Yachtmaster Coastal (Commercial Endorsement)

Primary qualification

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal CoC (practical exam with an RYA examiner) plus a valid MCA Commercial Endorsement.
• Commercial scope: skipper of small commercial vessels (< 24 m) in area categories 3-6 (up to 20 miles from a safe haven), under the MCA small commercial vessel codes (historic reference MGN 280 (M) — verify the current replacing code).
• Valid ENG1 medical certificate (or ML5 depending on operation).

Basic STCW

• For the commercial endorsement: full STCW A-VI/1 or the accepted RYA package depending on length and operation (Basic Sea Survival + First Aid + PPR — verify the applicable MGN).

Specific courses

• RYA PPR (Professional Practices and Responsibilities) — mandatory for the Commercial Endorsement.
• GMDSS SRC (short-range radio operator) or higher.
• Valid RYA First Aid (or equivalent STCW A-VI/4-1).
• RYA Sea Survival (or STCW PST) per the required package.
• Radar and diesel engine courses (recommended for commercial operation).

Indicative experience

Exam prerequisites (RYA criteria — as a guide, verify current ones): 30 days at sea, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles and 12 night hours (halved with a completed Coastal Skipper course); minimum age 17.

Observations

RYA/MCA ladder: Day Skipper → Coastal Skipper → Yachtmaster Coastal → Yachtmaster Offshore → Yachtmaster Ocean; the jump to large yachts goes through the MCA route (Yacht Rating → OOW Yachts). The commercial endorsement expires after 5 years and is renewed with a valid ENG1 and up-to-date certificates. It does not automatically cross-validate with Spanish leisure or professional titles (PER, PY, CY): recognition for work under the Spanish flag is limited (as a guide — verify with the DGMM). Under the Red Ensign, the small commercial vessel code defines equipment, areas and manning by area category.

Typical watches

• Command in commercial coastal operation

Key responsibilities

• Command yachts and small commercial vessels on coastal passages.
• Manage safety and manoeuvring under the MCA codes of practice.
• Plan routes, tides, weather and emergency response.

Operational scope

• Categories 3, 4, 5 and 6
• Up to 20 miles from the coast