CERTIFICATES ยท UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026
What documents do you need for each yacht job? (2026)
Every crew member, any department
This is the floor. Nothing in the five departments below replaces it, and every one of them is checked before a contract is signed.
Must have
STCW Basic Safety Training (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR)CoP
ValidityPST and FPFF revalidate every 5 years. Treat EFA and PSSR as the same 5 year cycle.
Any paid job on a commercial or private yacht. No captain signs anyone on without it.
certvaultapp.comseen 19 August 2026
Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6) or Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)CoP
ValidityMCA guidance states no mandatory expiry for Security Awareness. Many schools sell PDSD on a 5 year cycle. Treat as 5 years.
Service on an ISPS Code vessel, and holding an actual security duty under the ship security plan.
certifiedtraining.co.zaseen 19 August 2026
ENG1 seafarer medical certificate, or a flag accepted equivalentmedical
Validity2 years maximum for adults. 1 year for ages 16 to 18. Can be issued for a shorter period.
Being fit to join. It is the MLC Regulation 1.2 medical every seafarer must hold before starting work, and it gates every MCA certificate of competency.
ukshipregister.co.ukseen 19 August 2026
Passportidentity
ValidityCommonly 5 or 10 years by issuing state. Many countries require 6 months validity remaining at entry, plus 1 to 2 blank pages.
Crossing every border the boat crosses, and every flight taken to join or leave a boat.
cbp.govseen 19 August 2026
US B1/B2 visatravel
ValidityStamp valid up to 10 years depending on reciprocity. Each stay is capped by the I-94, typically 6 months.
Entering US waters aboard the yacht, and flying in to join a boat in the United States.
dockwalk.comseen 19 August 2026
Seaman's discharge book or approved service record bookadmin
ValidityNo expiry. Entries are added per voyage.
A verifiable sign on and sign off record, which is the evidence every certificate of competency application is built on, and the document Spanish port immigration now stamps.
evolutionagents.comseen 19 August 2026
MLC Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA)admin
ValidityRuns for the length of the contract stated in it. No separate renewal.
Legal employment on board. Port State Control checks for a valid SEA on every seafarer and a missing one is a named common deficiency.
edumaritime.netseen 19 August 2026
Sea service testimonials and Training Record Book (TRB)admin
ValidityTestimonials must cover the last 12 months of service. The TRB is filled in over roughly 1 to 3 years and presented at the oral exam.
Progression to any certificate of competency. Without it the sea time does not count.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Yellow fever vaccination certificatemedical
ValidityValid for the life of the person vaccinated, since the WHO amendment to International Health Regulations Annex 7 on 11 July 2016. No booster required.
Going ashore in countries that require proof of vaccination for arrivals from at risk countries, among them Brazil, Colombia and Peru.
who.intseen 19 August 2026
Flag state endorsement of a certificate of competencyendorsement
ValidityTied to the underlying CoC. Malta endorsements revalidate on the same 5 year cycle as the CoC. Marshall Islands certificates issued by examination are valid 5 years and a temporary Certificate of Receipt of Application is valid 90 days. Cayman validity is unverified beyond tracking the CoC.
Service on that flag's vessels in that rank. It is a separate document from the CoC and the CoC alone is not enough.
cishipping.comseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Schengen Seaman Short Stay (Type C) visatravel
Validity1 to 5 years depending on contract and prior Schengen visa history. Entries capped at 90 days in any rolling 180 day period.
Personal travel and time ashore in the Schengen area for crew who are not Schengen nationals.
smartmovecrew.comseen 19 August 2026
References from previous captains or heads of departmentadmin
ValidityNo expiry, but agencies weigh recency more heavily than count.
Getting past the agency shortlist. It is not a legal requirement anywhere.
dockwalk.comseen 19 August 2026
Deck department
Deckhand
The entry rung on deck, washing, driving the tender and standing gangway, and the paperwork is light because most of it gets bought during the first season. Plus the basics.
Expected
RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsementcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry. The commercial endorsement depends on a current medical and certificate status.
Driving the tender and running guests ashore, which is most of a junior deck day.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
PADI Open Watercourse
ValidityLifetime, the card does not expire. A Scuba Review or ReActivate is advised after 6 to 12 months out of the water.
Diving at recreational level and the first step onto the dive ladder that actually pays.
blog.padi.comseen 19 August 2026
RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiencycourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry.
Running the jet skis, and it is the prerequisite for the PWC Instructor ticket.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Lead deckhand
The bosun's deputy on a large yacht, or the bosun in all but name on a boat under 50 metres, and the rung where the officer paperwork clock starts. Plus the basics.
Expected
RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsementcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry. The commercial endorsement depends on a current medical and certificate status.
Driving the tender and running guests ashore, which is most of a junior deck day.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)CoP
ValidityNo expiry, but it must be held for at least 18 months before an OOW Yachts CoC can be issued.
Sitting the Officer of the Watch certificate. It is the gate between rating and officer.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
RYA Personal Watercraft Instructorcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry.
Teaching guests on the jet skis rather than only driving them.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Dive instructor
The onboard dive professional who runs guest scuba diving and dive gear, hired specifically for the ticket rather than promoted up from deckhand. Plus the basics.
Must have
PADI Divemaster or Open Water Scuba Instructor (or equivalent SSI/CMAS professional rating)course
ValidityProfessional membership renews annually with the issuing agency; the underlying certification itself does not expire.
Running guest dives and, at Instructor level, certifying guests, which is the point of hiring a dedicated Dive Instructor rather than leaving diving to a deckhand with a personal Divemaster ticket.
blog.padi.comseen 25 September 2026
Expected
RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsementcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry. The commercial endorsement depends on a current medical and certificate status.
