MPT Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Course (#300) is taught on a Motor Yacht and the practical training and examination are towards a Motor Certificate of Competence. (If you are applying for a Sail Endorsement, this course will not satisfy your practical training and exam requirements). All sea time must be on a power boat and not on a sail boat under power. The Theory, SRC, PPR, and Basic Training courses are the same for both schemes.

The MPT Yachtmaster advanced level certification is available in a 2 week + exam program combining shore-based theory and practical hands-on techniques for a Motor Vessel and the RYA Practical Examination. The first week of class is in the classroom (theory) and the second week is Practical, out on the boat. In addition, there will be class on Saturday of the first week so please plan accordingly.

YACHTMASTER COASTAL & OFFSHORE Subjects Include:

One week (40 hours) of comprehensive shore-based theory module with written assessment papers including navigation, tidal calculations, international and inland rules of the road, coastal pilotage, meteorology, anchoring and mooring, docking and undocking, buoyage systems, safety, voyage and passage planning, general ship knowledge and seamanship.  A theory examination will be conducted after the completion of the 40-hour theory portion of the program.

One week of Yachtmaster Offshore/Coastal practical training is conducted on board one of MPT’s Yachts. These yachts are up to 48’ and are twin screw motor yachts. This part of the instruction covers seamanship skills such as nautical terms, tides, marlinespike seamanship, anchor work, boat handling, docking, general yachting skills, basic weather, navigation and passage planning. This course will be a preparation course for your final Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore Examination. The practical portion of the course will be conducted during daytime, evening and occasionally may include weekend hours.

The Yachtmaster Course #300 is an Advanced Review Course and it is assumed that candidates will have the prerequisite knowledge of the Basics of Navigation and recommended to the level of RYA Day Skipper, and the very least, the level of the Essential Navigation On-line course. To increase your likelihood of success, we recommend taking the online pre-course - ESSENTIAL NAVIGATION. Additionally, flash cards are available in the MPT Ship's Store for rules study in lights and shapes. Also, many Apps are available to assist in these subjects for pre-study. It is also strongly advised that you pick up your study material well in advance of the start of your course. Pre-study is essential for a successful outcome of this course. 

The RYA Yachtmaster course is accredited by the RYA and MCA and recognized for service as Captain or Mate (OOW) up to 200gt up to 150 miles from a safe haven, at the Offshore level or up to 60 miles from safe haven at the Coastal level. 

The Yachtmaster CoC meets the STCW A-V1/1 and section A V1/1-4 when combined with Basic Training Courses. Yachtmaster Offshore fulfills the prerequisite for MCA OOW 500 and 3000 GT and the MCA STCW A-II/2 Command Certificate for Master 200GT.

Sea Service Prerequisites (minimums): Note you must be able to provide proof of your sea service before undertaking the exam. This should be provided at least 2 weeks before the course when possible to allow our team to review it and ensure your eligibility for the course. Speak to your MPT Career Counselor or your instructor for assistance.

 Sea Service can be proven by submitting one or more of the following: 

• Log book (RYA or other acceptable)
• Sea Service Testimonial Letters from captains, owners or operators of vessels outlining vessel specifics, time underway, your capacity served onboard and the location of the service (tidal or non-tidal waters, etc).
• Sea Service Forms (calendar style - provided you can supply all of the additional information such as number of miles, etc.) Method 2 is preferred.

Yachtmaster Coastal: Motor - Option 1

Without RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate:

• 2 days as skipper on vessels of less than 24 meters

Note: No more than half of the required miles can be on vessels over 24 meters

Yachmaster Coastal: Motor – Option 2 A & B

  With RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate:

Can be used to enter OOW 3000GT program and modules

A. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels less than 24 meters

• 20 days on board
• 2 days as skipper on vessel less than 24 meters

B. Mariners with Coastal Skipper Practical Certificate and with more than half of required sea service on vessels greater than 24 meters

• 30 days on board

Yachtmaster Offshore: Motor  

• 50 days sea time overall on motor vessels
• 5 days in the command position on the vessel (as Master)
• 2500 nautical miles logged with half transiting through tidal waters and half on a vessel of less than 24 meters that is not a tender.
• 5 passages over 60 nautical miles, including 2 overnight and 2 in command (as Master) of vessel.        

Yachtmaster Ocean:

• Obtain Yeachmaster Offshore
• Complete the RYA astro/ocean shorebased theory #306
• Ocean passage of 600 nautical miles or more as captain or mate
• Complete oral exam with RYA examiner successfully

For Commercial Endorsement:

In addition to the SRC and First Aid (must have been taken within 5 years) you will need to obtain an MCA Certificate of Medical Fitness (ENG-1) as well as the Personal Survival Training (4 Modules of STCW 210) and the online Professional Practices & Responsibilities (PPR) Certificate. If you are planning to work commercially, you should simply add the STCW Basic Training Program, which will include the approved Personal Survival and First Aid automatically and will also allow your Yachtmaster CoC to have the STCW endorsement as well. Most boats internationally require this of all crew working commercially. We also recommend the Security Awareness or Designated Security (VPDSD) Course if you are working commercially as well. These are all separate fees from the Yachtmaster Course however MPT offers Package discounts, speak to an MPT RYA Specialist for more information and assistance. There is also a fee candidates will pay to the RYA for the commercial endorsement.

