The IYT Master of Yachts (MOY) 200 ton Certifications (IYT Worldwide Courses)

Candidates for MOY 200 ton certifications must meet minimum sea time requirements as specified and be able to pass a required medical exam ENG 1 or USCG 719K. 

This certification is universally accepted for operation of commercial yachts up to 200 tons. For those who are taking the courses for non-commercial (recreational) purposes, completion of the 5 day STCW Basic Safety Training courses is not required but the certificate will be endorsed “Not for Commercial Use”.

There are three MCA Approved MOY 200 ton courses:
1. Master of Yachts 200 tons Mate - Coastal (IYT Worldwide)
2. Master of Yachts 200 tons Limited - Offshore (IYT Worldwide) for command of a yacht under 200 tons, up to 150 miles offshore - Equivalent to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
3. Master of Yachts 200 tons Unlimited - Ocean (IYT Worldwide) for command of a yacht up to 200 tons unlimited oceans.

The Master of Yachts (IYT Worldwide) certificate is currently accepted for commercial use by 25 different governing bodies including the MCA, USCG and Marshall Islands. MOY qualifications are recognised by marine insurance providers and all major charter companies.

The courses require a basic set of navigation tools: Breton/Portland Plotter, Parallel Ruler (12"+), Dividers, Flip Cards (Lights and Shapes), Navigation Rules (COLREGS), International

Recommended Reading:
How to Read a Nautical Chart by Nigel Calder
The Sailor's Weather Guide by Jeff Markell
Weather at Sea by David Houghton
Dutton's Nautical Navigation by Thomas J. Cutler

A Seaman’s Guide to Rule of the Road by Morgan’s Technical

These books are available for purchase in IYT’s reception.

What is the IYT Master of Yachts Certificate?

Our MoY Certification Program is designed to provide the highest standards of maritime education for use in both commercial and recreational yachting. The Master 200t Limited qualification is fully compliant with the MCA manning requirements for yachts and entitles the holder to take charge of a vessel of up to 200 gross tons within 150 miles of safe haven. It is also a requirement for entry into the MCA Officer of the Watch (Yachts) programme which ultimately leads through the Chief Mate and Master 500t certificates to Master 3000t, the ultimate yachting qualification.

This is an intensive course designed for experienced crew with sufficient sea time during which they have acted in a position of responsibility as watchkeeper actively involved in the running of the vessel on passage. It is assumed that the qualifying passages have been over varying distances, on a variety of vessels, in various locations and under a wide range of weather conditions.

This program is not for beginners. Crewmembers who have logged the qualifying mileage in and out of the same harbour as deck scrubbers functioning only as lookouts on the bridge will not have the appropriate experience. It is assumed that the qualifying experience has included watchkeeping or command experience (as opposed to lookout duties) during which the candidate has been exposed to navigation, collision avoidance and command decisions as well as hands-on boat handling. Proof of qualifying experience is required.

What are the advantages of holding an IYT Master of Yachts Certificate?

• The IYT Limited and Unlimited Masters Certificates are recognized by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (M.C.A.) for entry into their more advanced Certificates of Competency.
• IYT Yachting qualifications are recognized by insurance corporations worldwide.
• Yachts require competent crew and holders of IYT qualifications are extremely marketable due to the standard of our nautical studies and practical competence requirements.

What does the Master Limited course consist of?

Theory: 6 days in the classroom. Four subjects are covered, each culminating in a written examination which must be passed in order for a certificate to be issued.

• Collision Regulations. It is assumed that candidates have acquired a working knowledge of the IRPCS (COLREGS) as a result of their watchkeeping experience and this knowledge is built upon in the course. Prospective candidates must ensure that their prior knowledge includes at least a basic understanding of collision avoidance as well as the buoyage, sound signals and flags in common use. The pass mark for this exam is 90%.
• Meteorology. You must study this prior to taking the course. Pass mark 70%.
• Tides and Currents. You must study this prior to taking the course. 70% pass mark. This module does however require that the candidate is capable of basic mathematical calculations including adding and subtracting of time.
• Navigation and Chart Work. A basic understanding of coastal navigation is required for this module. It is assumed that candidates have some prior knowledge of:
  • Conversion of compass bearings to true and vice versa with allowance for both variation and deviation.
  • Dead reckoning.
  • Three bearing fix.
  • Course to steer allowing for current and leeway.
  • Estimated position with allowance for current and leeway.