Driving the dive tender to and from the dive site, which is most of the job outside the water.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Emergency Oxygen Provider and diving-specific first aid (e.g. DAN Oxygen Provider, or PADI Rescue Diver plus Emergency First Response)course
Validity2 years is a typical refresher cycle set by the issuing agency; no single body standardises it across agencies.
Responding to a diving injury or decompression incident before the boat's own medical responder or shoreside help arrives.
theestateagency.comseen 25 September 2026
Watersports instructor
Runs the guest toy locker: wakeboarding, water skiing, wing foiling and the jet skis, and the RYA PWC Instructor ticket is the one credential nearly every posting names outright. Plus the basics.
Must have
RYA Personal Watercraft Instructorcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry.
Teaching guests on jet skis rather than only driving them, and registering the yacht as an RYA Training Centre so guests can be formally taught on board.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Expected
A recognised instructor award in the guest's watersport of choice (e.g. RYA Powerboat Instructor, British Water Ski & Wakeboard Federation instructor grade, or a wing foil/kitesurf federation instructor ticket)course
ValidityVaries by issuing federation; several run 2 to 4 year revalidation cycles, none checked individually this pass.
Teaching the specific sport named on the guest preference sheet, on top of driving the tow boat.
jetskiandpowerboattraining.co.ukseen 25 September 2026
RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsementcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry. The commercial endorsement depends on a current medical and certificate status.
Driving the tow boat and tenders that every watersports session runs from.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Bosun
Runs the deck team, the tenders and the toys, and it is a supervisory rating rather than an officer rank so there is no certificate of competency attached. Plus the basics.
Expected
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)CoP
ValidityNo expiry, but it must be held for at least 18 months before an OOW Yachts CoC can be issued.
Sitting the Officer of the Watch certificate. It is the gate between rating and officer.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsementcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry. The commercial endorsement depends on a current medical and certificate status.
Driving the tender and running guests ashore, which is most of a junior deck day.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiencycourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry.
Running the jet skis, and it is the prerequisite for the PWC Instructor ticket.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
PADI Divemaster or Instructorcourse
ValidityLifetime for the underlying certification. Professional ratings depend on the agency's own renewal terms, which were not checked this pass.
Diving with guests as the professional in charge. Instructors diving with guests report GBP 500 to 1,000 per day on top of salary.
yachtlycrew.comseen 19 August 2026
Officer of the watch (3rd or 2nd officer)
The first certificated officer rank on deck, standing a navigational watch on a yacht under 3000GT. Plus the basics.
Must have
Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000GT) CoC, STCW Regulation II/1CoC
Validity5 years. Revalidation needs qualifying seagoing service in the revalidation window.
Standing a navigational watch as a certificated officer on a yacht under 3000GT.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)CoP
ValidityNo expiry, but it must be held for at least 18 months before an OOW Yachts CoC can be issued.
Sitting the Officer of the Watch certificate. It is the gate between rating and officer.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC)CoP
Validity5 years.
Operating the radio and distress equipment in sea area A1. Required from OOW Yachts less than 3000GT.
gac.comseen 19 August 2026
HELM Operational (Human Element, Leadership and Management)course
ValidityNo fixed revalidation stated.
Holding an operational level officer certificate, on deck from OOW upward and in the engine room for the SV Engineer Officer of the Watch ticket.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
ECDIS (electronic chart display and information system)course
ValidityNo revalidation. A CoC issued after 1 January 2017 without it carries a negative endorsement on the certificate itself.
Navigating on electronic charts, which is every modern yacht bridge. Without it the certificate is stamped with what you cannot do.
mycrewkit.comseen 19 August 2026
Security officer
Covers the yacht's ISPS security plan as ship security officer and, on higher-risk itineraries, close protection of the owner and guests. Plus the basics.
Must have
Ship Security Officer (SSO)CoP
ValiditySources conflict. Some read it as valid for life, others as a 5 year company refresh, and no MCA position was confirmed. Treat as 5 years.
Being the designated security officer under the ship security plan, which commercial yachts over 500GT on international voyages must have.
uksa.orgseen 19 August 2026
Expected
SIA Close Protection licence (UK) or an equivalent national close-protection qualificationadmin
Validity3 years on the UK SIA licence cycle.
Legally working as a close-protection operative for UK-based principals, and being taken seriously by management companies placing a dedicated CPO or PSO rather than a general SSO.
get-licensed.co.ukseen 25 September 2026
Prior military, police or professional close-protection backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Being credible for a role management companies vet heavily before placing anyone in it.
ag-globalstrategies.comseen 25 September 2026
Chief officer
Second in command on deck and usually the safety officer, which is why the whole advanced safety set lands at this rank. Plus the basics.
Must have
Chief Mate (Yachts less than 3000GT) CoC, STCW Regulation II/2CoC
Validity5 years, with the same conflict noted against the OOW certificate.
Service as chief officer on a yacht under 3000GT.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)CoP
Validity5 years.
Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and for engineer officers.
stcwcoursefinder.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (A-VI/3)CoP
Validity5 years, counted from the expiry of the previous certificate.
Leading a fire party. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and part of the chief steward and chief engineer sets.
mitags.orgseen 19 August 2026
STCW Medical First Aid (A-VI/4-1)CoP
Validity5 years by flag and company policy. STCW itself does not mandate a refresher.
Being the crew member who treats a casualty until shoreside help arrives. Required from Chief Mate upward and expected from second steward level.
roodbovengroen.comseen 19 August 2026
ECDIS (electronic chart display and information system)course
ValidityNo revalidation. A CoC issued after 1 January 2017 without it carries a negative endorsement on the certificate itself.
Navigating on electronic charts, which is every modern yacht bridge. Without it the certificate is stamped with what you cannot do.
mycrewkit.comseen 19 August 2026
HELM Operational (Human Element, Leadership and Management)course
ValidityNo fixed revalidation stated.
