Entry & progression
Governing: MSN 1862 (M) Amendment 1, sections 1, 3 and 12; Annex F. Leads to: EDH, NWR, OOW (Yachts).
What the certificate actually says
The Yacht Rating Certificate (YRC) is a Certificate of Proficiency, not a Certificate of Competency. The template in Annex F of MSN 1862 Amendment 1 states that the holder has met STCW Regulation II/4 and the standard in Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code, and is competent to serve as a rating forming part of a navigational watch on yachts up to 3000 GT. MSF 4340 extends the same limit to sail training vessels under 3000 GT.
Read that carefully. It proves you can form part of a watch under an officer. It does not let you keep a bridge watch yourself; that is what the Officer of the Watch (Yachts) <3000 GT CoC is for.
Where it sits
| Certificate | STCW | Limitation | Typical holder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yacht Rating CoP | II/4 | Yachts < 3000 GT | Deckhand, lead deckhand |
| Navigational Watch Rating CoP | II/4 | Seagoing ships 500 GT+ | Merchant or yacht rating heading to AB |
| Able Seafarer Deck CoP | II/5 | None stated | AB, bosun |
| OOW (Yachts) CoC | II/1 (yacht-limited) | Yachts < 3000 GT | Second or third officer |
Who issues it
You can apply direct to the MCA on form MSF 4340, or through an MCA-approved provider (MSN 1862 section 12). The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the approved body most yacht crew use; it states that it issues YRCs on behalf of the MCA. Either way, the certificate is an MCA certificate.
The four competences behind it
STCW Table A-II/4 sets out what a watch rating must be able to do:
- Steer the vessel and comply with helm orders given in English.
- Keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing.
- Contribute to monitoring and controlling a safe watch.
- Operate emergency equipment and apply emergency procedures.
The Training Record Book (Annex B) turns these into signable tasks and adds seamanship, the Code of Safe Working Practices, engine room awareness and pollution prevention. The rest of this course follows that structure.
Why captains ask for it
The PYA's 2021 guide says the YRC is expected of deck crew on yachts over 200 GT, and many job adverts for lead deckhand and bosun list it. Treat the 200 GT figure as industry practice rather than a number you will find in the MSN; the regulatory hook is the vessel's safe manning and the STCW watch rating requirement.
TIP — Get it early The YRC is cheap and quick once your sea time is in. It is also the yacht entry route to EDH (MSN 1862 section 4.2), so every month you delay it delays the next step.
What it is not
- Not a tender driving qualification: see Tender Driving: Powerboat Level 1 and 2.
- Not a substitute for the STCW basic training certificates, which you still need to hold and keep in date.
- Not proof of engine room competence, although the record book includes an engine watch section.