how to get yachtmaster commercially endorsed

• Commercial Endorsment

National Yachting School  » Commercial Endorsment

Commercial Endorsment for professional skippers

Commercial endorsment, authorizing the management of vessels up to 200gt for commercial uses, may be obtained for all types of RYA certificates – RYA Day Skipper, RYA Coastal Skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean. Commercial endorsment is issued by the British government's Ma­ritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Certificates to RYA Yachtmaster Coastal with commercial endorsement are valid for recreational and commercial vessels up to 24 meters length, permissions differ in navigation and distance from shore.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates with commercial endorsement are valid for recreational and commercial vessels up to 200gt, distance of 150 miles from a safe haven, respectively indefinitely. This certificate is then used as a basis for further qualification levels (MCA Officer of the Watch, MCA's Chief Mate, Master 500GT and 3000GT) that allow you to work professionally on vessels up to 3000gt.

This is the British system, officially valid on ships under the British flag. Higher certificates (Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean) with commercial endorsement are commonly recognized as sufficient qualification in many other states. To obtain internationally recognized commercial endorsement it is necessary to complete STCW courses. But it is always necessary to ask the local authorities about specific conditions of the flag state and the territorial waters.

Commercial endorsement is valid generally for 5 years (skippers over 65 years must renew their medical certificate more often). Toobtain the commercial endorsement you will need:

• Completed application RYA / MCA
• A certificate of medical examination according to the standards of MCA
• Survival at sea course. Recognised courses are RYA Basic Sea Survival, ISAF Sea Survival Training or standard STCW courses.
• „Professional Practices and Responsibilities“ online course ( more infoabout the online course )

If you are interested in obtaining the Commercial endorsment please contact us. For more detailed informations about the Commercial endorsment visit the RYA website

Due to the coronavirus crisis, we are canceling all practical courses in Croatia until further notice. For new course dates, please keep an eye on our website.

Winter courses on Canaries

In NYS we believe that there’s no such a thing as winter in sailing and you can always find a good place to enjoy your hobby any time throught the year. So we offer popular winter courses again, this time on Canary Islands, starting from Tenerife because of the best flight connections.

RYA Sailing Accreditation Rated as the World’s Best

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing qualifications have been voted the premiere sailing accreditation for excellence and global reputation following a recent survey targeting 200 professional yacht and motorboat charter companies. The professional charter companies that were surveyed own and manage in excess of 6,000 charter boats across the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asia.

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Yachtmaster Offshore: When, Why, and How

In a seafarer’s career, there comes the time when Yachtmaster ticket becomes either a necessity, or the next logical step in professional development. No matter what the reason for the course is, Yachtmaster Offshore requires a thorough preparation and planning as well as some prior knowledge and experience.

• When am I ready to take the course?

The candidate’s eligibility for Yachtmaster Offshore program is defined by a number of requirements. First and foremost, the logged sea time must show a minimum of 2500 nautical miles, about half of which should be in tidal waters. There is a huge debate as to what tidal waters are, and the RYA leaves it to the Yachtmaster candidate to decide whether the passage they undertook happened in a tidal area. The definition offered by the RYA is as follows:

An area is deemed tidal if published stream, current or tidal range data is available, the influence of which is significant enough to require the effects to be taken into account to plan and execute a safe and efficient passage .

But even if the decision to call experience tidal is the candidate’s, the RYA wisely warns that the final judgement will be made by the examiner and recommends to list only those miles that can be backed up with evidence. The qualifying sea time should be gained on motor vessels if the candidate applies for Yachtmaster Offshore Motor license. Sail miles do not count.

The RYA also sets a requirement as to the number of qualifying passages. As defined by the Association, ‘a passage is a non-stop voyage from a departure port / safe haven to a destination port / safe haven ’. For the Yachtmaster Offshore , there must be a minimum of 5 passages over 60 nm each; 2 of those passages should be overnight and 2 when the candidate acted as a skipper. The skipper, as understood by the RYA , is a person nominated and responsible for the planning and execution of a passage including vessel and watch management . It’s important that throughout the 60-mile passage there occurs no change of skippers; otherwise, the passage cannot be deemed as qualifying.

Proper understanding of the skipper’s role is vital for ticking the box of another requirement – 5 days on board acting as a skipper. A day in this case is a period of 8 consecutive hours, and the majority of them should be at sea . In every 24 hours, Yachtmaster candidate can have only one qualifying day onboard.

Last but not least, the RYA’s Yachtmaster Offshore exam pre-requisites put some restrictions as to the tonnage and length: days on board and miles should be gained on vessels up to 500 gt and less than 24 meters LOA.

• When is the best time to take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course?

The full program – RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory and RYA Yachtmaster Practical – takes 10 days to complete; the exam is usually scheduled right after, and candidates need to allow 2 days for it. With the sea, winds, and weather being unpredictable, to the candidates coming from abroad we advise to add an extra day before taking flights back home. Thus, the course is quite a commitment, and most seafarers take it during low Med season. Our Yachtmaster Offshore course is scheduled every month from December throughout April to give options to potential candidates.

• Why take the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore?

Yachtmaster is not for beginners. Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence entitles its holder to master a yacht of up to 200 gt, and that is a big responsibility. That said, one of the reasons to get Yachtmaster is to advance the qualifications from entry to higher level including MCA Officer of the Watch (OOW) or Chief Mate, for which Yachtmaster Offshore CoC is among the required documents. Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based (theory) certificate is another pre-requisite to apply for the OOW, and it has to be sent along with STCW and other records as a part of the Notice of Eligibility.