Holding an operational level officer certificate, on deck from OOW upward and in the engine room for the SV Engineer Officer of the Watch ticket.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
HELM Management (Human Element, Leadership and Management)course
ValidityNo fixed revalidation stated.
Holding a management level certificate, meaning chief officer and master on deck, and both chief engineer tickets.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Captain, Master Code Vessels less than 200GT
The Yachtmaster route into command on small coded commercial vessels, and the cheapest way to a first command. Plus the basics.
Must have
Master (Code Vessels less than 200GT) CoC, STCW Regulation II/3CoC
Validity5 years, with the same conflict noted against the OOW certificate.
Command of a coded commercial vessel under 200GT, limited to 150 nautical miles from a safe haven unless the unlimited variant is held.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean, commercially endorsedCoC
ValidityThe Yachtmaster certificate itself does not expire. The commercial endorsement depends on current medical and certificate status.
The entry route to command under the Code Vessels less than 200GT certificate, and the qualifying certificate behind the OOW Yachts route.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities coursecourse
ValidityNo expiry cited.
Commercially endorsing a Yachtmaster, which is what turns a leisure certificate into a working one.
flyingfishonline.comseen 19 August 2026
Captain, Master Yachts less than 500GT
Command of a yacht under 500GT, reached from the officer of the watch certificate with a second round of modules and exams. Plus the basics.
Must have
Master (Yachts less than 500GT) CoC, STCW Regulation II/2CoC
Validity5 years, with the same conflict noted against the OOW certificate.
Command of a yacht under 500GT.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
MCA Celestial Navigation exam passcourse
ValidityMust be less than 1 year old when carried into a Master Yachts less than 3000GT application. Other MCA module passes expire at 3 years.
The Master Yachts less than 500GT certificate, and it is the pass with the shortest shelf life on the whole deck ladder.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Captain, Master Yachts less than 3000GT
The top of the traditional yacht deck ladder, command of a yacht under 3000GT. Plus the basics.
Must have
Master (Yachts less than 3000GT) CoC, STCW Regulation II/2CoC
Validity5 years, with the same conflict noted against the OOW certificate.
Command of a yacht under 3000GT, which is the top of the yacht deck ladder before the Unlimited route.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC)CoP
Validity5 years.
Operating radio and distress equipment beyond sea area A1, which is what unlimited area work needs. Required from Chief Mate and Master level.
gac.comseen 19 August 2026
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)CoP
Validity5 years.
Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and for engineer officers.
stcwcoursefinder.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (A-VI/3)CoP
Validity5 years, counted from the expiry of the previous certificate.
Leading a fire party. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and part of the chief steward and chief engineer sets.
mitags.orgseen 19 August 2026
STCW Medical First Aid (A-VI/4-1)CoP
Validity5 years by flag and company policy. STCW itself does not mandate a refresher.
Being the crew member who treats a casualty until shoreside help arrives. Required from Chief Mate upward and expected from second steward level.
roodbovengroen.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Medical Care Aboard Ship (A-VI/4-2)CoP
Validity5 years by flag and company policy. STCW itself does not mandate a refresher.
Being the designated medical person on board, which on most yachts is the chief officer, master or chief steward.
roodbovengroen.comseen 19 August 2026
ECDIS (electronic chart display and information system)course
ValidityNo revalidation. A CoC issued after 1 January 2017 without it carries a negative endorsement on the certificate itself.
Navigating on electronic charts, which is every modern yacht bridge. Without it the certificate is stamped with what you cannot do.
mycrewkit.comseen 19 August 2026
HELM Management (Human Element, Leadership and Management)course
ValidityNo fixed revalidation stated.
Holding a management level certificate, meaning chief officer and master on deck, and both chief engineer tickets.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Chief mate, Yachts Unlimited
The new unlimited chief officer route that opened on 18 May 2026, with academic modules in place of cargo ship sea time. Plus the basics.
Must have
Chief Mate (Yachts Unlimited) CoC, STCW Regulation II/2CoC
Validity5 years, with the same conflict noted against the OOW certificate.
Service as chief officer on a yacht of any size, without the cargo ship sea time the conventional Unlimited route demands.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
NAEST (Management) navigational equipment and simulator trainingcourse
ValidityUnverified. No revalidation interval confirmed this pass.
The OOW Unlimited entry route into Chief Mate Yachts Unlimited.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Captain, Master Yachts Unlimited
Command of a yacht of any size, reached without ever sailing on a cargo ship. Plus the basics.
Must have
Master (Yachts Unlimited) CoC, STCW Regulation II/2CoC
Validity5 years, with the same conflict noted against the OOW certificate.
Command of a yacht of any size, reached without ever sailing on a cargo ship.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Interior department
Junior steward or stewardess
The entry rung in the interior, and the one place where a food safety award is a legal requirement rather than an agency preference. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
GUEST Yacht Introduction Hospitality Program (Units 23, 32, 02, 03)course
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificates. The Certificate of Competence needs separate sea service verification.
The GUEST Junior Steward Certificate of Competence, once a signed training record book is filed. It is what agencies mean by GUEST qualified at entry level.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Third steward or stewardess
The entry rung below second steward on interior teams large enough to run three seniority tiers of service crew, doing the same foundational service and housekeeping work as a junior steward under a different, larger-yacht title. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
GUEST Yacht Introduction Hospitality Program (Units 23, 32, 02, 03)course
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificates. The Certificate of Competence needs separate sea service verification.
The GUEST Junior Steward Certificate of Competence, once a signed training record book is filed. It is what agencies mean by GUEST qualified at entry level.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Laundry steward or stewardess
The dedicated garment-care specialist on interior teams big enough to split laundry off general housekeeping, with no certificate of its own beyond the food-safety rule every interior crew member follows. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
GUEST Yacht Advanced Hospitality Program, Advanced Laundry Services unitcourse
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificate.
