Anyone being paid to skipper a boat or carrying fee paying passengers is required to hold a commercially endorsed MCA approved marine qualification, and the choice of qualification required depends on where and when they are working – day or night, and how far from a departure point or safe haven. The only course completion certificates that can be commercially endorsed are the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate and the Day Skipper Practical course completion certificate. Any more advanced qualification also involves an exam, and in addition to providing training we can arrange any necessary exams and organise boats where required.
To obtain a commercial endorsement you will also need a VHF qualification such as the Short Range Certificate, a current marine first aid qualification (e.g. the one-day RYA 1st aid course – this needs to be renewed every three years), and an RYA sea survival course completion certificate. In addition there is a requirement for an MCA medical at least every five years.
There can be some confusion about where and when anyone can work, and the best place to go for answers is the RYA website HERE
That said, 95% of our instructors are commercially endorsed skippers too (not a requirement for all teaching but a standard we set) so they have been through the process and can all speak from experience. If you have any questions or would like more information talk to us – we have all been through this and continue to do so to keep our qualifications up to date. There are more links for MCA medical forms and commercial endorsement forms on the resources page.