Written & Practical Exam Information:

The written exams are administered at MPT at the end of the shore-based theory segment of your program. They include all of the topics covered in the course. All of the shore-based courses and experience criteria must be fulfilled before the RYA Examiner will conduct the practical assessment. The final exam will be conducted by an independent and unbiased RYA Yachtmaster examiner and takes the form of an extensive oral and practical examination on a motor yacht. Candidates who have taken MPT's Yachtmaster course may use one of the MPT vessels for the exam at no additional fee. The practical exam will take an additional one-two day and is scheduled when the examiner is available and generally immediately after the course, weather permitting.  Once your eligibility has been reviewed (sea time and prerequisites met), the schedule for the practical examination is predicated on several things:

1)The weather as this is a practical underway examination 2)The availability of the RYA Examiner (this is not an MPT employee)

Examinations may need to be scheduled for additional days which may not be consecutive to the dates of the course.

Exam Subjects:

We will review with you the knowledge-based subjects during your shore-based theory week and also fine tune your boat handling skills during your practical course, but you should be familiar with the following areas when you join the class and proficient by the exam date. (Note if you are not already well versed in these subjects when you arrive, you are strongly encouraged to take the Essential Navigation (online course) as there is not sufficient time to cover the basics in the 2-week program. Ask about #333) 

• Knowledge of the International and Inland Rules of the Road.
• Safety. The candidate will be expected to know what safety equipment should be carried on board a yacht.
• Boat Handling, Maneuvering, Docking: Yachtmaster Coastal students will be expected to answer questions & demonstrate ability in simple situations only. Yachtmaster Offshore candidates are expected to demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise.
• General seamanship, including maintenance.
• Responsibilities of the skipper
• Navigation, Basic Weather 
• Radio Communication & Signaling
• Command presence, management and direction of crew.
• Essential Navigation (online course)

Practical Exam Fees:

The RYA Examination Fee for the initial examination will be paid by MPT as part of your course tuition. Additional RYA fees are paid by candidate if a subsequent examination is needed.

 If at the end of your course you wish to postpone the practical exam date, you are permitted to return for exam and RYA exam fee paid by MPT, within one calendar year, space permitting.

Additional Recommended or Required Courses:

• Essentials of Navigation (Online Pre-Course) #333
• First Aid & CPR #143 or Take STCW Basic Safety Training #141, 142, 143, 144
• SRC VHF Radio License #303 Required (offered Online) or GMDSS GOC #404
• RYA PPR (Professional Practices & Responsibility) #335 ONLINE COURSE
• MCA Approved Engine Course #440
• USCG Radar Course #148 & ARPA Course #150 or MCA Nav/Radar/ARPA Course #402

If you have three years of yacht service, speak to a career counselor about continuing straight through your OOW or Chief Mate 3000 GT program.

Required Materials

RECOMMEND PRE-STUDY: Essential Navigation online, course #333, COLREGS Study Apps or flashcard, and course notes. AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE or bring with you the following: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white- like magic rub or Staedtler), Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles – your choice), Dividers (we recommend two- one as divider and one as compass), Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x), Hand Bearing Compass - optional though recommended (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004). Pick up at MPT when you register or when you check-in: Yachtmaster Shore based Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT).

11 day class in Fort Lauderdale

RECOMMENDED PRE-STUDY: Available at MPT Ships Store Complete Course Training DVD Flashcards AVAILABLE IN MPT SHIPS STORE OR BRING WITH YOU: Pencil (mechanical or #2) Paper Chart Eraser (We recommend white - like magic rub or staedtler) Navigation Tools (parallel rules/Portland plotter/triangles - your choice) Dividers (we recommend two - one as divider and one as compass) Calculator (we recommend the TI-30x) Hand Bearing Compass (We recommend Weems & Plath #2004) PICK UP AT SCHOOL WHEN YOU REGISTER OR WHEN YOU CHECK-IN: Yachtmaster Shorebased Training Manuals & Charts (provided by MPT)

Course Photos

Testimonials

Not suggestions. Thanks for letting me be your student! Alejandro, Friday August 2015 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

A bit more time would be nice! But Steve was an awesome instructor.Very easy to follow and very thorough. Arthur, Wednesday November 2013 RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200

1915 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, +1-954-525-1014 | +1-888-839-5025 (Toll Free)

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MCA Officer of the Watch – Master (Code Vessels <200gt) OOW (Yachts <500gt)

Work towards your master (code vessels 200gt) oow (yachts <500gt).

This generic MCA certificate of competency allows seafarers to become a captain of any vessel less than 200gt.This includes work boats and wind farm support vessels.

• GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC)

• Human Element, Leadership and Management (Operational Level)

Orals Preparation (Master< 200gt) OOW (Yachts less than 500gt)

Why the master 200gt, about the course.

Passing the Master 200gt will allow you to become the Captain on any vessel less than 200gt. This includes work boats and wind farm support vessels.

The Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the watch (Yachts <500gt) training covers two capacities:

• Limited (*not more than 150 miles from a safe haven)
• Unlimited (**unlimited area).

Before you can obtain the Master (Code Vessels <200gt), Officer of the watch (Yachts <500gt) Certificate of Competency (CoC) you must complete the relevant training modules along with the required MCA Ancillary courses to qualify to sit the Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the watch (Yachts <500gt) Certificate of Competency oral examination.

Required modules & certification

Required training & certification: , recommended training:  .

• Orals Preparation Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the Watch (Yachts <500gt)

To qualify for the Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the Watch (Yachts <500gt) Certificate of Competency Oral examination, you will be required to hold the pass certificates from the training courses above and also meet the following entry requirements.

