What is a commercial endorsement?
A commercial endorsement allows certain RYA qualifications to be used for paid work on British-flagged commercial vessels operating under the MCA’s small commercial vessel codes.
An STCW endorsement provides additional recognition of your qualification under the international STCW Convention and can be particularly useful if you plan to work professionally on yachts internationally.
Which RYA certificates can be commercially endorsed?
The following RYA certificates can receive a standard commercial endorsement:
Course Completion Certificates
- RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling
- RYA Day Skipper Practical, supported by an RYA Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Shorebased Course Completion Certificate
Certificates of Competence
- RYA Advanced Powerboat
- RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
- RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
- RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
The STCW endorsement is only available for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence.
What do I need for a commercial endorsement?
You will generally need:
- Your relevant RYA certificate
- A PPR (Professional Practices and Responsibilities) certificate
- A valid ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate, depending on the type of commercial work you intend to do
- RYA Basic Sea Survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
- RYA Marine Radio SRC or another accepted GMDSS Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate
- A passport-sized photograph
There may be additional requirements depending on the vessel and the type of work you intend to undertake.
Do I need an ENG1 or ML5?
Both are medical fitness certificates for commercial seafarers.
An ENG1 is required for certain commercial operations, including vessels operating in MCA Category 0 or 1 waters. An ML5 may be sufficient for some smaller commercial vessel operations.
If you are planning to work professionally, we recommend checking the medical requirements for the type of work you intend to do before choosing which medical to take.
What is the PPR course?
PPR (Professional Practices and Responsibilities) is a mandatory online course for anyone applying for a new RYA commercial endorsement.
You must complete the PPR course before submitting your commercial endorsement application.
How do I apply?
Commercial endorsements are issued by the RYA.
You can apply online or by post and will need to submit your relevant certificates, medical certificate and other supporting documents.
For the most up-to-date application process, forms and requirements, please check the RYA’s commercial endorsement guidance.
How long does a commercial endorsement last?
A commercial endorsement is normally valid for five years.
To revalidate your endorsement, you will generally need to demonstrate 150 days of appropriate sea service during the previous five years and hold a valid medical certificate.
Which commercial endorsement do I need?
The qualification and endorsement you need depends on the type and size of vessel, the waters in which it operates and the role you will be carrying out.
If you are planning to use your RYA qualification professionally, we recommend checking the commercial requirements before starting your training. This helps ensure that you complete the right qualifications, medical and additional courses for the work you want to do.