Turn your sailing qualification into a professional licence to work at sea.
An RYA Commercial Endorsement allows holders of certain RYA certificates to work professionally on yachts and small commercial vessels up to 24 metres, subject to conditions. It’s the essential step for anyone planning to earn money skippering, crewing or instructing — whether seasonally or as part of a longer maritime career.
If you want to move from recreational sailing into paid work, this is where it starts.
What Is a Commercial Endorsement?
An RYA Commercial Endorsement is an MCA-recognised validation added to eligible RYA certificates. It confirms that you meet the medical, safety and professional standards required to work at sea.
Once endorsed, your RYA qualification can be used for commercial operations, including chartering, deliveries, instruction support and paid crew roles — in the UK and internationally, subject to flag and local regulations.
Who Is It For
Commercial Endorsement is suitable if you:
- Want to work professionally on yachts or small vessels
- Plan to skipper or crew on charter yachts
- Are seeking seasonal or freelance maritime work
- Want an MCA-recognised route into professional sailing
- Are building experience toward higher maritime qualifications
It’s commonly used by yacht skippers, instructors, delivery crew and offshore professionals.
Eligible RYA Certificates
You can apply for a Commercial Endorsement if you hold one of the following:
Course completion certificates:
- RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate
- RYA Day Skipper Practical course completion certificate supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate. The Day Skipper shorebased course may be undertaken online or in the classroom. In either case, the exams must be invigilated.
Certificates of competence:
In addition, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence can receive the STCW endorsement.
Each certificate has its own commercial limitations — we’ll help you understand what work you’re permitted to do.
Requirements for Commercial Endorsement
To obtain (or renew) your Commercial Endorsement, you must hold:
All certificates must be in date at the time of application.
What You Can Do With a Commercial Endorsement
Once endorsed, you may be able to:
- Work as a paid skipper or crew on yachts up to 24m
- Skipper charter yachts (subject to charter company requirements)
- Undertake yacht deliveries and relocations
- Work seasonally in sailing destinations worldwide
- Build sea time professionally toward higher MCA qualifications
The exact scope of work depends on your base certificate and experience.
Limitations & Responsibilities
A Commercial Endorsement comes with professional responsibility. You must:
- Operate within the limitations of your certificate
- Comply with flag state and local maritime laws
- Maintain valid medical and safety certificates
- Renew your endorsement at required intervals
We provide clear guidance so you know exactly where you stand.
Price and Validity
- Validity: 5 years
- Renewal: Requires updated medical and safety certificates
- Application Fee: Paid directly to the RYA (currently GBP £49 for RYA members and GBP £ 89 for non-members. A fast track service is also available)
We can guide you through initial application or renewal and ensure your paperwork is correct before submission.
What To Do Next
- Check your eligibility based on your RYA certificate
- Complete any missing courses (First Aid, Sea Survival, PPR, Marine Radio SRC)
- Obtain a valid ENG1 medical
- Apply for Commercial Endorsement through the RYA
If you’re unsure what’s missing, we’ll help you build a clear, efficient pathway.
Why Train With Second Star Sailing
- Full support across recreational → professional pathways
- Experienced instructors who understand MCA and RYA expectations
- Warm-water training with real-world commercial relevance
- Honest advice — we’ll tell you what you can and can’t do
If you’re serious about working on the water, we’ll help you do it properly and professionally.
