Applying for Commercial Certificate of Competence from RYA Qualification (CoC)

A Commercial Certificate of Competence (CoC) is widely recognised as a foundational qualification for various commercial maritime jobs.

To convert your RYA Skipper Motor qualification into a Commercial CoC, you need to complete additional training courses and a medical assessment. These training courses are available through our sister company, Falmouth Training Solutions and Falmouth School of Sailing.

Which certificates can be commercially endorsed?

The following certificates can receive the standard commercial endorsement:

1. Course completion certificate:

• RYA Day Skipper Practical (Motor) course completion certificate (if supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate with a Verified course exam

2. Certificate of competence (exam passed):

• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Motor) Certificate of Competence (Exam)
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Motor) Certificate of Competence (Exam)

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence in an endorsement to the original Yachtmaster offshore Certificate.

Working limitations for commercial work as Skipper.

Additional training courses for commercial endorsement:

• Professional Practices and Responsibilities
• RYA Sea Survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• RYA First Aid or STCW Elementary First Aid
• RYA VHF/GMDSS Marine Short Range Radio – Classroom or RYA VHF/GMDSS Marine Sort Range Radio – Online

Medical and fitness assessment

A valid medical fitness certificate is required. This can be obtained through an approved medical practitioner.

ML5 Medical Fitness

• This can be complete by your local GP Download the most up-to date ML5 Medical Report Form
• This is valid for working vessels up to 60 nautical miles from a safe haven

OR

ENG1 Medical Fitness

• This can only be completed by MCA Approved Doctors. Download A list of UK MCA Approved Doctors
• This is valid for working on vessels in any categories of waters
• This is only valid for 2 years

Medical Referrals and Submission Process

If you are submitting an ML5 Medical Report Form and Certificate, and the doctor has made any ticks within sections 1-9 or comments in section 9, your medical report will need to be referred to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Please note, the MCA will not accept medicals that are more than one year old. For further details, contact the RYA Certification Department at 023 8060 4146.

Important Considerations

• If your medical fitness certificate includes any restrictions, you may not be eligible for a commercial endorsement.
• The RYA and MCA strongly advise that individuals considering a seagoing career undergo a medical or sight test, which includes testing for colour vision and visual acuity, before beginning their training.

Submission Instructions

Once you have completed all required training courses and obtained your medical certificate, please send the following items to:

RYA Certification,
RYA House,
Ensign Way,
Hamble,
Hampshire,
SO31 4YA

Ensure all of the following documents are complete and up-to-date to facilitate the processing of your application.

• Your original RYA Course completion certificate.
• Your Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate
• A Commercial Endorsement Application Form
• Your original, completed ML5 or ENG1 medical fitness form (They can only accept the latest version of the ML5 form less than one year old)
• A copy of your RYA Sea Survival or STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• A copy of your RYA VHF/GMDSS Marine Sort Range Radio Certificate or other acceptable GMDSS Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate
• A passport sized photo with your name on the back
• The application fee as stated on the commercial endorsement application form

If you want to get your licence quicker, choose the ‘Fast Track’ option for delivery.

Re-validating your commercial endorsement

All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years. To revalidate, you must:

• Prove at least 150 days of actual sea service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years.
• Possess a valid medical fitness certificate.

Alternative Revalidation

If you are unable to prove the requisite sea service but can demonstrate that for at least half of the five-year period you have been employed in duties closely associated with the management and operation of one or more of the appropriate types of vessels, your certificate may be considered for revalidation.