Formal recognition of laundry and garment-care skill inside the GUEST framework, the same unit second stewards take as part of their broader Advanced program.
bluewateryachting.comseen 25 September 2026
Housekeeping steward or stewardess
The cleaning and cabin-care specialist on larger interior teams, splitting housekeeping off general service, with no certificate of its own beyond the interior's food-safety rule. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
GUEST Yacht Introduction Hospitality Program, Basic Housekeeping and Laundry unitcourse
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificate.
Formal recognition of housekeeping skill inside the GUEST framework.
bluewateryachting.comseen 25 September 2026
Service steward or stewardess
The table-and-drink service specialist on larger interior teams, splitting food and beverage service off general housekeeping duties. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
GUEST Yacht Introduction Hospitality Program, Basic Food and Beverage unitcourse
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificate.
Formal recognition of table and drink service skill inside the GUEST framework.
bluewateryachting.comseen 25 September 2026
Second steward or stewardess
The GUEST programme calls this rank senior steward or stewardess, and it is where service specialisms start to decide who gets hired. Plus the basics.
Expected
GUEST Yacht Advanced Hospitality Program (Units 34, 05, 07, 08, 09)course
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificates. The Certificate of Competence needs separate sea service verification.
The GUEST Senior Steward Certificate of Competence, which is the second steward rank in yacht job titles.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsementcourse
ValidityNo fixed expiry. The commercial endorsement depends on a current medical and certificate status.
Driving the tender and running guests ashore, which is most of a junior deck day.
superyachtpwc.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Medical First Aid (A-VI/4-1)CoP
Validity5 years by flag and company policy. STCW itself does not mandate a refresher.
Being the crew member who treats a casualty until shoreside help arrives. Required from Chief Mate upward and expected from second steward level.
roodbovengroen.comseen 19 August 2026
WSET wine qualificationcourse
ValidityNo expiry. WSET certificates do not expire.
Credible wine service and wine buying, which is a named filter from second steward level upward and a crossover skill for charter chefs.
winetraining.co.ukseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
GUEST Specialised Hospitality units (cigar service, floristry, barista, advanced wine appreciation, advanced bartending and mixology)course
ValidityNo expiry found. These are one off course attendance certificates.
The service specialisms that separate two candidates with the same rank on paper.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Spa therapist or spa stewardess
The dedicated wellness specialist on yachts big enough to run a spa, often advertised as masseuse or masseur, and hired against an internationally recognised beauty-therapy qualification rather than a maritime one. Plus the basics.
Must have
CIDESCO Diploma, ITEC Diploma or CIBTAC Diploma in beauty/spa therapy (massage, facials, body treatments)admin
ValidityThese diplomas do not expire; individual massage modalities are sometimes added later as standalone certificates.
Being hired at all: every agency source consulted treats a recognised beauty/massage diploma as the entry gate for this role, not an optional extra.
cidesco.comseen 25 September 2026
Expected
At least one year of hands-on spa or salon experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Being confident running facials, Swedish and other massage modalities, waxing and nail services solo, with no other therapist on board to call on.
theestateagency.comseen 25 September 2026
Beautician
Covers nails, waxing, makeup and skincare where a yacht wants a beauty specialist without a spa therapist's full massage skill set, again hired against a beauty-trade qualification. Plus the basics.
Expected
NVQ/City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, or a CIDESCO/ITEC beauty qualificationadmin
ValidityNo expiry; a trade qualification rather than a renewable licence.
Being credible for nail, waxing, makeup and skincare service without the full spa-therapist massage training.
cidesco.comseen 25 September 2026
Hairdresser or barber
A dedicated hair specialist on the largest yachts, hired against a standard hairdressing or barbering trade qualification rather than a maritime one. Plus the basics.
Expected
NVQ/City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 in Hairdressing or Barbering, or an equivalent national trade qualificationadmin
ValidityNo expiry; a trade qualification rather than a renewable licence.
Being credible for a niche, low-volume hire that management companies fill from the same beauty-and-wellness recruiting pool as spa therapists.
ypicrew.comseen 25 September 2026
Personal trainer
Guest and crew fitness on yachts large enough to carry a dedicated trainer, hired against a shoreside fitness-industry qualification rather than a maritime one. Plus the basics.
Must have
CIMSPA-recognised Personal Trainer qualification (UK Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training) or an equivalent national fitness-industry certification (e.g. NASM, ACE)admin
ValidityCIMSPA membership and most national PT certifications require periodic CPD to stay active; the underlying qualification itself does not expire.
Being credible to design and deliver a program to the owner and guests, the entire basis of the job.
cimspa.co.ukseen 25 September 2026
Expected
First aid/CPR certification specific to fitness training, beyond STCW Basic Safety Trainingcourse
ValidityTypically 1 to 2 years depending on the issuing body; not standardised across providers.
Responding to an exercise-induced medical event during a training session.
ypicrew.comseen 25 September 2026
Yoga or Pilates instructor
Guest wellness sessions on yachts that carry a dedicated instructor rather than asking the personal trainer to double up, hired against a yoga or Pilates teacher-training qualification. Plus the basics.
Must have
Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) or equivalent 200-hour teacher training, or a recognised Pilates instructor certification (e.g. STOTT, BASI, Comprehensive Mat/Reformer)admin
ValidityYoga Alliance registration renews annually with continuing education; the underlying teacher-training certificate does not expire.
Being credible to lead guest sessions, the entire basis of the job.
yogaalliance.orgseen 25 September 2026
Nanny or governess
Childcare for the owner's family, hired against an early-years or childcare qualification rather than a maritime one, and a fully separate hire from a stewardess who happens to be good with children. Plus the basics.
Must have
Recognised childcare or early-years qualification (e.g. Norland Diploma, CACHE Level 3, NNEB), and/or a teaching qualification for a Governess or Tutor placementadmin
ValidityNo expiry; a qualification rather than a renewable licence.
