UKSA News

Brexit FAQ's for students

Published 17/12/2020

Now that the UK has left the EU, there will be new rules from January 1st 2021. We’ve created this page to capture all information relevant to the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) and how it could impact your involvement with UKSA and the maritime industry. Please scroll through the below questions to find out more.

UK students

  Will RYA and MCA qualifications still be recognised and accepted as the gold standard in the EU?

RYA and MCA accredited training is recognised around the world so we are confident these qualifications will continue to be recognised by EU.

  How will this affect me looking for work?

If you are working on a UK-flagged vessel and hold a certificate of competency (COC), you will not need to take any action.

If you are working on a vessel that is flagged as either an EU country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you will be able to work on it until your certificate of equivalent competency expires.

  Will I still be able to fly down to superyacht hubs (Antibes, Palma etc) and go dock walking etc?

You will need appropriate country visas. See Brexit travel rule for further information: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/providing-services-to-eea-and-efta-countries-after-eu-exit

  How will this affect me working on board boats of various flagged states?

If you are working on a UK-flagged vessel and hold a certificate of competency (COC), you will not need to take any action.

  Will I need to apply for a working visa?

Each EU country may have its own entry requirements. See Brexit travel rules for further specific guidance. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/providing-services-to-eea-and-efta-countries-after-eu-exit

  Are employment rights the same?

There will be no change to right to work checks until after 30 June 2021 and you will not be required to undertake retrospective checks on existing EU employees. For more information, visit gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

  Will British companies working in the EU still want to employ British staff? (MedSailors, Neilson, Mark Warner etc.)

We are not aware of any reason why British companies working in EU would not want to employ UK staff.

  When training at UKSA will UK students need anything do when they visit foreign ports during their sea phases?

You are exempted from presenting supporting documents at the border if you are Ships crew members engaged in service travel. The following supporting documents must be presented at the request of the Border Police upon your arrival in France:

  • A valid passport issued less than 10 years before and valid for at least 3 months after the envisaged departure date.
  • An insurance certificate covering all medical and hospital expenses for which you may be liable for the duration of your stay in France, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death.

  Will International Certificate of Competences (ICC) still be recognised throughout the EU?

Yes our understanding from MCA is COCs will still be recognised within EU.


EU Students

  Will I need a visa to study at UKSA?

If you are a UK national living in Europe; you will continue to be eligible for home fee status (the fee rate that students who live in the UK are charged), as well as Student Finance support or Further Education 19+ funding, as long as:

  • you are living in the EEA and Switzerland on 31 December 2020, and you have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK and Gibraltar for at least the 3 years before starting a course in the UK
  • you have lived continuously in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK and Gibraltar between 31 December 2020 and the start of your course
  • the course starts before 1 January 2028

  If I book now, and BREXIT happens, will I be refunded if I cannot travel?

You can travel to the UK at any time. This will not change after 31 December 2020 as a result of BREXIT.

  RYA and MCA qualifications are the most recognised around Europe will this still be the case?

Yes they are globally recognised maritime qualifications.

  Can I work in the UK?

Yes, subject to different thresholds.

  • A minimum salary threshold of £30k plus Level 4 Qualification for permanent residency.
  • A one-year temporary visa is available for unskilled and skilled worker

As an EU resident, will I still be entitled to free NHS healthcare after Brexit?

Charges for NHS Hospital care will be applicable to all overseas visitors and non UK residents as of 01/01/21. Treatment within A&E and GP surgeries will remain free. We recommend to take out appropriate insurance before travelling to UK.


Misc.

  How will Brexit effect employment once I have completed the course?

If you are working on a UK-flagged vessel and hold a certificate of competency (COC), you will not need to take any action. If you are working on a vessel that is flagged as either an EU country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you will be able to work on it until your certificate of equivalent competency expires.

  How will Brexit effect my training, are there any changes to the course?

There no course changes planned to UKSA programmes because of Brexit at this time.

  Do I still need a Schengen visa?

You will be able to travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism. This is a rolling 180 day period.  If you unsure at any point of how many days you have available within your Schengen Visa, specific online calculators can useful tools to determine this.