Entry requirements

Limited certificate*.

Master Officer of the Watch limited – not more than 150 miles from safe haven.

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have completed 6 months seagoing service while holding an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or IYT Master of Yachts Limited certificate
• An RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate and a certificate of successful completion of a Shorebased Yachtmaster Offshore course; or
• An IYT Master of Yachts Limited
• Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent
• STCW Basic Safety Training

Unlimited Certificate**

Master Officer of the Watch unlimited – no limit on area

• Have completed 6 months seagoing service while holding an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean or IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited certificate
• An RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certificate and a certificate of successful completion of a shorebased Yachtmaster Ocean course;  or
• An IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited

Please Note: The above entry requirements are not required to attend the training courses for Master (Code Vessels less than 200gt) Officer of the watch (Yachts less than 500gt). However they 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 (over 24m) please refer to  MSN 1858 .

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What Do I Need to Get a Yacht Master 200 GT Certification

Achieving the prestigious yacht master 200 gt (gross tonnage) certification is a significant milestone for any aspiring yacht master., this certification is designed for individuals looking to command yachts up to 200 gross tons and is recognized globally in the yachting industry., here's a comprehensive guide on what you need to fulfill the requirements for the yacht master 200 gt certification., age requirement.

• Minimum Age : Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

Communication Certification

• Marine Communications VHF-SRC Radio Operators Certificate : You must hold or obtain a Marine Communications VHF-SRC Radio Operators certificate. Note that ISSA VHF qualifications are not accepted. 

Basic STCW Certificates

• STCW Certificates : You need to hold or obtain all Basic STCW certificates. These certificates must be valid (not expired) and issued by countries on the IMO “White List.”
• Components : The EFA (Elementary First Aid), PST (Personal Survival Techniques), and BFF (Basic Fire Fighting) components cannot be taken online, whereas the PSSR (Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities) and PMSA (Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness) components can be taken online. Note that if your STCW Safety Training was completed after January 1, 2014, the PMSA component is also required.

Sea Time and Boating Experience

Yacht and Sea Time Requirements :

• Your sea time must be on a yacht of at least 10 meters in length, defined as a non-cargo carrying vessel used for recreational or commercial charter purposes.
• You must be an active crew member at sea, with a day defined as a period of 8 consecutive hours. Sea time spent in shipyard service or stand-by service is not accepted.
• The term “at sea” refers to being on a vessel outside of any harbour, where a cruising yacht could secure or anchor for an extended period. Your nautical miles must be on genuine cruises or passages, not short day trips.
• For power endorsement, the minimum 1,500 nautical miles cannot include sea time on any monohull sailing vessel driven under power.

Documentation : You should provide documented evidence of your boating experience. If you have a sea time logbook, scan copies of the pages and send them in one PDF document, ensuring your name is at the top of each page. Alternatively, you can use the IYT testimonial for sea service or the IYT candidate sea time form available on your IYT Account.

Medical Fitness

• Medical and Eyesight Examination : A current medical fitness examination and a color blindness eyesight examination are required. These exams must have been performed within the last two years and ensure you can safely perform relevant duties on a yacht.

Practical Experience

• Hands-On Experience : It is highly recommended to have hands-on practical experience and sea time on both power and sailing vessels before attempting the exam. The practical exam is not the forum for learning basic skills.

Verification of Experience

• Experience Verification : Verification of your yachting experience must be original and signed by the skipper of the yacht you sailed on. If you were the skipper, you may sign your own entries, but independent verification may be required.

Military Service

• Military Letters : Military letters stating service days for sea time are also accepted. Each will be reviewed to ensure the experience meets the certification level requirements.

Obtaining the Yacht Master 200 GT certification involves meeting stringent requirements, including age, communication certification, STCW certificates, substantial sea time, medical fitness, and practical yachting experience. By fulfilling these criteria, you will be well-prepared to take on the responsibilities and challenges of commanding a yacht up to 200 gross tons.

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• +44 151 632 4000 [email protected]
• 86a Market Street, Hoylake Wirral, CH47 3BD, UK

JPMA & Hoylake Sailing School

(john percival marine associates), what are the requirements for a master less than 200gt coc.

The MCA have brought out the Master (code vessels <200gt), OOW (Yachts less than <500gt) CoC for those who hold a Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean, and would like to hold an MCA Master CoC.

There are 2 variants of the Master <200gt: ‘Limited to 150 miles from safe haven’ & ‘Unlimited area’.

If you hold the Yachtmaster Offshore CoC, you will get the limited Master <200gt CoC, if you hold the Yachtmaster Ocean CoC, you will get the unlimited Master <200gt CoC.

If your final aim is to achieve the Master <500gt or Master <3000gt CoC, you will need to have the OOW <3000gt CoC before you can move on to the Master CoCs.

In order to gain a Master <200gt CoC, you will need to do some classroom training, some sea service, and finally an oral exam.

Required Service:

You need to have 6 months of sea service on vessels of any size, whilst holding an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or IYT Master of Yachts Limited certificate.

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

The courses you must undertake for Master <200gt are:

STCW Basic Safety Week certificates (PST or RYA Basic Sea Survival/PSSR/Elementary First Aid/Basic Fire Fighting) RYA or IYT Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased & Practical certs (either sail or power). These need to be  Commercially Endorsed NOTE: you don’t need to have a shorebased Yachtmaster certificate if your Yachtmaster CoC was issued before 31st July 2003 GMDSS ROC (if YM Offshore is used) or GMDSS GOC (if YM Ocean is used) certificate ENG1 Medical certificate Human Element Leadership & Management (Operational) certificate

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 <200gt, 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!

