MCA Rating Certificates

On yachts of more than 500GT you may need an MCA Yacht Rating Certificate. (To ensure the crew are qualified to carry out their duties under international requirements of the STCW convention.) For this you should hold the RYA’s Day Skipper or Watch Leader and Competent Crew certificates and will need additional STCW training in sea survival, fire fighting and prevention, first-aid, personal safety and social responsibilities. Full details of Yacht Rating training can be found in the Guidance & Regulations section of the MCA’s website at www.mcga.gov.uk. Look for document MGN 270 (M).

Applications for a Yacht Rating Certificate An application should be made on form MSF 4340 which is available for download from the Agency website, from Marine Offices (contact details on the website) or from Seafarer Training & Certification Branch (contact details on page 2 of this MGN)

All applicants must send: The completed application form; Birth certificate or passport; Evidence of service; Sea Service Testimonials; Valid Medical Fitness Certificate (ENG1) or equivalent or ML5 if applicable; STCW basic training certificates; The appropriate fee.

Applicants with no exemption must also send the completed Yacht Training Record Book (or the relevant part of the Officer of the Watch (Yacht) Record Training Book). They should ensure that they have at least 6 months yacht service, including 2 months sea service, all on vessels of 15 metres and over in load line length with the supporting evidence / testimonials.

Further information is available from the Seafarer Training & Certification Branch or any Marine Office.