Whilst the following information is meant as a guide to becoming a commercially endorsed skipper, it is not exhaustive, thus other qualifications may be commercially endorsed. Vessels are limited to 24m and less than 200GT, except with Yachtmaster Offshore with further endorsements. Skippers wishing to become commercially endorsed skippers will be limited to 24m except for PB2 which will be limited to 10m. People with previous boating experience can do a direct assessment for Level 2.
Level: Powerboat Level 2
Entitles you to: Take a suitably coded vessel up to 3 miles from a nominated point of departure in favourable weather and daylight under MGN280 but not under the workboat code
Requirements:
- Powerboat level 2 certificate
- Short Range Certificate (VHF SRC)
- Suitable First Aid Certificate
- Sea Survival Certificate (RYA or STCW 78)
- Professional Practices and Responsibilities
- ML5 or ENG1 Medical (Issued by a doctor)
Level: Advanced Powerboat
Entitles you to: Take a suitably coded vessel up to 20 miles from a safe haven under both MGN280 and the workboat code. Note the workboat code requires some additional qualifications.
Requirements:
- Advanced Powerboat Course
- Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
- Short Range Certificate (VHF SRC)
- Suitable First Aid Certificate
- Sea Survival Certificate (RYA or STCW 78)
- Professional Practices and Responsibilities
- ML5 or ENG1 Medical (Issued by a doctor)
- Knowledge to Yachtmaster theory level
- 30 days on board, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours (No Advanced PB course)
- 20 days, 2 days as skipper, 400 miles, 12 night hours (With Advanced PB course)
Level: Yachtmaster Offshore
Entitles you to: Take a suitably coded vessel up to 150 miles from a safe haven. This can be designated as either power or sail with a separate exam for each to gain the Certificate of Competence.
Requirements:
- Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
- Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
- 50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles, 2 passages as skipper, 2 overnight passages
- Short Range Certificate (VHF SRC)
- Suitable First Aid Certificate
- ENG1 Medical (ML5 acceptable if willing to be limited to 60nm)
- Professional Practices and Responsibilities
- Sea Survival Certificate (RYA or STCW 78)
For STCW Endorsement:
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques *
- STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities *
- STCW Elementary First Aid *
- STCW Fire prevention and Fire Fighting *
* These must have been completed within the last 5 years or a refresher taken.