Being placed at all for a family with young children; agencies read childcare certification as the entry gate for this role.
norland.ac.ukseen 25 September 2026
Expected
Paediatric first aid certificatecourse
Validity3 years, matching UK Ofsted-recognised paediatric first aid renewal practice.
Responding to a child-specific medical emergency, distinct from the adult-focused STCW Medical First Aid module.
yachtlycrew.comseen 25 September 2026
Assistant purser
The purser's deputy on yachts over about 70 metres where the administrative workload outgrows one person, handling data entry, receipts and clerical work under the purser's supervision. Plus the basics.
Expected
GUEST Accounting, Bookkeeping and Budgeting (Unit 21) and Human Resources and Crew Wellbeing (Unit 30)course
ValidityNo expiry found.
The money and people half of a purser job, at the same GUEST units a full purser eventually needs.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Prior accounts, hospitality admin or purser-assistant experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Getting shortlisted at all; agencies read this role as the entry route into the purser track rather than a separately certificated position.
yachtcrew.ukseen 25 September 2026
Head of service
Found on yachts over about 70 metres, running meal and drink service under the chief steward's direction while the chief steward carries the department's budget and HR load. On smaller yachts these duties fold back into the chief steward role rather than being hired separately. Plus the basics.
Expected
WSET wine qualificationcourse
ValidityNo expiry. WSET certificates do not expire.
Credible wine service and wine buying, central to running meal service at this level.
winetraining.co.ukseen 19 August 2026
GUEST Yacht Management Hospitality Program (Units 36, 30, 21, 17)course
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificates. The Certificate of Competence needs separate sea service verification.
The same management-level GUEST program a chief steward completes, since Head of Service sits inside that same senior interior track.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Several years of silver-service and fine-dining experience at second steward level or aboveadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Being credible for a title typically found only on yachts over 70 metres, working directly under the chief stewardess.
ypicrew.comseen 25 September 2026
Head of housekeeping
Runs the housekeeping team and the interior's fabric, surface and inventory care on yachts big enough to split it from service, reporting to the chief steward. Plus the basics.
Expected
GUEST Yacht Advanced Hospitality Program (Units 34, 05, 07, 08, 09)course
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificates. The Certificate of Competence needs separate sea service verification.
The Advanced Housekeeping Services unit inside the same GUEST program a second steward completes.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
At least two years of experience in a housekeeping-specific interior roleadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Being credible for managing a housekeeping team, stock control and the care of fine fabrics, artwork and surfaces without a licensed rank to fall back on.
ypicrew.comseen 25 September 2026
Chief steward or stewardess
Head of interior, running service, housekeeping, budgets and people, and agencies will not consider a candidate whose basic safety training has lapsed. Plus the basics.
Must have
STCW Crowd ManagementCoP
ValidityNo expiry found.
Working on a yacht carrying more than 12 passengers, where the Large Yacht Code requires it of all crew with passenger safety duties.
yachtiecareers.comseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering or at Seacourse
Validity3 years by industry policy. For a Ship's Cook Certificate application the Level 3 award must be no more than 3 years old.
Owning the HACCP plan, which every head chef and most chief stewards do, and it is the level the Ship's Cook Certificate application checks.
axtellfoodsafety.comseen 19 August 2026
GUEST Yacht Management Hospitality Program (Units 36, 30, 21, 17)course
ValidityNo expiry found on the unit certificates. The Certificate of Competence needs separate sea service verification.
The GUEST Chief Steward Certificate of Competence, and the head of interior job that goes with it.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (A-VI/3)CoP
Validity5 years, counted from the expiry of the previous certificate.
Leading a fire party. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and part of the chief steward and chief engineer sets.
mitags.orgseen 19 August 2026
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)CoP
Validity5 years.
Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and for engineer officers.
stcwcoursefinder.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Medical Care Aboard Ship (A-VI/4-2)CoP
Validity5 years by flag and company policy. STCW itself does not mandate a refresher.
Being the designated medical person on board, which on most yachts is the chief officer, master or chief steward.
roodbovengroen.comseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
WSET wine qualificationcourse
ValidityNo expiry. WSET certificates do not expire.
Credible wine service and wine buying, which is a named filter from second steward level upward and a crossover skill for charter chefs.
winetraining.co.ukseen 19 August 2026
Spa manager
Runs the spa department on yachts large enough to carry more than one spa or wellness crew member, managing treatment bookings, stock and the therapists, hired against a beauty or wellness qualification rather than a maritime one. Plus the basics.
Must have
CIDESCO Diploma or an equivalent internationally recognised beauty/spa therapy qualification (ITEC, CIBTAC), plus spa or salon management experienceadmin
ValidityThe CIDESCO Diploma does not expire; no separate management-level renewal was found this pass.
Being credible to run a spa team and treatment program rather than just deliver treatments personally.
cidesco.comseen 25 September 2026
Butler
Formal personal service for the owner, typically on the largest and most traditional yachts, drawing on private-household butler training rather than a maritime rank. Plus the basics.
Expected
Recognised butler training (a private-service or household-management butler course) or equivalent high-end hospitality experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Being credible for formal personal service to an owner, a step beyond general stewarding.
yotspot.comseen 25 September 2026
Concierge
A guest-services specialist on the largest yachts, arranging shoreside reservations, itineraries and personal requests the way a hotel concierge would, sitting alongside rather than inside the service hierarchy. Plus the basics.
Expected
Five-star hotel, travel or lifestyle-management concierge experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Being credible for arranging restaurant bookings, private tours, transport and personal requests to a five-star standard.
yotspot.comseen 25 September 2026
Purser
The yacht's administrator, owning crew contracts, visas, accounts and VAT, and the role usually grows out of a senior interior or admin background rather than replacing its paperwork. Plus the basics.