 In a scheme of RYA training , Yachtmaster Offshore is preceded by RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper, which allow to navigate 20 and 60 nautical miles offshore accordingly. With Yachtmaster Offshore qualifications, it is possible to skipper a cruising yacht up to 150 miles from harbour, so recreational boaters can have larger areas to explore and longer distances to cover.

• How to apply for Yachtmaster Offshore Program?

If you believe you are ready and meet the pre-requisites mentioned above and outlined on our website , your first step is to get in touch with us by email, phone, or through contact form . Once we receive your enquiry, we will email to you Sea Time Summary and Self-Evaluation forms to fill out, which we will then forward to our instructor to confirm your eligibility. If you are eligible for the course, we will proceed with course booking and securing your place on the training.

Some important things to remember: the candidates for the training should hold a valid Elementary First Aid certificate . For the STCW EFA , it should be issued within the last 5 years, for the RYA First Aid - within the last 3 years. VHF Marine Radio certificate can be offered as a part of Yachtmaster Offshore package , but if you already hold the certificate, we can offer a 100 euros reduction.

Our next Yachtmaster Offshore session starts on the 6 th of December. Click here for more dates.

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Process the Commercial Endorsement

In this article we want to outline the necessary steps to process the Commercial Endorsement of a RYA degree what would be to move from a recreational title to a professional.

What the RYA says:

What is a commercial endorsement?

A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels.

A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement.

Which certificates can be commercially endorsed?

The following certificates may request a commercial endorsement:

Course completion certificates:

• RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate (only if issued before 1 January 2005)
• RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate supported by a Day Skipper shorebased course completion certificate.

Certificates of competence:

• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

In addition, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competence can receive the  STCW endorsement .

Which certificate do I need?

The MCA codes of practice classify British-flagged commercial yachts according to the type of yacht and the waters in which they operate. You can consult the MCA staff requirements table.

Professional Practices and Responsibilities course (PPR)

The PPR is an online course that is done from home through a recognized RYA center and since April 2012 it has been a requirement to complete the course.

All new applicants for approval must take the course before submitting their application.

Holders of existing commercial endorsements who obtained their endorsement before April 2012 should take the course before their next revalidation.

How do I apply for a commercial endorsement?

Send the following items to RYA Certification, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4YA:

• Your  original certificate
• Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate   PPR Course
• A commercial endorsement  application form
• Original ML5 or  ENG1 medical fitness certificate 
• A copy of your  STCW  Personal Survival Techniques
• Copy of your RYA Marine Radio  SRC Certificate or other acceptable  GMDSS Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate.
• Passport sized  photo with your name on the back
• The  application fee

The Medical Certificate must be recognized by the RYA/ MCA. There is one in English, ENG1.

For Spaniards it is best , once the Basic Traning is completed and the Maritime Booklet is processed, to do the Medical checkup of the ISM (Social Marine Institute), which is recognized by all countries that signed the Agreement STCW95.

The PPR is an online course that is done from home through a recognized RYA center.

Once you have all the necessary certificates, you must complete the “Appliction for Commercial Endorsement”, and send it to RYA. As you will see, by not working in the UK territorial waters, we have to present the 4 STCW modules.

If you already have all the certificates before processing the Yachtmaster Title, you can send everything together (usually done by the examiner once passed the exam), and in this way the RYA sends the certificate with the Commercial Endorsement.

But usually, what to do, is first to process the title of Yachtmaster, and once all necessary certificates have been obtained, the Application Form is filled and the Commercial Endorsement is processed.

Re-validating your commercial endorsement

All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years by testing at least 150 days of actual maritime service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years, and be in possession of a valid medical fitness certificate.

And remember!

Yacht Point is the only school in Barcelona approved by the RYA and the Generalitat de Catalunya.

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RYA yachtmaster vs USCG license Captain vs ICC

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If you ever want to carry passengers in the US for hire. A USCG licence is the only one recognized.  

Yes, agree.  

I got my 50ton ticket...but never officially used it...jaja in ft.lauderdale at a well respected school dont you have to be a uk citizen to get their version...likewise with other countries that offer?  

You don't need to be a UK or AU citizen. With ICC around, RYA becomes more acceptable outside the U.S. water.  

cool I would go for rya then and I agree outside the us the uscg "ticket" is not very well respected or admired... I think its very useful if you plan to charter and or carry passengers for hire again in us waters... outside it simply depends on what country you are doing it in also I got a bunch of ISAF certifications when I was training down here and those I hear are well respected worldwide... pick your poison then! good luck  

dawg, you a citizen of the Federal Republic? OK, then you go for the USCG certification. You a Brit? Then you look up the RYA. If life changes and you decide you want to sail in what's left of the Empire, by all means, go for the RYA as well. But first, try out for the home team.  

HS, it is not because I don't want to get my 100 T USGC license. Getting the day counts on a boat is tough for me unless USCG will give me the credits sailing my Catalina 14.2. Just because someone lives on the boat for years, or someone works on a ship in the kitchen, they get more days than me. but I don't think they have more experience than me sailing the boat. I have met many 100T captains, I was not impressed to say the least. Here is my thinking: I have more than 10,000 off shore miles, and it will qualify me for the RYA yachtmaster certificate. Although I need to pass two written exams and one practical exam on a vessel. Studying and taking exams are never a problem for me. Therefore, until I get my CG license, RYA certificate will provide me a temporary solution if my client wants credential now. RYA certificate and ICC are accepted outside U.S, especially in China.  