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 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 <200gt oral exam. Click here for details.

Master 200 GT: the gateway between the Yachtmaster and the Captain 200

Yachtmaster holders can, by using the Master 200 GT oral exam gateway, claim a visa recognition from France giving them the same prerogatives as a Captain 200 (french degree). 

The Yachtmaster is a British certificate, issued by the Royal Association Yachting (RYA).

The United Kingdom being a signatory to the STCW Convention, it can issue the title of Yachtmaster STCW Endorsed. In theory, if the Yachtmaster title is “STCW Endorsed”, the skipper will be able to obtain the benefit of the STCW titles recognition between signatory states of the STCW Convention, subject to obtaining a recognition visa or to the establishment of a bilateral recognition agreement between countries.

However, France (signatory of the STCW convention) does not recognize the “STCW Endorsed” Yachtmaster as such and therefore does not issue any visa recognition. Skippers who have it are, therefore, not allowed to sail on a boat waving the French flag. This can be a source of frustration for skippers who are denied employment opportunities.

To allow Yachtmaster holders to operate on French boats, they need to obtain a new certificate: the MCA Master 200 GT; which is recognized by France and can be subject to a visa recognition.

With a Yachtmaster, the Master 200 GT certificate is easily obtainable.

The Master 200 GT is the bridge between the Yachtmaster and the Captain 200 . Without a Master GT MCA, it is impossible to get a visa recognition from France.

1. What is the MCA Master 200 GT?

The Master 200 GT is an English STCW certificate recognized by France through the issuance of a visa recognition.

The MCA Master 200 GT is very similar to the Yachtmaster Offshore. Therefore, it can be used by skippers on vessels up to 200 GT or by watchkeeping officers on vessels up to 500 GT.

The Master 200 GT can be “Limited”, allowing use up to 150 Nm offshore, or “Unlimited” for use without distance limits.

Skippers must complete their diploma with a GMDSS certificate . This can be either a GMDSS ROC (Restricted Operator Certificate) which limits the activity in GMDSS Zone A1, or a GMDSS GOC (General Operator Certificate) which allows an unlimited use.

A number of prerequisites are required from the seaman who wishes to obtain this gateway, as follows.

2. Obtaining the complementary MCA Master 200 GT exam 

A. prerequisites to obtain this gateway.

First of all, to be able to use this bridge between the Yachtmaster and the Master 200 GT, some prerequisites are necessary:

• Be over 18 years old
• To have completed 6 months of sea service with a RYA Yachtmaster, or IYT Master of Yacht limited
• To hold an offshore RYA Yachtmaster or a commercially endorsed IYT Master of Yacht limited
• Have a valid ENG1 medical certificate
• Individual Survival Techniques (IST)
• Basic firefighting training
• Basic first aid (EM 1)
• Life safety and social responsibilities
• Operator certification: GMDSS ROC or GOC
• Have the HELM (Human Element, Leadership & Management) operational certificate
• Finally, pass the oral exam (see below for the content of the oral exam) of the MCA Master 200 GT. There is no MCA or RYA preparation course for the Master 200 oral exam. The program for the oral is: navigation, IRPCS, meteorology, cartography, business and MarPol law, Bridge procedures, etc.

In addition, candidates must complete a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) and send it to MCA. It is recommended that you allow at least 28 days before your file is processed. Oral examinations are held at the MCA offices.

B. Content of the Master 200 GT oral exam:

More specifically, and to put all the chances on your side, here is a summary of the content of the MCA Master 200 GT exam.

1. Plan and execute a passage (chart and navigation instructions, light lists, tide tables, radio warnings)

• Be familiar with the IMHA A and B buoyage system
• Identify and analyze the limitations and sources of error of electronic charts and navigation systems
• Know how to use Radar and ARPA (practical use, mode of operation, limitations and sources of error, including basic radar plotting techniques)
• Know the application of variation and deviation to convert true heading to compass heading, and understand the basic causes of variation and deviation
• Locate the ship’s position on the chart based on magnetic bearings and/or radar ranges, position by latitude and longitude
• Find the magnetic heading to steer and the ETA for a given destination given the starting position and recording speed
• Identify transits and chart trim marks to plan a safe approach to a port or anchorage
• State and explain the meaning of common chart symbols and abbreviations
• Know how to obtain and use weekly Notices to Mariners to correct charts
• Research high and low water times and predict heights and/or intermediate times for standard and secondary ports
• Find and predict tidal range and rate from charted tidal reference points, and tidal current atlases

2. Meteorology

• Know the sources of weather information
• Interprete weather forecasts, including knowledge of the characteristics of various weather conditions
• Use and interpret information obtained from on-board weather indications

3. Maintain a safe navigation watch

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of marine navigation monitoring, including anchor monitoring; such as STCW Code A-VIII and ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
• Understand the use of bridge equipment including echo sounder and Navtex
• Be familiar with steering control systems, including autopilot and operation from manual to automatic control and vice versa
• Maintain navigation records
• Know the circumstances under which the captain should be called to the bridge
• Know the principles of handing over and relieving the bridge watch