Expected
GUEST Yacht Purser Programme (Units 18 to 21)course
ValidityNo stated expiry found on the IAMI GUEST Purser Certificate. The full Purser Certificate of Competence needs an Advanced Leadership Program on top.
The IAMI GUEST Purser Certificate, described as the first milestone toward the Purser Certificate of Competence.
yachtcrew.ukseen 19 August 2026
GUEST Accounting, Bookkeeping and Budgeting (Unit 21) and Human Resources and Crew Wellbeing (Unit 30)course
ValidityNo expiry found.
The money and people half of a purser or chief steward job, shared across both GUEST tracks.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
MLC 2006 administration competence (SEAs, hours of rest, repatriation, complaints)course
ValidityNo standalone credential identified, so no validity applies.
Running the crew admin a purser owns, and being the person who keeps the yacht clean at a Port State Control inspection.
yachtcrew.ukseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
Ship Security Officer (SSO)CoP
ValiditySources conflict. Some read it as valid for life, others as a 5 year company refresh, and no MCA position was confirmed. Treat as 5 years.
Being the designated security officer under the ship security plan, which commercial yachts over 500GT on international voyages must have.
uksa.orgseen 19 August 2026
GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC)CoP
Validity5 years.
Operating the radio and distress equipment in sea area A1. Required from OOW Yachts less than 3000GT.
gac.comseen 19 August 2026
Galley department
Crew cook or cook steward
The combined galley and interior berth on smaller yachts, roughly under 24 to 30 metres, and it is not a green crew job. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Prior galley or interior experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
A cook steward berth. The combined role is not recommended for green crew, so this is the real gate at entry.
yotspot.comseen 19 August 2026
Crew chef
Cooks for the crew mess on larger yachts that run a separate galley team, sitting inside the same vessel level cook requirement as the head chef. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Ship's Cook Certificate of Competency (UK MLC 2006), or a flag accepted equivalentCoC
ValidityNo expiry currently. The MCA position, reported 8 March 2024, is that it does not revalidate because it is an MLC certificate rather than an STCW one.
Being the qualified cook a yacht must carry once it operates beyond 60 miles from a safe haven with 10 or more seafarers aboard.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Professional culinary qualification or equivalent kitchen backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Getting shortlisted at all. Agencies filter chefs on kitchen pedigree before they look at maritime paperwork.
lighthouse-careers.comseen 19 August 2026
Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering or at Seacourse
Validity3 years by industry policy. For a Ship's Cook Certificate application the Level 3 award must be no more than 3 years old.
Owning the HACCP plan, which every head chef and most chief stewards do, and it is the level the Ship's Cook Certificate application checks.
axtellfoodsafety.comseen 19 August 2026
Chef de partie or third chef
Runs one station in a larger galley brigade, the rung between crew chef and sous chef on yachts with a big enough kitchen team to split stations. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Professional culinary qualification or equivalent kitchen backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Getting shortlisted at all. Agencies filter chefs on kitchen pedigree before they look at maritime paperwork.
lighthouse-careers.comseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering or at Seacourse
Validity3 years by industry policy. For a Ship's Cook Certificate application the Level 3 award must be no more than 3 years old.
Standing in for the sous chef's HACCP responsibilities on a larger brigade.
axtellfoodsafety.comseen 19 August 2026
Pastry chef
The dedicated dessert and bakery station on galley brigades large enough to split pastry from the hot line, standard on the biggest charter yachts. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Professional pastry qualification (e.g. City & Guilds/NVQ Patisserie, Le Cordon Bleu or a WACS-recognised pastry program) or equivalent kitchen backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Getting shortlisted at all for a specialism agencies filter on pedigree before paperwork.
wilsonhalligan.comseen 25 September 2026
Sous chef
Second in the galley and often the designated backup qualified cook, which is what pulls the Ship's Cook Certificate down to this rank. Plus the basics.
Must have
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Ship's Cook Certificate of Competency (UK MLC 2006), or a flag accepted equivalentCoC
ValidityNo expiry currently. The MCA position, reported 8 March 2024, is that it does not revalidate because it is an MLC certificate rather than an STCW one.
Being the qualified cook a yacht must carry once it operates beyond 60 miles from a safe haven with 10 or more seafarers aboard.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering or at Seacourse
Validity3 years by industry policy. For a Ship's Cook Certificate application the Level 3 award must be no more than 3 years old.
Owning the HACCP plan, which every head chef and most chief stewards do, and it is the level the Ship's Cook Certificate application checks.
axtellfoodsafety.comseen 19 August 2026
Professional culinary qualification or equivalent kitchen backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Getting shortlisted at all. Agencies filter chefs on kitchen pedigree before they look at maritime paperwork.
lighthouse-careers.comseen 19 August 2026
Provisioning and budget ownership experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
The part of a yacht chef job that has no shore equivalent: sourcing and stock planning in remote places with no resupply.
lighthouse-careers.comseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)CoP
Validity5 years.
Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and for engineer officers.
stcwcoursefinder.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (A-VI/3)CoP
Validity5 years, counted from the expiry of the previous certificate.
Leading a fire party. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and part of the chief steward and chief engineer sets.
mitags.orgseen 19 August 2026
Head chef or executive chef
Owns the galley, the HACCP plan and the food budget, and there is no separate certificate track for a charter chef versus a private chef. Plus the basics.
Must have
Ship's Cook Certificate of Competency (UK MLC 2006), or a flag accepted equivalentCoC
ValidityNo expiry currently. The MCA position, reported 8 March 2024, is that it does not revalidate because it is an MLC certificate rather than an STCW one.
Being the qualified cook a yacht must carry once it operates beyond 60 miles from a safe haven with 10 or more seafarers aboard.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Cateringcourse
Validity3 years is the industry norm, applied as employer and provider policy rather than a stated MCA expiry.
