Professional qualifications

An ocean of opportunity
 

Working on the water can be fun, exciting and extremely rewarding, with opportunities to travel and see the world. But you need the right training.

RYA qualifications are the cornerstone of the small commercial vessel sector and are recognised as a badge of quality and excellence all over the world.

Many organisations, including the Armed Forces, Police and RNLI draw upon the RYA’s training schemes to safely deliver their services and there are many commercial skippers and crew working all over the world with RYA qualifications.

So start your career as you mean to go on and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a safe and confident crew member, skipper, instructor or captain.

Courses and qualifications
RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling
 
RYA Powerboat Advanced
 
RYA Day Skipper
 
RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal
 
RYA Yachtmaster® Offshore
 
RYA Yachtmaster® Ocean
 
RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities
 
RYA Basic Sea Survival
 
RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate
 

If you want to work on the water, you’ll need a commercial endorsement. Find out which certificates can be endorsed and how to apply.

Find out more
Working with RYA qualifications
Where can you work?

Want to skipper a commercial vessel? Find out more about the categorisation of waters and required certification here.

 
Careers advice

Where will your qualification take you? Find out more about opportunities in the marine industry here.

 
RYA Instructor courses

There are more than 25,000 RYA Instructors working all over the world. Find out more about how to join our crew here.

 

With the backing of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other well respected professional organisations, we ensure RYA qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world.

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Want to progress your career? Skilled boaters who can prove their dedication to the marine industry could be eligible for a share of the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship fund.