4. International regulations for preventing collisions at sea (ColRegs)

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of ColRegs including the requirements: to proceed at a safe speed, keep an eye out for and recognize lights and shapes, and fog signals for all classes of vessels, recognize audible maneuvering signals and light signals. Recognize a developing collision situation by compass, radar or visual reference
• State the measures to be taken during the day and at night to avoid collisions. Describe precautions to be taken when navigating in or near areas of reduced visibility; evaluate the probability of a radar-only collision of a vessel and the steps to be taken to avoid a collision. Describe the requirements for navigating in or near traffic separation schemes. Describe the need to navigate in narrow channels
• Respond to emergencies, operational safety and pollution control

5. Distress signals and communication

• State the conditions under which distress signals may be used; understand the different types of distress signals, actions to be taken upon receipt, and obligations to assist
• Know the proper use of pyrotechnics, EPIRBS and SARTS, including the appropriate circumstances for their use
• Understand proper distress communication procedures, including the terms Mayday, PanPan and Safety messages
• Emergency communication with GMDSS regulations

6. Vessel manoeuvres

• Know the steps to prepare for departure, tasks before going to sea, docking, entering a dock, berthing alongside docks, piers or other vessels; stowing to buoys
• Know how to use and maintain mooring lines and associated equipment
• Know how to use the rudder, steer the ship, know the effects of propellers on the ship’s direction, the effects of wind and current, stopping, going astern and turning short
• Act in the event of a failure of the deck, telegraph or steering gear control, including emergency steering arrangements
• Know anchoring procedures
• Understand precautions to be taken when using winches and windlasses
• Understand the precautions to be taken when mooring and unmooring

7. Responses to emergencies

Be able to respond to emergencies by adapting the posture according to the different scenarios:

• Initial actions as follows: man overboard, collision, grounding, flooding or major mechanical damage, initial damage assessment and control, marine environmental protection
• Fire prevention, use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus, shutdown and isolation of facilities and equipment, evacuation and breathing apparatus, fire and safety plans
• Operation and maintenance of rescue apparatus and equipment, including immersion suits and thermal protection aids, pyrotechnics, and ammunition launching devices
• Launching of liferafts and rescue boats; proper rigging of liferaft hydrostatic release units
• Basic principles of survival

8. Pollution Prevention Requirements

• Know good pollution prevention practices in ports and at sea, as well as measures to be taken to prevent pollution during bunkering
• Know how to respond to pollution incidents in ports and at sea
• Know the basics of waste management and disposal of waste and oil residues

9. Vessel Navigability

• Understand the fundamentals of watertight integrity and closing all openings, including hatches, access hatches and watertight doors
• Understand the difference between good stability and poor stability, and recognize the warning signs of the latter
• Increasing and decreasing weights
• Low freeboard
• Clogged deck clearances and scuppers
• Loose tanks
• Preparing for weather, ensuring and maintaining watertightness

10. Business and Law

• Understand the content and application of the applicable codes, namely the “Small Vessel Commercial Code 1” and the Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3) 2
• Be familiar with the Code of Safe Work Practices for Merchant Mariners 3, its content and practical application
• Know the requirements for drills and exercises, including fire, emergency and abandon ship drills
• Understand the legal requirement to insure a seaworthy vessel
• Know the basics of salvage laws
• Understand the requirements for safe manning, hours of work and watchkeeping
• Identify the circumstances under which a vessel requires a crew agreement

3. Ask for a visa recognition to work in France

Once the Master 200 GT is obtained, the holder can apply for a visa recognition from the competent authority.  

The visa recognition attests to the seaman’s competences to perform functions equivalent to his or her certificate in foreign countries.

A. How to apply for a visa recognition?

To obtain a visa recognition, you must put together a file with the following documents:

• The CERFA for visa application , duly completed and signed,
• A copy of your valid seaman’s certificates, approved by the administration of the country of issue (here the Master 200 GT), with the STCW reference of the title,
• A medical check-up, issued within the last 2 years by a doctor authorized by the country of issue of the certificate or by a French seamen’s doctor,
• An identity photo.

B. To whom should the application for a visa recognition be addressed?

The request for a visa recognition must be made by the seaman or the owner of the ship under the French flag on which the sailor, holder of the certificate concerned, is embarked.

This request should be sent to the “employment – maritime training” department of the DIRM (Direction InterRégionale de la Mer) of a DDTM (Direction Départementale des Territoires de la Mer) of the maritime coastline on which the vessel is operating (DIRM-Mediterranean, for example, if the vessel on which the sailor is embarked is operated in one of the departments of the Mediterranean coastline).

To know more about how you can obtain a recognition visa, see our dedicated blog post here.

C. Working in France with a visa recognition

Once the application has been validated and the visa recognition obtained, the French authorities certify that the foreign title held by the seaman corresponds to an equivalent level of function in French regulations.

By issuing this visa, France authorizes the holder to work under the French flag for a limited period of 5 years. If the recognized title expires earlier, the visa recognition will also expire.

The renewal of the visa recognition must be explicitly requested.

Note 1: Obtaining a visa recognition does not entitle the holder to the issuance of the equivalent French title and the related rights under French law. (e.g.: obligation to hold a French title for access to higher education).

Note 2: Obtaining a visa recognition is not sufficient for a foreign sailor to be able to command a French vessel. For this specific function, the foreign sailor must also be evaluated by a national jury. This national jury, presided over by the DIRM in its “commercial” formation, will examine the officer’s knowledge of the French language and national maritime regulations.

