Master (Code Vessels less than 200gt / OOW Yachts less than 500gt)

Passing the Master 200gt will allow you to become the Captain on any vessel less than 200gt. This includes work boats and wind farm support vessels.

The Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the watch (Yachts <500gt) training covers two capacities:

• Limited (*not more than 150 miles from a safe haven)
• Unlimited (**unlimited area).

Before you can obtain the Master (Code Vessels <200gt), Officer of the watch (Yachts <500gt) Certificate of Competency (CoC) you must complete the relevant training modules along with the required MCA Ancillary courses to qualify to sit the Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the watch (Yachts <500gt) Certificate of Competency oral examination.

Required training & certification: 

• GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC)
• Human Element, Leadership and Management (Operational Level)

Recommended training: 

• Orals Preparation Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the Watch (Yachts <500gt)

To qualify for the Master (Code Vessels <200gt) Officer of the Watch (Yachts <500gt) Certificate of Competency Oral examination, you will be required to hold the pass certificates from the training courses above and also meet the following entry requirements.

Limited Certificate*

Master Officer of the Watch limited – not more than 150 miles from safe haven.

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have completed 6 months seagoing service while holding an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or IYT Master of Yachts Limited certificate
• Hold Either:
  • An RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate and a certificate of successful completion of a Shorebased Yachtmaster Offshore course; or
  • An IYT Master of Yachts Limited
• Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent
• STCW Basic Safety Training

Unlimited Certificate**

Master Officer of the Watch unlimited – no limit on area

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have completed 6 months seagoing service while holding an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean or IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited certificate
• Hold Either:
  • An RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certificate and a certificate of successful completion of a shorebased Yachtmaster Ocean course; or
  • An IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited
• Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent
• STCW Basic Safety Training

Please Note: The above entry requirements are not required to attend the training courses for Master (Code Vessels less than 200gt) Officer of the watch (Yachts less than 500gt). However they are required to apply for your Notice of Eligibility (NoE) and sit the final CoC Oral Examination. Full details can be found on the MCA Oral Examination Form MSF 4343.

For full Training and Certification Guidance of the UK requirements of Deck Officers on Large Yachts (over 24m) please refer to MSN 1858.