What is a Commercial Endorsement?  Do you really need it? And if so, how do you get it?

As the RYA explains, a commercial endorsement is required to work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels. 

So yes, if you want to work on a red ensign vessel, you will need a commercial endorsement. Many other countries recognize the validity of a Commercially Endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Certification.  Check with your employer or with the relevant flag authorities about this.

To be eligible to apply for a commercial endorsement of your qualifications, you will need:

• Your Certificate – at whatever level you are requesting your Commercial Endorsement (more on this in the next section)
• The RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities course.  This is short online course that focuses on manning, safety, and your duty of care towards passengers and crew.
• Your Medical Exam Form. You have two options here, an ML5 or an ENG1, depending on the type of work you are doing and the area in which you will be serving.  Please refer to this link for UK based physicians, and here for overseas doctors.
• The RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or the STCW Personal Survival Techniques.
• The RYA Marine Radio SRC Certificate or other acceptable GMDSS Marine Radio Operator Certificates. 
• A passport sized photo.
• The completed Form – from the RYA website: application form  
• And last – but not least, the application fee – it is FREE if you are or become a member of the RYA (which we highly recommend, ask us about it!)

Course completion certificates that can be endorsed: 

• RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
• RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate + Day Skipper Theory course completion certificate.
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence 
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence 
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

Keep in mind, that all commercial endorsements are required to be renewed every five years. To renew your commercial endorsement please use this link. 

Here is what you can do with each certificate:  see below for the Category table

What are Category Codings?

The distance you are allowed to operate commercially will depend on the boat and crew. There are seven area categories:

• Area Category 6 – Within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s), never more than 3 miles from land, in favorable weather and daylight.
• Area Category 5 – Within 20 miles from a nominated departure point, in favorable weather and daylight.
• Area Category 4 – Up to 20 miles from a safe haven, unfavorable weather and in daylight.
• Area Category 3 – Up to 20 miles from a safe haven.
• Area Category 2 – Up to 60 miles from a safe haven.
• Area Category 1 – Up to 150 miles from a safe haven.
• Area Category 0 – Unrestricted service (anywhere in the world)