In summary, to work in France or under the French flag, the holder of a Yachtmaster STCW Endorsed must:

✅ Obtain the Master 200 GT by validating the Master 200 GT oral exam ✅ Once the Master 200 GT is obtained, apply for a visa recognition from the competent authority. ✅ When the visa recognition is issued to the seaman, he can then practice for 5 years in France.

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IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited

Master of Yachts 200GT

Find out About the IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited

Find a Master of Yachts Unlimited Course

The IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited is an MCA-recognized commercial Master License for Yachts up to 200GT across all oceans. It is recognized by various flag states and port authorities around the world and meets the requirements for candidates working towards their MCA Officer of the watch (OOW Yachts 3000GT) and Chief Mate 3000 CoC.

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• View more information on the IYT website 

IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Certification

The IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Certificate qualifies you to work as:

• Master of 200-ton yachts, all oceans
• Chief Mate of 150-ton yachts up to 150 nautical miles offshore
• Chief Mate of 200-ton yachts, all oceans
• OOW (Officer of the Watch) on all oceans of a 500-ton yacht, all oceans

Master of Yachts Unlimited Prerequisites / Requirements:

• IYT Master of yachts limited certificate (Or an MCA stamped notice of Eligibility)or - MCA Master (Code Vessel) < 200GT - MCA OOW certificate - MCA stamped Notice of Eligibility (NOE) - Marshall Islands Master (STCW II/3) < 350GT / Chief Mate (STCW II/3 <500GT) - AMSA Master less than 35m Near Coastal (Master <35m NC)
• An ENG1 or other type of Seafarer medical certificate including an eyesight and color blindness check, less than 2 years old (must be within the expiration date of the given certificate if less than 2 years)
• Either two trips of 250 miles, or one trip of 500 miles out of sight of land.- For areas where this may be difficult, (i.e. the Mediterranean or Caribbean); this out of sight of land requirement can be satisfied 20 miles or more from a shoreline. It is expected that a passage plan be made for that voyage, which would subsequently be used in the course for review and debriefing purposes leading to improvements by the final theory exam.
• It is preferred that the passage(s) be carried out prior to the course being taken but it can be done afterward with extenuating circumstances). Please contact or view the IYT website for more information regarding this.

Master of Yachts Unlimited Theory Course Breakdown:

Course length and content covered:.

6 Days days of astronavigation & worldwide meteorology. Candidates must hold a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the subjects covered in the IYT Master Limited course.

Subjects covered include:

• The earth and the celestial sphere
• The PZX triangle
• The sextant
• Measurement of time
• Meridian altitudes
• Planet sights
• Starsight planning
• The pole star
• Moon sights
• Compass checking
• Satellite navigation systems
• Great circle sailing
• Meteorology
• Passage planning

IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Exam & Certificate of Competency

Apart from the above-mentioned prerequisites, qualifications, knowledge, and experience, candidates are required to do the following in order to attain an IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Certificate of Competency.

• A final written exam on the last day (6th) of the course. (3 hour written exam).
• The demonstration of practical sextant competencies including the taking of sun sights during the course.
• The submission of a formal plan for an ocean passage. Please read or contact the IYT or an IYT approved training school for more information regarding this.

IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Course Providers:

Brazil Sao Paulo

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Saint Maarten

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• Master of Yachts

Training towards

Master (Code vessels less than 200gt not more than 150miles from a safe haven) / Officer of the Watch (Yacht less than 500gt).

Course information

The course will include all aspects of navigational safety with emphasis on collision regulations; operational safety and responses to emergencies; pollution control and aspects of Master Business and Law.

Pre-requisite experience: Yachtmaster Offshore shore-based and MCA recognised Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competency, Basic training, GMDSS restricted operators certificate

Duration: 6 Days

Examination and assessment:

MCA Master (Code vessels less than 200gt) oral examination.

Certification

STCW Master (Code vessels less than 200gt not more than 150miles from a safe haven) / Officer of the Watch (Yacht less than 500gt).

The course Completion Certificate must be presented together with proof of 3 months’ sea service on vessels of 15m or more in length before the full certificate can be issued.

On successful completion of your training, your NOE must be sent to the MCA. It can take up to 6 weeks to be notified of your exam date.

Master 200gt Limited / OOW 500gt

6 days from.

Fill the form below to Book the course and one of our team members will contact you as soon as we received your booking form:

• Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 Tons (Power or Sail)

What does the Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 Ton course consist of? A comprehensive live aboard course consisting of six days for sail or five days for power, which includes the practical on the water examination. The course covers subjects such as navigational charts and publications, dead reckoning and estimated position, position fixing, tides, tidal levels and data, pilotage, safety at sea, meteorology and much more.

Because the Master of Yachts Coastal course is conducted on board a yacht it also covers such practical seamanship skills as ropework, anchorwork, boat handling, docking, yacht presentation, navigation, passage planning and much more.

Note: To obtain a power certificate/endorsement, training and examination may not take place on a sailboat under auxiliary engine.

“Critical Information – Please do not disregard this note – MCA/IYT no longer certifying candidates who are color blind”

The MCA are no longer allowing Deckhands, Officers of the Watch, Mates or Masters who have color blindness to hold MCA certification. In the past, those who were diagnosed with color blindness were issued certificates with the endorsement” no solo watch” or “dual watch only”.