Legally handling food in the galley. It binds interior crew who process food as much as it binds cooks.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering or at Seacourse
Validity3 years by industry policy. For a Ship's Cook Certificate application the Level 3 award must be no more than 3 years old.
Owning the HACCP plan, which every head chef and most chief stewards do, and it is the level the Ship's Cook Certificate application checks.
axtellfoodsafety.comseen 19 August 2026
Expected
Professional culinary qualification or equivalent kitchen backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Getting shortlisted at all. Agencies filter chefs on kitchen pedigree before they look at maritime paperwork.
lighthouse-careers.comseen 19 August 2026
Provisioning and budget ownership experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
The part of a yacht chef job that has no shore equivalent: sourcing and stock planning in remote places with no resupply.
lighthouse-careers.comseen 19 August 2026
Level 3 food allergy and allergen trainingcourse
Validity3 years by industry policy.
Guest preference sheet handling and cross contamination protocols, which management companies increasingly ask for by name.
thesaferfoodgroup.comseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
WSET wine qualificationcourse
ValidityNo expiry. WSET certificates do not expire.
Credible wine service and wine buying, which is a named filter from second steward level upward and a crossover skill for charter chefs.
winetraining.co.ukseen 19 August 2026
Pastry, sushi, sommelier or dietary specialismcourse
ValidityNo fixed validity. These are CV differentiators, not certificated requirements.
Standing out on a shortlist of chefs who all hold the same statutory paperwork.
mycrewkit.comseen 19 August 2026
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)CoP
Validity5 years.
Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and for engineer officers.
stcwcoursefinder.comseen 19 August 2026
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (A-VI/3)CoP
Validity5 years, counted from the expiry of the previous certificate.
Leading a fire party. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and part of the chief steward and chief engineer sets.
mitags.orgseen 19 August 2026
Engineering department
Junior, third or fourth engineer
The unlicensed entry rank in the engine room, where a trade background gets you looked at and one short course gets you aboard. Plus the basics.
Expected
Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)course
ValidityNo expiry.
The engine room. It is described as the base minimum for superyacht engineers and it is where the engineering ladder starts.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
Diesel, automotive, electrical or ex military engineering trade backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
The informal filter captains apply at junior engineer level. It does not replace AEC1, STCW basics or an ENG1.
superyachtcontent.comseen 19 August 2026
Second engineer
Industry shorthand for the holder of the Small Vessel engineer officer of the watch certificate, since no certificate carries that title. Plus the basics.
Must have
Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)course
ValidityNo expiry.
The engine room. It is described as the base minimum for superyacht engineers and it is where the engineering ladder starts.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2)course
ValidityNo expiry.
The step from engine room hand to a candidate for the officer of the watch engineering ticket.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Small Vessel Engineer Officer of the Watch CoC, STCW III/2 (less than 3000GT and 9000kW)CoC
Validity5 years. Revalidation under MSN 1861 Amendment 1 needs 12 months sea service in the preceding 5 years or an accepted alternative occupation.
Standing an engineering watch as a certificated officer, and the rank the industry calls second engineer.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
MCA engineering exam modules (General Engineering Science I and II, Marine Diesel Engineering, Auxiliary Equipment Part I, Operational Procedures, Basic Hotel Services, Ship Construction)course
ValidityGeneral Engineering Science I and II carry no expiry date. Other module passes were not confirmed this pass.
The written half of the Small Vessel engineer officer of the watch certificate.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)CoP
Validity5 years.
Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and for engineer officers.
stcwcoursefinder.comseen 19 August 2026
HELM Operational (Human Element, Leadership and Management)course
ValidityNo fixed revalidation stated.
Holding an operational level officer certificate, on deck from OOW upward and in the engine room for the SV Engineer Officer of the Watch ticket.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
High Voltage (Operational)course
ValidityNo revalidation stated.
Working on a vessel that generates or distributes over 1000 volts, which most modern large yachts do.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Chief engineer
Head of the engineering department, on the tonnage and power band the certificate names. Plus the basics.
Must have
Small Vessel Chief Engineer CoC, STCW III/3 (less than 500GT and 3000kW) or STCW III/2 (less than 3000GT and 9000kW)CoC
Validity5 years. Revalidation under MSN 1861 Amendment 1 needs 12 months sea service in the preceding 5 years or an accepted alternative occupation.
Running the engine room as head of department, on the tonnage and power band the certificate names.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)course
ValidityNo expiry.
The engine room. It is described as the base minimum for superyacht engineers and it is where the engineering ladder starts.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2)course
ValidityNo expiry.
The step from engine room hand to a candidate for the officer of the watch engineering ticket.
bluewateryachting.comseen 19 August 2026
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)CoP
Validity5 years.
Taking charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Required from Chief Mate upward on deck and for engineer officers.
stcwcoursefinder.comseen 19 August 2026
HELM Management (Human Element, Leadership and Management)course
ValidityNo fixed revalidation stated.
Holding a management level certificate, meaning chief officer and master on deck, and both chief engineer tickets.
gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
High Voltage (Management)course
ValidityNo revalidation stated.
Chief engineer or senior electro technical work on a high voltage vessel.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
CoC revalidation submission (form MSF 4201)admin
ValidityEvery 5 years. Needs 12 months sea service in the preceding 5 years, or an accepted alternative occupation from the MSN 1861 annex, plus current PST, FPFF, PSCRB and Advanced Fire Fighting evidence.
Keeping the certificate alive. A submission made within 6 months of expiry revalidates to the fifth anniversary of the old expiry date, while a late submission starts a fresh 5 year term from the revalidation date, so filing late quietly costs months.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Electro technical officer (ETO)
The electrical and systems specialist, and the one rank whose certificate requirement depends entirely on whether the vessel lists an ETO on its Safe Manning Document. Plus the basics.
