The Yacht Rating Certificate

Yacht Rating Certificate Overview

As part of their safe manning requirements, some yachts (usually over 200 GT) require certain crew to have a minimum certification level of Yacht Rating Certificate (YRC).

Even if you don’t need a Yacht Rating Certificate for your current yacht, it is worth your while getting one. Often yachts ask for it when recruiting, so if you don’t have one, you could miss out on a future job opportunity.

Advantages of gaining your MCA Yacht Rating Certificate are:

  • You can now be included in the yachts safe manning requirement
  • The certificate informs Captains that you have advanced deck skills
  • It shows that you are more responsible and can lead to higher salaries and also faster promotions

As a requirement to apply for your Yacht Rating certificate, candidates must complete the Yacht Rating Training Record Book, which includes a list of deck tasks and skills which you must demonstrate that you can successfully complete. You can download it from the PYA or MCA website. Each element needs to be signed off by a senior in command.

The requirements for applying for the Yacht Rating certificate are outlined here:

MCA MSN 1862 (M) - Amendment 1

3. Mandatory Requirements for a Yacht Rating Certificate of Proficiency

3.1 To qualify for a Yacht Rating CoP you must:
(a) Be at least 16 years of age;

(b) Show at least 6 months’ onboard yacht service, including 2 months’ seagoing service, all of which must be on vessels of at least 15 metres or over in load line length;

(c) Complete the four elements of approved STCW basic training:

  • Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-1);
  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-2);
  • Elementary First Aid (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-3);
  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (STCW Code – Table AVI/1-4);

(d) Complete the Yacht Rating Training Record Book (Annex B);

(e) Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent

3.2 If you hold one of the following certificates, recognised by the MCA, you will not need to complete the Yacht Rating Training Record Book and the requirement for 6 months’ yacht service may be reduced to 2 months’ seagoing service on vessels of at least 15 metres in load line length:

  • Watch Leader Certificate, together with a Competent Crew certificate; or
  • Day Skipper Certificate together, with a Competent Crew certificate; or
  • Yacht Rating course completion certificate.

You will need to meet the other requirements detailed above in section 3.1 and include your certificate with your application

3.3 You can obtain a Yacht Rating CoP from an MCA approved training provider (see section 12) or you can apply directly to the MCA.

3.4 To apply directly to the MCA for a Yacht Rating CoP, STCW A-II/4, you will need to complete
application form MSF 4340 and submit it to the MCA with all the evidence listed in section 3.1.7 For further information please refer to the MCA website: go to www.gov.uk and search for “yacht rating” or “MSF 4340” for the application form.

The PYA is authorized to issue Yacht Rating Certificates on behalf of the MCA. For more information click  HERE