Because the IYT/MCA Master of Yachts certificates are commercial in nature, IYT will be complying with the same MCA requirements and will be unable to issue any commercial certificates to those who have color blindness. It is imperative that students undertake a color blindness test BEFORE they enroll in any IYT/MCA commercial courses as we will not be able to certify them.

Also, it is important to note that a ‘lantern test’ for color blindness is no longer accepted. The test must be an Ishihara or CAD test.

Those who already hold IYT/MCA commercial certificates with a color blindness endorsement “no solo watch” will be able to renew with the same endorsement”.

If you hold the Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate certificate you are qualified for work as:

• Master of <24m vessel up to 60 nautical miles offshore
• Chief Mate of 500 ton vessel up to 60 nautical miles offshore
• Chief Mate of 200 ton vessel up to 150 nautical miles offshore

The Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 TON qualification covers the following based on the M.C.A Deck Manning Table for Commercially Operated Yachts up to 200 gross tons.

What are the minimum entry requirements to apply for the IYT Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 tons course?

• Candidates should be 18 years of age or older.
• One must hold or obtain a Marine Communications VHF-SRC Radio Operators certificate. * Please note that we do not accept ISSA VHF qualifications. (I f you are unsure if your radio license will be accepted, please send a scanned copy of the front and back of your license to [email protected] . We will verify that your license is sufficient to receive the IYT Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate license).  
• STCW certificates must be valid (not expired).
• STCW certificates must be issued by nations found on the IMO “White List” . 
• STCW EFA, PST, and BFF components cannot be taken online whereas STCW PSSR and PMSA components can be taken online.
• If STCW Safety Training is taken after January 1, 2014, Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness (PMSA) is also required.
• Candidates may sit the course prior to obtaining the minimum sea time. However, they will not be issued their Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 Tons certificate until all the requirements have been met.
• Candidates must provide documented evidence of boating experience:

• Sea time must be on a yacht (at least 10m in length) which can be defined as a non-cargo carrying vessel for recreational or commercial charter purposes.
• Verification of yachting experience must be signed by the skipper of the yacht on which the candidate was sailing. Candidates claiming sea time during times when they were acting as captain may sign their own entries, but will need independent proof that can be verified by IYT.
• We do not accept ship yard service and stand-by service as sea time.
• The term “at sea” is defined as being on a vessel outside of any harbour – natural or artificial – in which a cruising yacht could secure or anchor for a prolonged period.
• The nautical miles must be on genuine cruises or passages, not short-day trips. The candidate must have considerable time of actual vessel handling.
• The minimum 800 nm for the power endorsement cannot include sea time on any monohull sailing vessel driven under power.
• If you have a sea time logbook, please scan copies of pages, and send them to us in one PDF document; make sure your name is at the top of each page prior to scanning. 
• iyt testimonial for sea service
• iyt candidate sea time form
• A current medical fitness examination and a colour blind eyesight examination. Medical/eyesight examinations are valid for a period of two years.
• We will also accept military letters stating service days for seatime, however, each will be reviewed to ensure they have sufficient experience for the level of certificate they are requesting.

What is required for the IYT master of yachts coastal/mate 200 ton exam?

The course must be completed before challenging the exam. Minimum sea time requirements must also have been met before examination.

What does the exam consist of?

The exam will be conducted by an independent IYT Master of Yachts examiner and takes the form of an oral and practical test on board a yacht. Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient ability to handle, dock, and anchor the boat with a required level of confidence. Candidates can expect to be examined on any subject contained within the syllabus and to be questioned on any of their yachting experience to date.

In the event that the examiner considers an examinee not to have achieved the required standards, an IYT Master of Yachts certificate will not be issued. In this case, a confidential report will be sent to the candidate outlining the reason or reasons for failure and suggesting remedial action that could lead to the successful completion of the course. Completion of the IYT Master of Yachts Coastal course is not a guarantee of passing the examination and receiving the certificate.

How do I apply for enrollment?

Candidates may apply to any of the participating IYT Partner Schools worldwide who offer this course.

In order to apply for the IYT Master of Yachts certification courses, a detailed yachting resume must be sent to your IYT training school for evaluation.

Acceptance into the course does not automatically guarantee obtaining an IYT Master of Yachts Coastal/ Mate 200 Tons Certificate. All the prerequisites must be fulfilled and satisfactory standards achieved in all of the courses.

What happens if I am color blind, hearing impaired or have other medical issue?

The MCA are no longer allowing Deckhands, Officers of the Watch, Mates or Masters who have color blindness to hold MCA certification. In the past, those who were diagnosed with color blindness were issued certificates with the endorsement” no solo watch” or “dual watch only”.   Because the IYT/MCA Master of Yachts certificates are commercial in nature, IYT will be complying with the same MCA requirements and will be unable to issue any commercial certificates to those who have color blindness.    It is imperative that students undertake a color blindness test  BEFORE  they enroll in any IYT/MCA commercial course as we will not be able to certify them.   Also, it is important to note that a ‘lantern test’ for color blindness is no longer accepted.  The test must be an Ishihara or CAD test.    Those who already hold IYT/MCA commercial certificates with a color blindness endorsement “no solo watch” will be able to renew with the same endorsement”.  

For those candidates who are hearing impaired, hearing loss should not exceed 20 decibels for the frequencies of 500Hz, and 1000Hz and 2000Hz. When hearing level does not meet these standards, hearing aids may be accepted providing the above standards can be reached when using the aid and watch keeping duties at sea can be adequately performed.

