After having passed the various theoretical and practical tests for the Offshore Yachtmaster diploma however, there is still a more than anecdotal formality to complete before you can work as a professional skipper in countries that recognize this title. You will have to obtain a commercial endorsement. We explain how to do it.
The two Commercial Endorsement
There are two levels: the Commercial Endorsement, which allows you to work in the United Kingdom, and the STCW Commercial Endorsement, which allows you to work in a certain number of countries that recognize this certification, which does not include France. To work abroad outside the UK, it is therefore preferable to have both Commercial Endorsements.
The STCW Commercial Endorsement is an endorsement that certifies that a seafarer has validated the basic safety qualifications to work on board a ship: these qualifications are the same for all seafarers worldwide, and are described by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW, issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The CFBS
Even if France does not recognize the Yachtmaster, since French sailors are subject to the same convention, it is possible to pass these STCW qualifications in France: it is the Basic Safety Training Certificate or CFBS. It is a pack including 4 training courses:
- Individual Survival Techniques (IST)
- Basic Fire Fighting Training (FBLI)
- Level 1 Medical Education (Med 1), including PSC1
- Safety of People and Social Responsibilities (SPRS)
This CFBS pack is available in several training centers in France and costs between 900 and 1600 euros. It is eligible for certain financing such as the personal training account. The training lasts one week, and gives a certificate to be renewed every 5 years.
The Medical Certificate
In order to access the CFBS, but also to apply for a Commercial Endorsement, you will need a certificate of fitness for navigation. The RYA accepts the French certificate, called Certificat d'Aptitude à la Navigation des Gens de Mer, a form that can only be filled out by a Marine Physician.
To make an appointment with the seafarers' doctor, you must first request a provisional seafarer's number from Maritime Affairs, which will be given to you without any problem if you explain that you wish to return to the CFBS. This provisional number is identifiable because it begins with two asterisks (**).
Once you have this temporary marine number, you can call or make an appointment online with a Seafarers' Health Service, whose consultation will then be free of charge.
The medical examination is composed of visual and auditory tests, drug tests, questions on physical and mental health, and a summary examination. At the end of this examination, if you pass, you will be given a certificate of fitness, which is generally valid for one or two years, although the length of time may vary.
The PPR
In addition to the CFBS and the medical certificate, another diploma is required, this time specific to the United Kingdom: the Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate. This is an online training course that allows you to determine the prerogatives of a professional skipper, in relation to his diplomas, those of the crew, the navigation areas...
This training is available through online platforms such as Nav At Home, for the sum of about 50 euros, and lasts on average one day.
Sending the file by mail
Once you have these diplomas, you can now send your application to the RYA, which is done by mail. To summarize, you will send a file with :
- Your original Yachtmaster Diploma
- A copy of the PPR
- A copy of the TIS
- A copy of the FBLI
- A copy of the PSC1 or Medical 1
- A copy of your Certificate of Competence in Navigation for Seafarers
- A completed Commercial Endorsement application form
This application, processed on average within one month by the RYA, costs 50 euros, and if the paperwork is in order, will result in the receipt of your Yachtmaster diploma with the corresponding Commercial Endorsement and STCW Commercial Endorsement.
At the end of this administrative battle, you are now ready to work as a skipper in any country that recognizes the Yachtmaster, or corresponding flag!
