The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has launched a new qualification pathway for deck officers working on large yachts. The new Yacht Unlimited Certificate of Competency (CoC) allows holders to serve as Chief Mate or Master on yachts of any size, including vessels above 3,000 gross tonnes.
The MCA said the qualification removes the need for yacht professionals to leave the sector to gain experience on cargo ships before progressing to unlimited certification. Instead, the route uses updated training aligned with the UK’s revised maritime syllabus, developed through the MCA’s Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme.
MCA Chief Examiner Ajit Jacob said the qualification aims to improve opportunities and safety standards across the sector. “The Yacht Unlimited CoC wraps up safety, professionalism and flexibility to improve opportunity and performance for seafarers, operators, passengers and the wider UK maritime industry,” he said.
“This groundbreaking approach recognises the skills that are indispensable to all deck officers, as well as the specialist knowledge and experience required to lead crews safely and effectively in separate sectors.”
The qualification will be issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) alternative certification provisions. The MCA said the route will also be formally communicated to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Under the previous system, experienced yacht masters were required to complete an Officer of the Watch Unlimited Merchant CoC before progressing through further merchant shipping qualifications and sea service. The MCA said that the process often took many years and proved impractical for many professionals working solely within the yacht industry.
The new route allows yacht sea service to count towards progression while maintaining STCW competency standards. It includes progression from Master (Yachts) under 3,000 GT to Master Unlimited (Yachts), as well as a new Chief Mate Unlimited (Yachts) qualification.
The MCA added that the programme was developed with maritime colleges, industry operators and seafarer representatives. A corresponding Yacht Unlimited engineering pathway is also in development and is expected to be available later this year.
