Chief Mate & Yachts Unlimited
Amendment 2 of MSN 1858 added an unlimited route to the top of the yacht ladder: Chief Mate and Master (Yachts Unlimited). Here is what it asks for, alongside the existing Chief Mate (Yachts <3000 GT).
Hold an OOW (Yachts <3000 GT) CoC, or have met every requirement for one; hold an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean with the shore-based Yachtmaster Ocean course (not needed for one issued before 31 July 2003), or an IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited; hold the ancillary certificates; and hold a valid ENG1. The requirements in MSN 1858 section 3.4 don't list a separate oral exam.
Yes, provided you meet everything for OOW (Yachts <3000 GT) and the Chief Mate requirements too. Applying for both at once means completing both HELM Operational and HELM Management.
A route to Chief Mate and Master certificates with no tonnage limit for yachts, introduced by MSN 1858 Amendment 2. The MCA describes it as an interim solution: holders are qualified to the STCW standard for Chief Mate or Master Unlimited, except for cargo-specific competencies, with a sea service pathway that reflects large-yacht experience.
Hold either a Master (Yachts <3000 GT) CoC, or an OOW Unlimited CoC with at least 12 months' onboard yacht service as OOW, including at least 6 months' seagoing service, all on yachts of at least 500 GT (OOW Unlimited holders also need NAEST (Management)). Then: the ancillary certificates; nine academic modules at an MCA-approved nautical college; the MCA assessments in Chief Mate Navigation and Stability (Yacht Unlimited); a valid ENG1; and the MCA oral.
The modules are Applied Marine Meteorology, Management Level Passage Planning, Management of Bridge Operations, Management of Yacht Operations, Marine Engineering Systems, Marine Vessels — Structures and Maintenance, Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application, Shipboard Management, and Shipmaster's Law and Business. Holders of an MCA-approved management-level qualification (such as an HND or Foundation Degree) from an approved college don't need them.
You must hold, or meet the requirements for, Chief Mate (Yachts Unlimited), then complete one of three routes. Holding Chief Mate (Yachts Unlimited) or Chief Mate Unlimited: 12 months' onboard yacht service as Chief Mate, including at least 6 months' seagoing service, on yachts of at least 500 GT. Holding Master (Yachts <3000 GT): 6 months' onboard yacht service as Master, including at least 3 months' seagoing service, on vessels of at least 500 GT. Holding OOW Unlimited: 36 months' onboard yacht service as OOW, including at least 15 months' seagoing service, on vessels of 15 metres or more, with the seagoing service on vessels of at least 500 GT.
Then the ancillary certificates, a valid ENG1, and the Master Unlimited GT Yacht oral.
Not if you already hold Master (Yachts <3000 GT) or a Chief Mate Unlimited CoC (merchant or yacht): those holders are exempt from the Chief Mate (Yachts Unlimited) oral. Everyone must pass the Master Unlimited GT Yacht oral.
Only at nautical colleges approved to deliver management-level unlimited CoCs under Annex G of MSN 1856. Those colleges may partner with yacht training providers in the UK or overseas, under an oversight procedure the MCA approves.
For both Chief Mate and Master (Yachts Unlimited): the four STCW basic safety courses, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, Medical Care, ECDIS, GMDSS (GOC), HELM (Management) and NAEST (Management).
The notices change. Always check the current version on GOV.UK before you apply or book.
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