USCG 100 ton is not much - in fact it tends to create suspicion that person has no idea The Yachtmaster ( if it is the one I am thinking about ) is a serious bit of tea. People who have earned know a lot  

I have both certifications. There are inexperienced USCG Captains--the ones I've met tend to be older cocky men who test well know it all's that don't know jack. There are also mAny very young YachtMasters. Many of these studied well and tested well but again lack experience. A couple of example. A nice Dutch fellow whose goal was to crew on a mega yacht...which he has been doing off and on for six years now. He would have been better off buying a boat and sailing alone IMHO. I would not hire him. Another was a young gal who passed l her exams and was paying big bucks for sea time under an experienced Captain. I would not hire her, but give her more sea mikes and ocean days and I might. Neither of these certification matter compared to real world experience. I can step on a boat and I observe. 10 minutes makes it obvious who is good and who is dangerous or somewhere in between. As for the certifications themselves, I would recommend getting both. If you want to work and industry you need your RYA Yacht Master "Commercially Endorsed". CE means you've had an evaluation by and approved Marine physician. I don't remember I think you might have to have drug testing of some sort. As for the actual courses I have done them all. ASA, USSailing, RYA and US Navy. I was most impressed with the RYA program. US Sailing is a joke--they constantly talk about how great they are instead of trying to improve and it is a political laughing stock IMHO. The US Coast Guard license doesn't require a course, but there are plenty of certification classes you can take, and these just teach you how to pass the course and it is the most difficult. Taking a prep course makes it easier. US Coast Guard exam has some tricky parts to it,. The set and drift calculations are bizarre to put it mildly. You have to learn how to approximate the answers, because the Coast Guard uses some sort of calculated means to determine the answer which is nowhere close to reality. If anyone has any more specific questions about these programs feel free to ring me up. Capt Conrad Home - Connecticut Captain  

I hold a 100 ton license, and have no real familiarity with the RYA Yachtmaster requirements. So is is from general knowledge, not a deep understanding of the testing regime. The USCG license requires 720 sea days, which typically requires quite a lot of sea time, and requires at least two years to qualify for. The flip side is any time on a boat qualifies, and there is no practical test. So the license itself makes no statement about someone's skill. The RYA license however only requires 50 hours of sea time, so it's possible but not likely to get in a week. However the RYA license also requires a practical exam, so there is at least some guarantee of skill. Which do I think of as being more impressive? Meh, I don't think much of either by themselves. Like most commercial companies and insurance companies I put a lot more stock in someone's resume than the license they have. At least when discussing entry level licenses like this.  

Thanks for the clarification - the Yachtmaster I was thinking has a few hundred hours of practical requirements plus a minimum of a 2,000 mile blue water passage  

Yachtmaster? Offshore | Exams | Learning | Courses & Training | RYA  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard_Charter_Boat_Captain's_license  

Can't you get the rya qualifications in some of the British islands in the Caribbean? Antigua or st Lucia?.  

No, I checked. There are RYA certified yachtmasters in there, but no qualified examiner there except in UK and AU.  

The sailing school at English Harbour does the course and the examination for Yachtmaster offshore. I signed up for it, but then couldn't take part due to timing issues. Internationally, the Yachtmaster ticket is pretty much the only one recognized so if you plan on doing work outside of the USA then that is the way to go. Note, too, that the mileage requirements are in tidal waters.  

I think in order to get a yachtmaster you have to be a citizen or resident of the UK or one of the commonwealths.  

Not true. RYA official just informed me that your don't need to be a British subject to be a member or a YachtMaster. It does make sense to me. RYA is not a government agency. It is a private Association.  

rockDAWG said: But I have to fly to UK or AU to get the practical exam for Yachtmaster Ocean or off-shore. Click to expand...

Good to know. Thanks.  

I know plenty of people with USCG six-pack licenses that don't even know how to properly tie a boat to a slip. No doubt people often fake their way to that one. While I've heard of unimpressive 100T masters and recognize their would be a wide spectrum, of all that I know, they are each good seaman. It should not be discredited broadly.  

If you are eligible to take the test I would seriously consider taking an on the water prep course because their is a definite RYA method of doing things.  

interesting I saw on some of the pre requisistes of the rya that you should be able to do basic sun sights and basic celestial nav...and a test with no electronic devices, so basically dead reckoning and compass sighting, triangulation etc... thats a big difference, not to mention that fact that there IS a practical exam... I would go for the rya, but it sounds like you WILL have to do a lot of studying and testing physically in order to do it their way my advice would be to talk to fellow delivery skippers and crew who might have the rya ticket and see if you can take it... good luck!  

rockdawg check this out How to get your International Certificate of Competence - ICC | BOSS Sailing School Blog when you get your rya you should automatically get or apply for the ICC certificate... also look towards the end where its says experienced skippers that can provide their on boat CAN do some courses and fresheners in order to directly apply for an ICC ticket without going through the lower courses at least thats what I understood... interesting none the less when you see so much that is required for eu citizens to simply rent or charter a boat...  

Note, too, that the mileage requirements are in tidal waters. Click to expand...

interesting I saw on some of the pre requisistes of the rya that you should be able to do basic sun sights and basic celestial nav Click to expand...

It really depends on what you intend to do. Charter captain, or you're getting paid to take/teach students on a sailboat with an engine? Then you need the Coast Guard license, with an endorsement for auxiliary sail if you go higher than the 6-pack. "Inspected vessel" (meaning it has a Coast Guard Certificate of inspection and can take more than 6 pax)? You need the CG license, with enough tonnage to cover what you're skippering. Deliveries, or passengers but not "for hire"? Then it's up to whoever is hiring you as to what kind of ticket they want you to have. I'm not that familiar with the British setup. In the US there's ASA and USSA, but they are private agencies and their cards have no "official" standing, though unofficially they may give you some credibility at a sailing school, or at a charter company who might otherwise put a captain on board for the first half-day to check you out, and might get you a discount on insurance.  

