Training

Responsibility for issuing certificates of competence for sail and power vessels is given to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) by the MCA.
The RYA is authorised to qualify examiners, provide examinations and issue certificates on behalf of the MCA for the following qualifications:

Yachtmaster Ocean certificate of competence*
Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence*
Coastal Skipper certificate of competence*
Day Skipper certificate of competence*
Advanced Powerboat certificate of competence*
Powerboat Level 2*
Day Skipper shorebased certificate
Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offershore shorebased certificate
Yachtmaster Ocean shorebased certificate
Marine Radio Short Range certificate
Basic Sea Survival certificate
First Aid
Diesel Engine
International Certificate of Competence for operators of pleasure craft

(*commercial endorsements may be added to these certificates to enable their professional use in relation to UK codes of practice for small commercial vessels.)

The RYA also accredits training centres who provide training towards these qualifications. RYA examinations are conducted independently of the training centres to ensure the integrity of these qualifications. Visit www.ryatraining.org for more information.

The MCA recommends that all boaters become members of clubs or organisations and receive accredited training.