Commercial Endorsement

A commercial endorsement is required to work as a skipper on a British flagged vessel that takes ‘paying passengers’, subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels, and needs to be renewed every 5 years. In addition, there are a number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates that are required to be completed before an individual is deemed eligible for a commercial endorsement.

Category: RYA Cruising Courses

Which certificates can be commercially endorsed?

The following certificates can receive the standard commercial endorsement:

Course completion certificate:

RYA Day Skipper practical (Sail) course completion certificate (if supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate with a Verified course exam

Certificate of competence (exam passed):

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence in an endorsement to the original Yachtmaster Certificate. Working limitations for commercial work as Skipper.

How do I apply for a standard commercial endorsement?

You will need to send the following items to the RYA Head Office: RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA

Your original RYA Skippers Certificate – see list above
Your Professional Practices and Responsibilities Certificate (PPR)
A commercial endorsement application form
An ML5 or ENG1 medical fitness certificate – download the MCA’s ML5 form from the link below. The RYA can only accept the latest version of the ML5 form. Skippers working in category 1 or 0 waters will need the ENG1 medical. Contact the MCA for a list of approved doctors
A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
RYA First Aid Certificate, STCW Elementary First Aid or Seafish First Aid These are they only first aid qualification accepted for Commercial Endorsement applications
RYA SRC Certificate or other acceptable marine radio operator’s certificate
A passport sized photo with your name on the back
The administration fee to the RYA (Please see the RYA Commercial Endorsement application form for current fee amount
If you want to get your licence quicker, choose the ‘Fast Track’ option for delivery.

Re-validating your commercial endorsement

All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years. To revalidate, you must:

Prove at least 150 days of actual sea service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years
Possess a valid medical fitness certificate
RYA Commercial Endorsement re-validation form

Alternative re-validation

If you are unable to prove the requisite sea service but can demonstrate that for at least half of the five-year period you have been employed in duties closely associated with the management and operation of one or more of the appropriate types of vessels, your certificate may be considered for revalidation.

Please note, if you are over 65 you are subject to more regular medical fitness examinations.