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RYA commercial endorsement: what you need

A Yachtmaster certificate on its own is for pleasure sailing. To use it for paid work, from skippering charters to working on superyachts, it needs a commercial endorsement. Here's what that involves.

What it lets you do

  • Yachtmaster Offshore, endorsed: the RYA says it lets you work as master of commercial vessels up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters, up to 150 miles from a safe haven. It's also the prerequisite for the MCA's Officer of the Watch (Yachts) route.
  • Yachtmaster Coastal, endorsed: vessels up to 24m in category 3 to 6 waters, up to 20 miles from a safe haven.

The exact limits depend on the code of practice the vessel operates under, so check what applies to the job you're going for.

What you need

Alongside your original Yachtmaster certificate, the RYA asks for:

  1. A medical: an ML5 certificate of medical fitness, or an ENG1, which you need to work in category 0 or 1 waters. Many professional crew already hold an ENG1.
  2. Sea survival: the RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate, or STCW Personal Survival Techniques, which is part of STCW basic training.
  3. A radio certificate: the RYA Short Range Certificate (SRC) or another GMDSS radio operator's certificate.
  4. Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR): the RYA's online course, which all new applicants must complete before applying.
  5. The application itself: the completed form with payment, and a passport-sized photo with your name on the back.

How long it lasts

An endorsement is valid for up to five years from when it's processed. To revalidate it, you need to show at least 150 days of sea service on suitable vessels in the previous five years and hold a valid medical. If you can't show the sea service, the RYA may still consider you if you've spent at least half of the five years in work closely associated with managing and operating those vessels.

Where it fits

The endorsement is the step that turns a Yachtmaster into a professional qualification. For the sea time and exam before it, see the Yachtmaster Offshore requirements. For how it fits a deck career, see superyacht deckhand qualifications and Yachtmaster Offshore for superyacht crew.

The rules and fees change from time to time, so check the RYA's commercial endorsement page before you apply.

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Questions

What do I need for an RYA commercial endorsement?

An ML5 medical (or an ENG1, which you need in category 0 or 1 waters), RYA Basic Sea Survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques, an SRC or other GMDSS radio certificate, and the online Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) course.

How long does a commercial endorsement last?

Up to five years from when it's processed. To revalidate, you need 150 days of sea service on suitable vessels in the previous five years and a valid medical.

What can I do with a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore?

The RYA says it lets you work as master of commercial vessels up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters, up to 150 miles from a safe haven, and it's a prerequisite for the MCA's Officer of the Watch (Yachts) route.

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Last checked 4 November 2026. DeckPrep is an independent revision tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the RYA. Always check current requirements with the RYA.