Under British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations, skippers holding an RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore or RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean Certificate of Competence with a commercial endorsement may be the master of yachts and pleasure vessels up to 200gt.

However some non-UK Maritime administrations may require skippers to have attended four courses which comply with the international STCW ’95 standard (Standard of Training and Certification of Watchkeepers). These courses are:
• STCW Personal Survival Techniques: STCW A-V1/1-1 or RYA Sea Survival
• STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities: STCW A-V1/1-4
• STCW Elementary First aid: STCW A- V1/1-3
• STCW Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention: STCW A – V1/1-2
Skippers who have successfully completed these courses and hold an RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore or Ocean commercial endorsement may have their RYA certificate of competence endorsed with the words:

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

If you require this endorsement because you are working outside the UK, particularly on non-UK flagged vessels, you may obtain a new certificate by applying to the RYA with:
• a covering letter requesting the STCW endorsement
• your original certificate
• a new passport photograph
• evidence of completion of the STCW courses
• a cheque for £20 payable to the RYA
In addition, all commercially endorsed Yachtmaster® Offshore and Yachtmaster® Ocean certificates will now include the wording:

"This certificate is valid for use as Master of Yachts up to 200gt on commercially and privately registered yachts until (date of expiry)”
If you wish to renew your existing commercial certificate (without the STCW endorsement) please apply to the RYA with:
•  a covering letter requesting the new commercial endorsement
•  your original certificate
•  a new passport photograph
•  a cheque for £20 payable to the RYA

These items should be sent to:
RYA Certification Department, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 4YA