The ICC is not a commercial ticket. It allows the operation of pleasure craft. It may be required in some countries like Croatia.  

The RYA is a private organization. Until you add the Commercial Endorsement (CE) after it. I am not from the UK and I have one. It means something outside of the US and is helpful for getting work.  

I am taking a risk with this, WTH. RockDawg and others might get some better answers over at CF. I know that there you find instructors and others with RYA, USCG, IYT and other commercial tickets. I do not think that there are many RYA folks on SN.  

Taking a risk? Taking a risk is allowing a wombat that isn't litter trained into your house. If the answer to a question is found within another forum, we're certainly not going to discourage visiting it. We'll lengthen your leash just enough so you can ask your question just inside the door and then snap it back when you're done is all. Seriously. The important thing is that someone gets an answer to his or her question. We aren't behind an impenetrable wall.  

We have both the USGG Master's License (My wife) and the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean (Me) on our boat. The USCG license is an excellent theory exam requiring documentation of 720 days at sea but no evidence of the ability to tie up a boat. The Yacht Master Offshore requires less theory, less sea time but the practical test is very exacting with difficult practical tests to be done, day and night, in any weather. '50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.' Yachtmaster Ocean requires a 600 nm offshore passage with use of sextant, the trip must be at least 4 days in length. It is then followed by a 2-3 hour oral exam taken a few weeks later where you present your celestial navigation notes and work sheets followed by an hour of questions to show a detailed knowledge of ocean passages in all weathers. The easiest way to pass the Yachtmaster exam is to take a one week theory course (The Solent based schools are excellent) followed by the 5 day practical course (4 trainees per boat) followed immediately by the on water exam. It is a waste of time taking it in non-tidal locations because you only get certified for non-tidal waters. The practical would then be taken on a school boat with the 3 other candidates that you had been practicing with all week. While that may seem expensive and redundant the practical consists of elements that you would never practice in 10,000 miles at sea. Picking up a mooring ball under sail in a 3 knot current in 30 knots of wind being an example of what one candidate on my exam had to perform. Wind was into current which was the stronger force so the approach had to been done downwind under jib and boat speed was controlled by progressively reefing the jib. However, the most common reason for failing is trying to command the boat from the chart table rather than with your eyes. The lesser mileage requirements quoted are for Yachtmaster Coastal which is a 6 pack equivalent and not worth taking. In the US you must have the CG license for paying customers but worldwide the YachtMaster has a lot more credibility especially with Lloyds based insurance companies. Once you have passed the exam you then need to sail about 20,000 nm to get some real experience! Phil  

Phil, For the Yachtmasters off-shore or Ocean certificate, are there ratings for non commercial and commercial endorsement?  

rockDAWG said: Phil, For the Yachtmasters off-shore or Ocean certificate, are there ratings for non commercial and commercial endorsement? Click to expand...

Any "test" that involves hands-on demonstration has got to be better than a book test. Book tests are often passed by people who are good at....taking tests and memorizing irrelevant facts to be forgotten in 24 hours. All tests such as both of these do not and cannot measure the most important things like common sense, basic logic, years of experience in a multitude of skill sets, and basic manual ability. They are mostly designed by and for the schools making money. Never forget that schools are businesses first and foremost. I guess requirements for pieces of paper have some validity but not much. There is simply no way to test for the things that really matter. As Minnewaska has noted above, there are very many USCG "six pack" licensees who jump through the hoops but know very little about even the basics of handling a boat.  

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Commercial Endorsement

What is a Commercial Endorsement ?  Do you really need it? And if so, how do you get it?

As the RYA explains, a commercial endorsement is required to work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels . 

So yes, if you want to work on a red ensign vessel, you will need a commercial endorsement. Many other countries recognize the validity of a Commercially Endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Certification.  Check with your employer or with the relevant flag authorities about this.

To be eligible to apply for a commercial endorsement of your qualifications, you will need:

• Your Certificate – at whatever level you are requesting your Commercial Endorsement (more on this in the next section)
• The RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities course .   This is short online course that focuses on manning, safety, and your duty of care towards passengers and crew.
• Your Medical Exam Form . You have two options here, an ML5 or an ENG1 , depending on the type of work you are doing and the area in which you will be serving.  Please refer to this link for UK based physicians , and here for overseas doctors.
• The RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or the STCW Personal Survival Techniques.
• The RYA Marine Radio SRC Certificate or other acceptable GMDSS Marine Radio Operator Certificates. 
• A passport sized photo .
• The completed Form – from the RYA website: application form   
• And last – but not least, the application fee – it is FREE if you are or become a member of the RYA (which we highly recommend, ask us about it!)

Course completion certificates that can be endorsed: 

• RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate
• RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence
• RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate + Day Skipper Theory course completion certificate.
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal  Certificate of Competence 
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence 
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

Keep in mind, that all commercial endorsements are required to be  renewed every five years . To renew your commercial endorsement  please use this link . 

Here is what you can do with each certificate:  see below for the Category table

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 :  – Allows you to work in Category 6 waters
• Advanced Powerboat (with 12 months of relevant experience)  – Allows you to work in Category 6 waters
• Advanced Powerboat (with two years of relevant experience)  – Allows you to work in Category 6 – 3 waters
• RYA Day Skipper Practical (Power or Sail): Allows you to work in Category 5 and 6 waters
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal : Allows you to work in Category 6 – 3 waters
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore : Allows you to work in Category 1 waters
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean : Allows you to work in Category 0 waters

What are Category Codings?

