If you want to work commercially in the UK using an RYA Certificate of Competence, you will need to hold a commercial endorsement. This endorsement allows you to be employed in certain roles on commercially operated, UK-flagged vessels.

At Ardent Training, we regularly guide students through this process. Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of what a commercial endorsement is, which certificates can be endorsed, and what you need to do to obtain one.

What Is a Commercial Endorsement?

A commercial endorsement is an addition to your RYA Certificate of Competence that confirms you meet the additional medical, safety, and professional requirements to work commercially.

It is required if you are acting as skipper or serving in certain other roles on a commercially operated, UK-flagged vessel. Without it, your RYA certificate is valid for private use only.

The endorsement itself is not a separate qualification. Instead, it is added to your existing qualification and issued by the RYA once you have provided evidence that you meet all the necessary criteria.

Which Certificates of Competence Can Be Commercially Endorsed?

The following RYA Certificates can be commercially endorsed, for both sail and power for yachts:

• RYA Day Skipper Practical
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean

In addition, the following certificates can also be commercially endorsed for powerboats:

• RYA Powerboat Level 2

• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence

For the RYA Day Skipper certificate, an invigilated RYA Day Skipper Theory exam must also have been completed. Online theory courses are acceptable, provided the exam was properly invigilated.

Do I Need a Commercial Endorsement Outside the UK?

Commercial endorsements apply to UK-flagged vessels. If you are working on a UK-flagged boat, you will normally need a commercial endorsement regardless of where in the world the vessel is operating.

For foreign-flagged vessels, the requirements depend on the flag state and local regulations. Some countries and operators accept RYA certificates without a UK commercial endorsement, while others have their own licensing or endorsement systems.

If you are planning to work abroad, always check the flag state requirements and the employer’s expectations before assuming an endorsement is or isn’t required.

Which Commercially Endorsed Certificate Do I Need?

This depends on:

• The type of vessel you are operating
• Where the vessel operates
• The vessel’s coding category

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency sets minimum manning requirements based on these factors. These requirements are published in MCA guidance, including MGN280.

If you are unsure which level you need, it is always worth checking the vessel’s coding documentation or speaking to the operator before applying for an endorsement.

Alternatively, you will need your PPR certificate to obtain a commercial endorsement, and the PPR course will teach you exactly how to find out which certificates you need, amongst over vessel requirements.

How Do I Commercially Endorse My RYA Certificate?

To apply for a commercial endorsement, you need to submit your certificate along with the following documents to the RYA:

• Your original RYA Certificate of Competence
• A valid Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) certificate
• A completed commercial endorsement application form  
• A valid medical certificate (ENG1 or ML5, depending on role and vessel)
• A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
• A copy of your Marine Radio SRC certificate or another acceptable GMDSS certificate
• A copy of an accepted First Aid certificate
• One passport-sized photograph with your name written on the back
• The application fee

Once approved, the endorsement is issued and recorded against your certificate.

ENG1 vs ML5 Medical Certificates

To commercially endorse your RYA certificate, you must hold a valid medical certificate. In most cases, this will be either an ENG1 or an ML5.

ENG1
The ENG1 is the full seafarer medical and is the most widely accepted option. It is required for many professional roles and is often preferred by employers. ENG1 medicals can only be carried out by MCA-approved doctors and are valid for up to two years. It usually cost about £120.

ML5
The ML5 is a restricted medical certificate and is only valid on vessels operating up to 60 miles offshore. It can be issued by a wider range of doctors, including all GPs provided they are familiar with the ML5 process. The ML5 is valid for up to five years, depending on age and circumstances. It usually cost about £80.

Which one you need depends on the vessel, your role, and the operating area. If in doubt, an ENG1 is the safest choice as it is accepted in more situations.

How Long Does the Application Take?

RYA processing times can vary depending on demand, but a typical commercial endorsement application usually takes a few weeks from the point the RYA receives all correct documents.

Delays are most often caused by missing paperwork or certificates that are not valid or acceptable.

You can always phone the RYA ahead to check their current wait times. They usually have a good idea, and some months they are busier than others.

If you have work lined up, it’s sensible to apply well in advance and not leave the endorsement process until the last minute.

Common Mistakes When Applying

Most delays in commercial endorsement applications are caused by simple, avoidable issues. The most common ones we see are:

• Expired certificates, particularly First Aid or Sea Survival
• Submitting the wrong medical certificate for the intended role or vessel
• Forgetting to complete the PPR course before applying
• Missing documents, such as photographs or copies of certificates
• Incorrect or incomplete application forms

Before sending your application, it’s worth double-checking that every certificate is current and that you’ve included everything on the RYA checklist.

How Long Does a Commercial Endorsement Last?

A commercial endorsement is valid for five years.

To revalidate it, you will need to provide:

• Evidence of at least 150 days at sea during the five-year period
• A valid medical certificate

If your endorsement expires, you may need to meet additional requirements to regain it, so it’s worth keeping an eye on renewal dates.

Can Ardent Training Help?

If you’re unsure which courses, certificates, or medical you need, we’re very happy to help. We can’t promise we have the answer for every situation, there are many variables to consider. But we will always be happy to share our best advice with you.

At Ardent Training, we regularly support students working towards commercial roles, from PPR and First Aid through to Yachtmaster Theory and beyond. If you’re unsure whether you’re on the right path, or just want a sense check before applying, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

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