Experienced skippers who want to prove their competence, or professionals who need to provide certification for their work, can take an exam to gain an RYA certificate of competence. These certificates are available in four levels:
Exam
RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat
Minimum sea time (see note 1)
30 days
2 days as skipper 800 miles
12 night hours (see note 2)
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster® Coastal
30 days
2 days as skipper 800 miles
12 night hours (see note 3)
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster® Offshore
50 days
5 days as skipper 2,500 miles
5 passage over 60 miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster® Ocean
Ocean passage as skipper or mate of watch
Oral and written assessment of sights taken at sea.
Note 1 Within 10 years prior to the exam. 50% of mileage must be in tidal waters.
Note 2 If you have an Advanced Powerboat course completion certificate the sea time requirement is reduced to 20 days (2 days as skipper), 400 miles and 12 night hours.
Note 3 If you have a Coastal Skipper course completion certificate the sea time requirement is reduced to 20 days (2 days as skipper), 400 miles and 12 night hours.
Note 4 Written exam in lieu of shorebased course completion certificate. Planning to work on the water?
Our website is packed with information on how to use RYA qualifications in your career on the water, where you can use them and what other qualifications you might need. Click here to read more...
6 RYA Power Centres | RYA Certificates of Competence | 2012/2013 Approx 1½ hours Practical
Restricted (VHF only) radio operator’s certificate
First aid certificate
8 to 12 hours for 1 candidate. 10 to 18 hours for 2 candidates
Practical
Restricted (VHF only) radio operator’s certificate
First aid certificate
6 to 10 hours for 1 candidate. 8 to 14 hours for 2 candidates
Form of exam Practical
Certificate required before exam
Restricted (VHF only) radio operator’s certificate