Mark Layer Qualification Requirements

 

Unlike Race Officers, Judges and Umpires, there is not yet an International Mark Layer qualification awarded by World Sailing. 

All qualifications are held for four years, after which time an application for renewal must be made. Applicants must be:

  • members of the RYA
  • age 18 or over for National Mark Layer; 16 or over for RYA Mark Layer
  • an experienced racing sailor
  • an email user with internet access
  • UK passport holder (or have principal residence in the UK).

The table below provides a summary of the Mark Layer qualification requirements. For all qualification requirements in more detail, please view our competency document.

 

Requirement

Regional Mark Layer

National Mark Layer

 

Initial

Renewal

Initial

Renewal

 

 

Course

 

 

RML

 

 

Not required

 

 

NML

 

 

Not required

 

 

Examination

 

 

Not required

 

 

Not required

 

NML Exam 75% Pass

 

 

Not required

 

 

Experience

 

 

4 events

 

 

4 events

 

 

4 major events

 

 

4 major events

 

 

References

 

 

1

 

 

Not required

 

 

2

 

 

Not required

 

VHF

Certificate

 

 

Yes

 

 

Yes

 

 

Yes

 

 

Yes

 

Powerboat Qualification

 

 

Safety Boat

 

 

Safety Boat

 

 

Safety Boat

 

 

Safety Boat

 

 

Conference

 

 

Not required

 

 

Yes

 

 

Not required

 

 

Yes

 

References must be from the events given on the application form. 

Candidates for the National qualification are also required to show additional experience such as an ability to work as the senior mark layer, with a variety of course configurations, in waters outside of their home area and with several senior race officers.  A 'major event' is deliberately not defined as there are many factors to be taken into consideration when assessing this.

The Mark Layer application and reference form can be found here