MCA Yacht Rating Certificate for Deckhands.
By Mark Fry

The MCA have introduced a Yacht Rating Certificate, required for deckhands aboard large sailing yachts and motor yachts over 200 tons. This certification comes into effect on Dec31st 2005, and all deckhands required by a safe manning document must be qualified in accordance with the MCA Code of practice for yachts. There is a transitional period until Dec 31st  2005 whereby crew have time to obtain their certificates in line with the new system.

A single Yacht Rating Certificate, covering both Navigational and Engineering watch keeping duties will be issued by the MCA to successful candidates.

To qualify as a Yacht Rating, a candidate must fulfill the following criteria:

*Captains and crew should note that the RYA sea survival course is not accepted by non U.K. administrations as it is not STCW compliant. (this may also affect the Yachts insurance and it is wise to check this with your marine insurance agent).

Students who hold the following certificates will not need to complete the Yacht Rating Training Record Book, and the 6 months sea service may be reduced to 2 months.

International Yachtmaster Training,  Bareboat Watchkeeper / Basic Flotilla Skipper

International Yachtmaster Training,  Bareboat Skipper

Or

Watchleader certificate with competent crew certificate

Day skipper certificate with competent crew certificate

Or

Yacht Rating Course Completion Certificate

All students must hold a valid medical fitness certificate. The standard U.K. medical fitness certificate is the ENG1 which can be obtained through MCA approved doctors in many different countries including the U.S.A.

For candidates who work on vessels less than 60 miles offshore, the ML5 is acceptable.

Yacht Rating Training Record Book

The Yacht Rating Training Record Book comprises 8 sections outlining a depth of knowledge and competency required in:

Navigational watch duties
Life saving and fire fighting equipment
Seamanship
Code of Safe Working Practices
Engine watch keeping duties
Prevention of pollution
Completion of STCW ’95 Basic Training Courses
Yacht service and sea service records

And 2 sections that require:

Verification of signatures (from officers who sign the record book )
Statement from Master of vessel confirming that the required standards have been met Copies of the Yacht Rating Training Record Book are available from IYT and the MCA.

Transitional Arrangements

Existing Yacht crew who can prove 18 months yacht service on vessels over 15 meters and who have completed the four Basic STCW  ’95 training courses, are exempt from completing the training record book. They must however, be able to prove their yacht service and be in possession of their Basic STCW certificates.

Application

An application form, which is available from IYT or the MCA must include:

The completed application form
Birth certificate or passport
Evidence of yacht service
Sea service testimonials
Valid medical fitness certificate
STCW basic training certificates
The appropriate fee

It is proposed that MCA approved training facilities such as IYT, may be able to issue MCA Yacht Rating Certificates on behalf of the MCA in the near future.