Candidates with Type 1 Diabetes may receive the IYT Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate and Limited Certificates of Competency.  However, please know that the MCA may not allow you to progress to the OOW or 500 and > Master Certification. 

Please note that the MCA will not issue an STCW qualification to candidates who do not pass the “ENG1 Medical Fitness Examination”.  The MCA will not allow you to progress to the OOW or 500 and > Master Certification.

How much time do I have to submit all required paperwork after completing the course?

Click here for information on time submission requirements for MOY Mate/Coastal, Limited and Unlimited.

As a professional in the yachting industry you are required to update and learn new skills on a regular basis. As you move up the chain of command or look for new opportunities your qualifications are essential. Please make sure they do not expire.

IYT plays a leading role in your professional training with 250 + schools in 56 countries around the world. We facilitate theoretical and practical training through our network of partner schools globally.

We are dedicating our efforts to better serve students and schools as we continue to improve our database and system and are working diligently to create new e-learning courses.

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View our course progression for an understanding of what is possible when you train professionally with IYT.

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Qualifying passages

Definitions.

• Skipper:  The skipper is the person nominated and responsible for the planning and execution of a passage including vessel and watch management. The skipper is not necessarily the most experienced or qualified person on board but must be the person with responsibility for the safe execution of the passage. If the skipper's role is transferred to another person at any time during a passage then neither person can claim to have skippered that passage.
• Mate:  For the purpose of qualifying passages, a mate is any person on board who has sole responsibility for managing a navigational watch during a passage. They must be actively engaged in the planning and execution of a passage.
• Tidal:  An area is deemed tidal if published stream, current or tidal range data is available, the influence of which is significant enough to require the effects to be taken into account to plan and execute a safe and efficient passage.
• Days on board:  A day on board or as skipper is a period of eight consecutive hours living on board, the majority of which the vessel should have been at sea. Periods of less than eight hours cannot be aggregated to make up eight hours. Only one eight-hour period may be counted in any 24 hour period.
• During a qualifying passage there should be no change of skipper or mates. Trainee skippers undertaking 60 mile passages are strongly advised to obtain a Coastal Skipper qualification first.

Additional for RYA Yachtmaster Ocean:

• Candidates on Ocean qualifying passages must have acted in a capacity of either mate or skipper throughout the entire passage.
• If circumstances prevent astro sights being taken on the ocean qualifying passage candidates may take their sights on another shorter passage. Such sights must be taken whilst the vessel is on passage and out of sight of land or charted objects capable of being used for navigation/position fixing. The examiner will determine whether the candidate is competent at astro navigation.
• Qualifying passages, sea time and days as skipper must take place on a suitably sized vessel appropriate to the discipline being examined, as detailed below.

Suitability of vessels for exam pre-requisites for RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore and Ocean exams:

For vessels over 24m LOA greater than 500gt please contact RYA Training 2 .

• Up to 50% of the minimum requirement. Evidence of status on board required by testimonial or seaman's discharge book.
• For vessels up to 200gt candidates must hold a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or higher Certificate of Competence. For vessels over 200gt candidates should hold an STCW Officer of the Watch (Yacht 3000gt) Certificate of Competence or higher to be able stand navigational watches during the passage. Please see MSN 1858 for further information.
• Contact [email protected]  if your sea time is on a yacht greater than 24m and 500gt.

Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses are now available for both walk-in service and by appointment; however, customers must complete an online marriage application prior to visiting any of our offices. Appointments are highly recommended and can be made online.    A marriage license is valid for 90 days. There are no citizenship or residency requirements, nor are blood tests required to obtain a marriage license. Applicants must be over 18 years old. There are absolutely no refunds for expired marriage licenses or if you have a change of plans. 

The department will be implementing strict social distancing guidelines as well as the following restrictions to ensure the safety of the couples and staff:

• Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting any of our offices.
• Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
• Ceremony rooms are open to the public. A maximum of 20 guests are allowed to attend a wedding ceremony.
• Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier's check, and/or money order. Make checks and money orders payable to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. 

To complete the application for a marriage license for in-person service, a couple must:

• Appear together in person.
• Each person must present one form of a valid non-expired, government issued, photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport).
•   If divorced within the last 90 days, please provide a copy of the divorce decree.
• If spouse is deceased within the previous 90 days, please provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
• Select the name each wishes to use after marriage, to be listed on the marriage license.
• Couples are not required to change their name(s). However, if the couple decides to change their name(s), they must do so at the time of signing the marriage license. Once the license is signed only a court order can change the name(s).
• The couple must provide at least one witness if they are a having a marriage ceremony performed at any of our available locations after having obtained a public marriage license. The department will not provide witnesses under any circumstances.
• A marriage ceremony will not be performed if a couple does not have a witness present who can sign their public marriage license and who can physically witness the marriage ceremony.
• Both individuals must be able to read, speak and understand English. If not, the couples must bring a sole witness who is able to translate to obtain a license and to have a ceremony performed. The department does not provide translation services nor witnesses.  

Public Marriage License

A public marriage license becomes a public record, and anyone can request an informational copy. This license can be used anywhere in the State of California. The cost for a public marriage license is $61.

Confidential Marriage License

A confidential marriage license becomes a confidential record, and the only people able to obtain information about it are the couple, except by special court order. The requirements to obtain this type of license are:

Couple must be living together prior to the marriage.

This license can be used anywhere in the State of California.

The cost for a confidential marriage license is $66.

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