Where can I get an ENG1 medical in Mallorca?
While Palma Sea School does not conduct these exams, there are two MCA-approved centers in Mallorca:
- British Medical Centre (Palmanova): Dr. Amit Bajpai (+34 971 683 511)
- Club de Mar Medical (Palma): Dr. Johanna Clark (+34 619 982 142)
Who is authorized to issue an ENG1 certificate?
Only doctors specifically approved by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are authorized to carry out these medical examinations.
What are the minimum requirements for the Yachtmaster Offshore exam?
Within the last 10 years, you must have completed:
- 50 days at sea and 2,500 miles (50% must be in tidal waters).
- 5 days as skipper and 5 passages over 60 miles (including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper).
- A valid First Aid and GMDSS VHF certificate.
- Minimum age: 18.
How do requirements differ for the Yachtmaster Coastal exam?
For the Coastal exam, you need:
- 30 days at sea and 800 miles (400 miles if you hold the Coastal Skipper course certificate).
- 2 days as skipper and 12 night hours.
- A GMDSS VHF certificate.
- Minimum age: 17.
Can I use sea time gained on Superyachts (over 24m)?
Yes, but with restrictions. The RYA allows 50% (up to 1,250 miles) of your qualifying sea time for Yachtmaster Offshore to come from vessels over 24m (up to 3,000GT). The remaining 50% must be on vessels between 7m and 24m. You must provide a testimonial or discharge book as evidence.
Do miles gained on superyacht tenders count?
Generally, no. To count toward Yachtmaster qualifications, the vessel must be a cruising vessel capable of extended offshore trips with onboard living facilities (galley, heads, salon, and chart table). Most day-use tenders and chase boats do not meet these criteria.
What qualifies as "Tidal Waters"?
An area is tidal if there is published stream, current, or tidal range data significant enough to affect your passage planning. You must have recorded this data in your passage plan to prove you accounted for "course to steer" calculations.
How is a "Day at Sea" defined?
A "day at sea" is a period of eight consecutive hours living on board, the majority of which must be spent at sea. You cannot combine shorter periods to make up eight hours, and only one period can be counted per 24-hour window.
Which First Aid certificates are accepted for the Yachtmaster exam?
The RYA First Aid and STCW Elementary First Aid are the default accepted qualifications. If using another certificate, it must explicitly cover Cardiac Arrest and Hypothermia/Cold Water Shock.
How do I get a Commercial Endorsement?
To work professionally on British-flagged vessels, you need:
- A valid ENG1 or ML5 medical.
- An STCW or RYA Sea Survival certificate.
- Completion of the RYA’s online PPR Course (Professional Practices and Responsibilities).
Can I convert my Yachtmaster certificate from Sail to Power?
Yes. If you already hold a Yachtmaster certificate in one discipline, you receive a "mileage discount" for the other. For example, the Offshore requirement drops to 25 days and 1,250 miles in the new discipline. However, you must still pass a full practical exam.
What will I learn on the RYA Competent Crew course?
This is a beginner-level course covering:
- Sail handling, ropework, and helmsmanship.
- Safety procedures (Man Overboard, fire fighting, emergency equipment).
- Basic meteorology and rules of the road.
- Daily routines of living on a cruising yacht.
Am I ready for the RYA Day Skipper course?
To be ready for Day Skipper, you should have:
- At least 100 sailing miles and 4 night hours logged.
- Basic knowledge of navigation and helmsmanship (ideally from the Day Skipper Theory course).