So, what is a Commercial Endorsement?

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You may have completed a course such as a Level 2 or Advanced Powerboat, which is great to improve your skills, but to work on a boat that isn't operating just for pleasure, you need to be commercially endorsed. This essentially means you meet a certain standard. This standard is laid down by the MCA and RYA. 

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Any boat that is being used for anything other than the private use of the owner, or a club, is said to be a commercial vessel. There are some other exceptions, but basically if you are earning money or the boat is earning money- its probably a commercial vessel and you may need to have an endorsement. 

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To get yourself commercially endorsed, you will need the following-

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• A Qualification

The following certificates can receive the standard commercial endorsement:

Course completion certificates: 

-RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate

-RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate (only if issued before 1 January 2005)  

-RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate

Certificates of competence:

-RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence

-RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence

-RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence

-RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence  

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• Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate

An online course outlining the​ requirements of commercial vessels. This is available through us

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• An ML5 or ENG1 Medical

The ML5 medical can be completed by most GPs, just download this form and speak to your doctor. The ENG1 has to be completed by a doctor approved by the MCA. This level of medical is generally only required by those wishing to work further offshore. 

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• Sea Survival Certificate

This course can be taken through us, see the Sea Survival page for more details. 

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• RYA Marine Radio SRC Certificate or other acceptable GMDSS Marine Radio Operator's Certificate.

This course can be taken through us, see the VHF/SRC page for more details. 

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Once you have completed the above courses, you can apply to have your certificate commercially endorsed by completing the form on the following link. 

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If you need any more guidance about which certificate you need, or any advice, please just let us know. 

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RYA Website - Commercial Endorsements

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