This page is designed to help people decide on the requirements of both the coding category and the requirements for the skipper’s qualifications. You may also want to answer our online calculator that will point you in right direction as to if the vessel is a commercial vessel or a pleasure vessel. It is worth noting that even though the vessel may be deemed a commercial vessel, this doesn’t automatically mean that the vessel needs to be coded. The IPV code or the Workboat code may also apply, or if you are in categorised waters, the inland passenger boat code or Class requirements may apply.
The vessel must be coded to one of the following categories:
| Category of coding required | Limitations of category |
| Category 0 | Worldwide |
| Category 1 | 150nm from a safe haven |
| Category 2 | 60nm from a safe haven |
| Category 3 | 20nm from a safe haven |
| Category 4 | 20nm from a safe haven in favourable weather and daylight |
| Category 5 | 20nm from a nominated departure point in favourable weather and daylight |
| Category 6 | 3nm from a nominated departure point in favourable weather and daylight |
The master of the vessel must be qualified to an appropriate level, see the table below:
| Qualification | Operating area allowed as Skipper |
| Yachtmaster Ocean CoC | Category 6 – 0 |
| Yachtmaster Offshore | Category 6 – 1 |
| Boatmaster License Grade 1, 2 & modified 3 | Category 6 – 2 |
| RYA Coastal Skipper CoC | Category 6 – 3 |
| Advanced Powerboat CoC + 2 Year Experience | Category 6 – 3 |
| Advanced Powerboat CoC +12 months Experience | Category 6 |
| CoC for the appropriate area issued by the CA | Category 6 – 3 |
| Day Skipper Theory & Practical | Category 6 – 5 |
| Local authority license | Category 6 |
| Day skipper Practical Certificate | Category 6 |
| Powerboat Level 2 + 12 months Experience | Category 6 |