The distance you are allowed to operate commercially will depend on the boat and crew. There are seven area categories:

• Area Category 6 – Within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s), never more than 3 miles from land, in favorable weather and daylight.
• Area Category 5 – Within 20 miles from a nominated departure point, in favorable weather and daylight.
• Area Category 4 – Up to 20 miles from a safe haven, unfavorable weather and in daylight.
• Area Category 3 – Up to 20 miles from a safe haven.
• Area Category 2 – Up to 60 miles from a safe haven.
• Area Category 1 – Up to 150 miles from a safe haven.
• Area Category 0 – Unrestricted service (anywhere in the world)
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Here's What You Can do With a Commercially Endorsed RYA Certificate.

22 May 2018

Many of us take an RYA yachting course in order to achieve a basic level of competence and to help guarantee that we have attained at least a rudimentary knowledge. Others want to continue their learning through a structured process and others still will see completing the RYA syllabi as a stepping stone to a career in the marine industry.

Anyone that has been taught by an RYA sailing school will know that their instructor (presumably paid - and therefore, a professional) is both a Yachtmaster Offshore / Ocean and also a qualified Instructor (either a Cruising Instructor or Yachtmaster Instructor). To be either, you need to hold a commercial endorsement . However, what many don’t know is that you can hold a variety of commercially endorsed RYA certificates which will enable you to legally work on British-flagged vessels in many parts of the World.

The highest RYA certification is the Yachtmaster Ocean qualification which qualifies the holder to skipper a qualifying British-flagged vessel anywhere in the World. Dependent on the area of operation, there may be other manning requirements. 

For example, when in category 0 waters (more than 150 miles from a safe haven) the vessel must not only be specified to meet a Cat 0 coding (if it is to be commercially run) but the skipper must also have a second-in-command that is qualified RYA Yachtmaster Offshore. Both holders must have commercial endorsements on their certificates.

A Yachtmaster Offshore may skipper a properly coded vessel up to 150 miles from a safe haven (Cat 1 waters) or up to 60 miles from a safe haven (Cat 2 waters). A Yachtmaster Coastal may skipper a vessel in Cat 3 waters (up to 20 miles from a safe haven).

But commercially endorsed skippers are not restricted to the above areas of operation and those with less advanced qualifications may also work in the industry by obtaining a commercial endorsement. This includes;

• RYA Powerboat Certificate of Competence, which may be commercially endorsed and used to skipper qualifying vessels in Cat 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters).
• RYA Day Skipper certificates of Competence may be commercially endorsed for skippers in Cat 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters also. 

For clarity, the definitions for Cat 4, 5 and 6 waters are as follows;

Category 4 Waters:  Up to 20 miles from a safe haven in favourable weather and daylight.

Category 5 waters: To sea, within 20 miles from a nominated departure point in favourable weather and daylight

Category 6 Waters:  To sea, within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s) and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight 

The laws pertaining to the manning and operation of British-flagged ships are set down and enforced by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Related articles:

• What is an RYA Commercial Endorsement and How Do I Get One?
• What is an STCW10 Certificate and Who Needs One?
• Who are the Royal Yachting Association?

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Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

Advance your maritime career.

UKSA’s Professional Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is a bespoke, ALL-INCLUSIVE, comprehensive training package that will provide you with the skills you need to start your career in the maritime industry.

Our yachting career students will tell you that we provide unbeatable  course content, training and facilities.  You will also enjoy modern shorebased accommodation and freshly prepared daily meals while you are training with us.

About the Professional Yachtmaster course

This unique, premium qualification has been developed by Richard Baggett , one of the world’s top yachting instructors, and his highly experienced team at UKSA. The course is constantly monitored and adapted to ensure it remains relevant and always covers the current requirements for you to start working in the industry straight away. UKSA’s highly regarded Yachtmaster opens up the most opportunities for employment within the maritime sector. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, working on superyachts, flotilla, tug boats, and employment in the Merchant Navy.

• 16 weeks training
• 70 days afloat
• 2,500 tidal miles covered
• Navigation training
• Radar training
• Basic engineering and safety training
• Careers guidance from our professional team
• Networking within the industry

Train at UKSA and experience our unbeatable value, world-class tuition and invaluable industry support and insight.

Please note:  On occasion your sea phases may involve travelling outside of the UK. Therefore, to avoid restricting sailings we highly recommend that all Professional Yachtmaster Offshore students/Cadets are vaccinated against Covid-19 with the current maximum number of doses.

  Please note this is not mandatory in order to complete the course but a recommendation.

Why train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

• Accommodation in our new  Sea.Change building when shorebased for the duration of your course *
• Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
• Purpose built classrooms and navigational training simulators all on one site
• One-to-one mentoring throughout the course from your instructors
• Dedicated careers course manager
• Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
• Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
• Use of our swimming pool
• Access to our fully equipped gym

*  subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

Qualifications gained

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail) or RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail)
• RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• RYA Short Range Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities

Commercial Endorsement

To work professionally within the maritime industry, you must be commercially endorsed. To commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster Certification at the end of your training, you will need to complete the RYA application for Commercial Endorsement Form, but you will gain all qualifications needed to commercially endorse your ticket during training.

Entry requirements

You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (click  here   for more details) and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement (click  here  for more details). We recommend all students secure this before attending a course.