Practical: 5 days on board, power or sail. This part of the instruction requires that the candidate has basic seamanship skills and in during their qualifying experience have had some practical exposure to: nautical terms, tides, rope work, anchor work, boat handling, docking, yacht presentation, general sailing skills, weather, navigation and passage planning. We can’t teach you to sail or to drive a powerboat in the time available so this part of the course is intended to hone existing skills and allow candidates to get used to our vessels in preparation for the practical examination.

Included in the practical week is a Radio Communications module, which deals with international radio communications and requires half a day of instruction for all candidates and a written examination for those who do not hold marine VHF radio licences.

Practical Exam: This takes place as soon after the end of the practical instruction as the weather allows, usually the very next day but it must be noted that, as in all boating activities, the weather has the final say. When making travel arrangements candidates should make allowance for the fact that there may be weather-related delays.

The practical exam is conducted by an independent IYT examiner and takes the form of an extensive oral evaluation and a test of practical skills on board. Candidates should expect to be questioned on any aspect of yachting at this level including topics covered in both the theory and practical training as well as the knowledge acquired during their qualifying experience. The examiner is required to test the candidate’s depth of knowledge and ability, not just whether they can regurgitate the course content. The fact that a theory exam has been passed does not mean that a particular subject cannot be re-visited during the oral assessment.

Completion of the MoY course is not a guarantee of passing the examination and receiving your certificate. The evolution of the modern yachting industry has caused this qualification to be required for non-command positions on larger vessels. This remains a master’s qualification and candidates are required to demonstrate the ability and attitude of mind to assume the responsibility of command.

The MOYL Certification consists of three separate modules: STCW 95, MOYL Theory, MOYL Practical

 It is recommended that all three modules be taken in as quick a succession as possible in order to retain as much information before the final on board examination with an IYT examiner.

A six day comprehensive shore-based course with assessment papers and written examinations incorporating subjects such as navigation, tidal calculations, international collision regulations, pilotage, meteorology, anchoring, berthing, buoyage, safety, passage planning, general ship knowledge and seamanship. Candidates are advised that a considerable amount of private study and varied cruising experience is required in addition to the formal instruction provided.

A five day practical course conducted on board a yacht (either power or sail) covering seamanship skills such as nautical terminology, tides, rope work, anchors/anchoring, boat handling, docking, yacht presentation, general boating skills, weather, navigation, ability to command, situational awareness and passage planning. This will be a preparation course for your final IYT Master of Yachts 200 Tons Limited (Offshore) Examination.

The final exam will be conducted by an IYT Master of Yachts examiner and takes the form of an extensive practical test on a yacht (either power or sail) followed by an oral exam. Candidates can expect to be examined on any subject covered by the syllabus of the shore-based or practical courses and to be questioned on any aspect of their yachting experience to date. In the event that the examiner considers an examinee not to have achieved the required standards and/or the candidates’ ability as Captain does not reach the required standard, and/or the prerequisites have not been met for the IYT Master of Yachts Limited (Offshore), a Master of Yachts Mate (Coastal) Certificate may be issued in the interim.

Completion of the Master of Yachts Limited certification course is not a guarantee of passing the examination and receiving your certificate. All the prerequisites must be fulfilled and satisfactory standards achieved in all of the courses.

ADDITIONALLY AVAILABLE FOR US CITIZENS (IN THE USA ONLY)
Duration: 17 days 

Prerequisites: To fulfill the USCG requirements for Master of Vessels not more than 200 tons the entire course, including STCW modules must be taken at IYT Fort Lauderdale.

Assessment: Two written exams; General Ship Knowledge, Ship Contruction and Stability (CFRs) 

Approvals: USCG 

Price: $375

The IYT Master of Yachts 200 ton Limited (Offshore, IYT Worldwide Course) is recognised by the US Coast Guard. On completion, the candidate may receive a 200 ton USCG license provided they meet the agency's sea time and tonnage requirements. In addition to the MOY 200 ton Limited certification, there are two additional modules and exams to be taken to satisfy US Coast Guard requirements:

Six hours of Stability - familiarising students with basic principles of ship construction, structure and stability. Six hours of General Ship Knowledge covering Aids to Navigation, Marlinspike Seamanship and the USCG Codes of Federal Regulations.