There are no other pre-requisites necessary to start the course. All that we ask is that you have enough sailing experience to know that you want a life at sea. If you don’t have any previous experience, we recommend you talk to our course advisors on  +44 (0)1983 203038  or  [email protected]

Funding available

We are here to support you

UKSA is committed to making training and qualifications accessible to those who have the desire to succeed in a yachting or watersports career. Funding could be available for this Yachtmaster course. To see a full list of all of our funding options visit our  funding opportunities page  or call us to talk about your options with our experienced course advisers on  +44 (0)1983 203038 .

Frequently asked questions

How to get a commercial skipper’s license

The recommended route to obtaining a commercial skippers license is to do two training courses which consist of the Day Skipper Shorebased course and the Day Skipper Practical course. These are both included in the Professional Yachtmaster offshore course. The first covers the theory and knowledge-based training, such as meteorology, navigation, pilotage techniques and collision regulations; the second is putting this theory into practice in addition to developing the practical skippering skills of crew management, boat handling, practical pilotage and passage making.

What is a Yachtmaster?

A Yachtmaster is a person with a wealth of maritime knowledge who can cope with plain sailing and motor cruising and is also able to cope in demanding situations. Our Yachtmaster offshore qualification is recognised and respected all around the world and is the ultimate aim of many skippers, both professional and recreational.

Who are the RYA?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) are the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inland waterways cruising.

View more Yachtmaster FAQs.

Dates and pricing

Don’t just take our word for it

“The course is very professional, the instructors are experienced and highly motivated, and everyone is friendly and keen to help you succeed. The key reason I joined UKSA is to get my yachting ticket from an organisation that is well respected in the yachting industry. I also wanted to benefit from the careers support to be able to break into a career in professional yachting.”

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I jumped at the chance to compete in the Golden Globe Race. This was everything that I had worked for and I had a chance to live it. For the past few years, I have been working flat out with a team of people to realise my ultimate goal of doing this race. It will be a challenge like nothing I have done before and I am throwing myself completely into it. Gregor McGuckin -Golden Globe Race/Professional Yachtmaster

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Requirements for the Yachtmaster Offshore Exam

To sit the RYA Yachtmaster offshore exam, you are required to have the following miles and experience. All completed within the last ten years:

• A minimum of 2,500 miles are logged before you sit the exam. At least half the miles must be in tidal waters.
• Five passages over 60 miles long** . Two of these passages must have been at night, and two acting as skipper. 
• 50 days at sea on yachts up to 500gt.
• At least five days experience as a skipper.
• A valid First Aid Certificate (If STCW, completed within the last 5 years)
• A GMDSS short-range VHF radio certificate.

** Note: All five passages must have been on a vessel between 7m and 24m in length.

Requirements for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam

• 30 days at sea on a vessel less than 24m in length, and a minimum of 800 miles logged before you sit the exam. At least half the sea time must be in tidal waters.
• Two days as skipper, on a vessel less than 24m in length.
• 12 night hours.
• A valid First Aid certificate.
• You must be 17 years old at the time of the exam.

If you hold the RYA Coastal Skipper course completion certificate, then the miles required for Yachtmaster Coastal are reduced to 400.

What is considered tidal waters?

An area is deemed tidal if published stream, current or tidal range data is available, the influence of which is significant enough to require the effects to be taken into account to plan and execute a safe and efficient passage.

But, all my sea miles has been on a vessel OVER 24m….

Good news! The RYA accepts 50% (1,250) of your qualifying sea miles gained on a vessel over 24m. 

It’s crucial to provide a Testimonial or Discharge book as proof of your 1,250 sea miles.

The other 50% (1,250 miles) must be from vessels between 7m and 24m in length.

Some Superyachts have large tenders and chase boats. In this case, any miles and qualifying passages gained at the helm go some way to 1,250 sea miles.

Do I need RYA Yachtmaster Theory?

Depends on your goal.

Technically, you don’t need it to sit your Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore exam, however:

To become an RYA Yachtmaster, you need to be able to navigate using traditional and electronic navigation techniques. The RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course teaches you everything you need to know to navigate a yacht offshore and we recommend it to everybody thinking of sitting the RYA Yachtmaster practical exam.

RYA Yachtmaster Theory is a requirement for Officer of the Watch 3000GT.

At Flying Fish we combine both Yachtmaster Theory and a practical prep week into one course.

How do I convert from sail to power?

To convert from Yachtmaster offshore sail to power you must have completed, in the last 10 years:

• Minimum of 1,250 miles on a vessel between 7m and 24m in length.
• 25 days living onboard.
• 3 days as skipper.
• Three passages of over 60 miles, including one overnight and one as skipper.

How to record your miles.

Your experience would have been built up over some time on various types of yachts. The miles that you have gained on vessels between 7 and 24 meters in length in the  past ten years  can be recorded in either:

• RYA’s G158 logbook
• A CV detailing the information below
• An Excel spreadsheet

Please note, when recording your miles and experience, make sure you detail the following:

• Dates the passage/trip took place.
• Name and type of vessel
• Details of the passages
• Miles sailed on each passage
• Night hours

Flying Fish has created a personal log that you can use to record your sea miles.

What First Aid qualification do I need?

You must have a valid, in-date First Aid qualification to sit the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore exam. 

The RYA, STCW, and Seafish First Aid certificates are all accepted by the RYA.

How long are certificates valid?

The RYA First Aid certificate is valid for 3-years.

STCW First Aid certificates do not have an expiry date. However, It is accepted that after 5 years, our knowledge of CPR and other life-saving techniques tends to fade.

Therefore, the RYA requires holders of STCW First Aid to refresh every 5-years from the date of issue.

At flying Fish, we offer STCW Elementary First Aid courses that coincide with our Yachtmaster Power Theory and practical courses. If you need to update your STCW Elementary First Aid qualification, we invite you to click on the link below to book an update.

Commercial Endorsement

By commercially endorsing your Yachtmaster qualification, you not only meet the necessary requirements for taking paying passengers on a commercial vessel but also equip yourself with the confidence and readiness for professional opportunities.

Superyacht tenders are usually registered as a “tender too” the larger yacht, and in most cases, Commercial Endorsement is not required.

Many individuals choose to endorse their RYA Yachtmaster for commercial use. This endorsement prepares you for potential opportunities, such as working as a professional skipper. If this is your goal, in addition to First Aid and VHF, you will need the following:

• Either an  ENG1 or ML5 medical
• STCW or RYA Sea survival certificate
• Complete the RYA’s online  PPR course

Once you have completed these three steps, you can apply for commercial endorsement through the RYA.

Upgrade to RYA Master 200 GT

Complete  STCW Basic Safety Training , then the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate will be endorsed to allow the holder to skipper a commercial or privately owned vessel up to 200 gross tonnes, which may be greater than 24m in length.

What other skills do I need before I join a prep course?

If you are considering a  Yachtmaster Prep course  then Flying Fish will provide some pre-course reading. If you did some background reading before your prep course, it would help if you had a good knowledge of the following:

• I.R.P.C.S (rules of the road) and distress signals.
• Weather. The passage of frontal depression, sea breeze, fog, effects of wind and tide, and terminology used in a weather forecast.
• Navigation. Understand how to calculate tidal heights, course to steer, and estimated position.
• Ability to tie the basic knots.
• Have knowledge of Radar, rule 19, and how to use it for collision avoidance.
• The  G158 logbook  provides all sea time requirements and a section where you can record all your sea time.

Neptune Maritime Training Sail & Power

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage making, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.

This course is for those aspiring to blue water cruising and is ideal for holders of theYachtmaster Offshore certificate who are preparing for their first ocean passage.

Topics covered include:

• The earth and the celestial sphere
• Practical guide to use and care of sextant at sea
• Meridian altitudes
• Sun, star and other sights
• Ocean passage planning

Prior to the course your navigation skills should be at the standard of the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased course.

If you are working towards your Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, completion of this shorebased course exempts you from the written exam.

The course is taught over 40 hours with one exam paper. It can be covered as a series of short sessions, as an intensive week-long course.

Ocean Yachtmaster Practical

We regularly organise practical experience in taking sights and plotting positions on board. We can also help you achive your quallifing passage.

We will work with you through the process and review your documentation before submitting for assessment.

you are welcome to borrow one of our sextants and almanacs to help you develop your skills before the practical passage.

A person holding a Yachtmaster Ocean qualification is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world.

Details of Courses and Prices

The Yachtmaster Ocean exam is an oral and written test of your knowledge of ocean passage making including planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management, yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs. You will also be questioned on your sights taken at sea during an ocean passage.

We hold regular Yachtmaster ocean theory courses . these cover the essencial knowledge as well as practice in taking sights and plotting positions while sailing.

Course costs

• RYA yachtmaster ocean course 790e
• practical trip for celestial sights 450e (2 days)
• RYA exam fees for ocean oral 250e (£200 direct to RYA)

What is include

• Course material
• use of a sextant during the course
• RYA course completion certificates
• teas, coffee soft drinks

What is not included

• flights and travel to course
• accomodation ashore
• meals and drinks ashore
• personal travel insurance
• any RYA examination fees for certification

The candidate must provide the examiner with:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passages, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids.

The records must include as a minimum: planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.

During the oral test the candidate may be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, astro navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

The written exam will include questions on star sight planning and reduction and worldwide meteorology. Candidates who hold the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased certificate, Royal Navy Ocean Navigation Certificate or a DoT Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer will be exempt from the written examination.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• hold a VHF Radio Operators License or Short Range Certificate
• hold a valid first aid certificate
• have read the syllabus in RYA publications: G15 (sail) or G18 (power)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

If you need a Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject to the MCA’s codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed – see left. You can then work worldwide as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt.

The Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence can be used commercially in its own right. It is also a pre-requisite for the MCA’s Chief Mate, Master 500 and Master 3000 qualifications.

Contact details

Compass Sea School Ltd

The highland's premier motor cruising, sailing, powerboating and shorebased training centre, inverness marina – capital of the highlands.

We are asked all the time “What certificates do I need to work commercially on Motor Boats or Powerboats?” and the answer depends on 2 things:

• How far offshore you are looking to go, and
• What certificates/qualifications you already have.

This blog takes you through the possible options for your commercial endorsement, what certificates and qualifications you need and how to get them.

So what is a commercial Endorsement?

A commercial endorsement is required for work on board British flagged vessels subject to the MCA’s codes of practice for small commercial vessels. A number of additional training courses and medical fitness certificates are required to be eligible for a commercial endorsement.

Please note that there are significant differences between vessel operating under MGN280 and vessels operating under the Workboat code – especially in the size of vessels you can operate, how far offshore and other supporting courses such as Stability, AEC, nav and Radar etc etc. You will find all the most up to date details for each code as follows:

MGN 280 – Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards

For Vessels operating under MGN 280 please click the link opposite and check out the table of qualifications at Page 124 under Annex 3 The Manning of Small Vessels

Workboat Code 3 – Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards

For Vessels operating under Workboat Code 3 please click the link opposite and check out the table of qualifications at Page 216 under Table A5.1 – Minimum Deck Manning Requirements

Which certificate do I need?

The MCA’s codes of practice categorise British flagged commercial yachts according to the type of yacht and the waters in which they operate. It is this categorisation that determines which of the above certificates you will need

Powerboat  Level 2 Commercial  Endorsement – 3 miles from a nominated point of departure (Cat 6 waters)

The types of commercial craft requiring this level certification are typically: charter fishing boats, small passenger launches, thrill ride operators, harbour patrol launches, construction site safety boats etc. Once your Level 2 certificate is commercially endorsed you can then work on commercial vessels operating in category 6 waters – that is up to 3 miles from a nominated departure point in fine weather and daylight hours.

Differences between Workboat Code and MGN280: Under MGN280 coding you can operate a vessel up to 24m on your PB2 commercial ticket. However under the Workboat code you can only operate RIBs and open boats on a PB2 ticket up to 3 tonnes.

Although you can take the Level 2 course at age 12 the minimum age for a commercial endorsement is 18 years old.

Powerboat Advanced Certificate of Competence  – up to 20 miles from a safe haven (Cat 3-6 waters)

If you are looking to work on commercial vessels up to 24m in length, operating in category 3, 4, 5 and 6 waters – that is up to 20 miles from a safe haven, carrying up to 12 passengers then you will need to have completed the RYA Advanced Certificate of Competence (EXAM) in order to gain your commercial endorsement. 

NOTE:  You CAN NOT simply apply for a commercial endorsement against the Advanced course certificate following completion of the 2 day Advanced course.* Candidates must have successfully passed their Advanced Exam to apply for a commercial endorsement.

RYA Day Skipper Practical Motor  – To sea, within 20 miles from a nominated departure point in favourable weather and daylight (Cat 5/6 waters)

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (CoC) Motor  – up to 20 miles from a safe haven (Cat 3-6 waters)

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster™ Coastal Certificate of Competence will enable you to skipper vessels up to 24 metres in length, operating in category 3,4,5, and 6 waters – up to 20 miles from a safe haven. 

NOTE:  You CAN NOT simply apply for a commercial endorsement against the RYA Coastal Skipper course certificate following completion of the 5 day Coastal Skipper Course. Candidates must have successfully passed their YM Coastal Exam to apply for a commercial endorsement

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (CoC) Motor  – up to 60/150 miles from a safe haven (Cat 1/2-6 waters)

A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence will enable you to work as a Master of commercial vessels of up to 200gt in category 1 to 6 waters – that is up to 150 miles from a safe haven.

This Certificate of Competence can used commercially in its own right, or as a pre-requisite for the MCA’s Officer of the Watch qualification, which enables you to work worldwide on vessels of up to 3000gt.

NOTE:  Skippers working in category 1 or 0 waters will need the ENG1 medical.

All Exam Pre-requisites and Prices

You can see more on the whole range of practical exams and pre-requisites on the RYA Exams page using this LINK

If you don’t have your own vessel you will need to hire a suitable vessel for your exam – details on the vessel requirements can be found here

How do I apply for the Commercial Endorsement? 

You will need to send the following items to the RYA Certification Dept:

• Your original certificate
• Your Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate – this is a compulsory online course covering your responsibility as a commercial skipper
• A commercial endorsement application form
• An ML5 or ENG1 medical fitness certificate – Skippers working in category  2-6 waters require an ML5 whereas 1 or 0 waters will need the ENG1 medical.
• A copy of your RYA Basic Sea Survival certificate or STCW Personal Survival Techniques
• RYA First Aid Certificate or other acceptable first aid certificate (only required if applying for a commercial endorsement to a Day Skipper, Powerboat Level 2 or Advanced Powerboat Course Completion Certificate).
• RYA SRC Certificate or other acceptable GMDSS Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate.
• A passport sized photo with your name on the back

Revalidating your commercial endorsement

All commercial endorsements must be revalidated every five years by proving at least 150 days of actual sea service on appropriate vessels during the previous five years, and be in possession of a valid medical fitness certificate.

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• Certificates of Competence

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Exam

Full details of the exam syllabus and requirements are shown in the RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook (G158), which is available from the RYA webshop.

The exam consists of an oral and written test.

The candidate must provide the examiner with the following information 48 hours prior to the exam:

• A narrative account of the planning and execution of the qualifying passage providing all relevant details.
• Navigational records, completed on board a yacht on passage, out of sight of land showing that the candidate has navigated the yacht without the use of electronic navigational aids. The records must include as a minimum, planning, reduction and plotting of a sun run meridian altitude sight and a compass check carried out using the bearing of the sun, moon, a star or planet.

During the oral test the candidate will be required to answer questions on all aspects of ocean passage making in a yacht, including passage planning, navigation, worldwide meteorology, crew management and yacht preparation, maintenance and repairs.

The written exam will include questions on sights and sight reduction and worldwide meteorology.

Candidates who hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course Completion Certificate (final exam must have been invigilated at an RYA RTC), or a MCA issued full STCW Certificate of Competence as a Deck Officer (Unlimited) will be exempt from the written examination.

Before you book your exam please check that you:

• have completed the required mileage and experience as skipper
• have read the syllabus in RYA Logbook (G158)
• have read and comply with the pre-requisites above.

If you need your Certificate of Competence in order to work on board a commercial craft subject the MCA's codes of practice, you will need to get it commercially endorsed - see 'Related articles'.

Please note: Only those who hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence are eligible to receive the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence on passing the oral exam. Those holding OOW (Yacht 3000gt) will receive a pass confirmation certificate.

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean exam pre-requisites