Must have
Electro Technical Officer CoC, STCW III/6CoC
Validity5 years. The exact seagoing service figure for ETO renewal is unverified.
Being formally listed as ETO on the vessel's Safe Manning Document.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Expected
High Voltage (Operational)course
ValidityNo revalidation stated.
Working on a vessel that generates or distributes over 1000 volts, which most modern large yachts do.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
High Voltage (Management)course
ValidityNo revalidation stated.
Chief engineer or senior electro technical work on a high voltage vessel.
assets.publishing.service.gov.ukseen 19 August 2026
Nice to have
Electro Technical Rating, STCW III/7CoC
ValidityUnverified. No validity confirmed this pass.
An entry level electrical rating, more common in commercial shipping than on yachts.
edumaritime.netseen 19 August 2026
AV/IT officer
Owns the entertainment, networking and satellite systems that sit outside a traditional ETO's marine-electrical remit. On yachts under about 100 metres the same person often wears both hats; above that, yachts typically carry both a dedicated ETO and a dedicated AV/IT Officer. Plus the basics.
Expected
AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS), or equivalent audiovisual-integration trainingadmin
Validity3 years, AVIXA's own renewal cycle.
Holding the closest thing the AV-integration trade has to a named professional credential, recognised by shoreside AV contractors and refit yards.
ypicrew.comseen 25 September 2026
IT networking certification (e.g. CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA) or equivalent IT backgroundadmin
ValidityCompTIA Network+ certifies for 3 years; Cisco CCNA for 3 years.
Running the yacht's IP network, Wi-Fi and cyber security posture, which recruiting agencies name as core AV/IT duties.
ypicrew.comseen 25 September 2026
Medical department
Paramedic
Fills the same solo-medic berth as a nurse on yachts that prefer pre-hospital trauma skills over ward nursing, registered through the same UK health regulator as any other allied health professional. Plus the basics.
Must have
HCPC registration as a paramedic (UK), or the equivalent national paramedic registrationadmin
ValidityRenewed every 2 years on the HCPC registration renewal cycle, with a continuing professional development audit.
Legally practising and being placed as a paramedic; unregistered practice under a protected title is a criminal offence in the UK.
hcpc-uk.orgseen 25 September 2026
Expected
Pre-hospital emergency or ambulance-service experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Being credible for a role with no on-call doctor and no ambulance minutes away.
theestateagency.comseen 25 September 2026
Nurse
The onboard clinician on yachts large enough to carry dedicated medical staff, usually paired with a second nurse or a doctor on the biggest boats. It is a shoreside nursing licence, not a maritime certificate, that gets a candidate hired. Plus the basics.
Must have
Registered Nurse licence (UK: NMC registration, or the equivalent regulator in the nurse's home country)admin
ValidityNMC registration renews every 3 years through revalidation, with evidence of practice hours and continuing professional development.
Being legally allowed to practise as a nurse at all, ashore or at sea; agencies will not place an unregistered nurse.
nmc.org.ukseen 25 September 2026
Expected
Emergency, ICU, A&E or cardiac-rehabilitation ward experienceadmin
ValidityNo expiry; agencies weigh recency of clinical experience.
Being credible for the trauma and acute-emergency scenarios a yacht medical officer actually faces at sea, away from a hospital.
wilsonhalligan.comseen 25 September 2026
Advanced Trauma or Advanced Cardiac Life Support course (e.g. ATLS/ACLS)course
Validity2 years is a typical renewal cycle, set by the issuing body rather than STCW.
Managing a major trauma or cardiac event solo until the yacht reaches shoreside help.
yachtlycrew.comseen 25 September 2026
Doctor or medical officer
The most senior medical berth afloat, carried on the largest explorer and expedition yachts, and it needs the same licence to practise a shoreside hospital would demand. Plus the basics.
Must have
Full medical registration with a licence to practise (UK: GMC, or the equivalent national medical council)admin
ValidityOngoing, subject to the regulator's own revalidation cycle; GMC revalidation runs on a rolling 5 year cycle tied to annual appraisal.
Legally practising medicine and prescribing; no management company will carry an unlicensed doctor.
gmc-uk.orgseen 25 September 2026
Expected
Emergency medicine, general practice or expedition medicine backgroundadmin
ValidityNo expiry.
Handling the breadth of an isolated-practice role at sea, from trauma to routine crew health, without a hospital's specialist backup.
medaire.comseen 25 September 2026
What expires, and when
Shortest first. The medical goes before the training does, and the training goes before you notice.
| Item | Valid for | How you renew it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG1 medical certificate | 2 years for adults, 1 year for under 18s, and it can be shortened to 1 year for specific monitored conditions or age 65 and over | New MCA approved medical examination | ukshipregister.co.uk |
| MLC Regulation 1.2 medical certificate (non UK equivalents) | Maximum 2 years, maximum 1 year under age 18 | New medical examination by a qualified practitioner | ilo.org |
| Basic workplace first aid (EFAW or FAW, distinct from STCW Medical First Aid and Medical Care) | 3 years per HSE guidance | Requalification course before expiry. An annual refresher is recommended but not mandatory | hsedocs.com |
| Food safety Level 2 (food hygiene in catering) | 3 years is the industry norm, though this is policy rather than a hard legal expiry and it causes confusion. Conflict kept, unverified as a strict legal requirement | Retake the course | marineaccounts.com |
| Ship's Cook Certificate, Level 3 food safety component | The underlying Level 3 food safety award must be no more than 3 years old at the time of application. The certificate itself carries no expiry | Retake the Level 3 award if it has lapsed | pya.org |
| Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) | 5 years, counted from the expiry of the previous certificate | Refresher course | mitags.org |
| Certificate of Competency (CoC), MCA | 5 years | 12 months seagoing service in the last 5 years, or 3 months in the last 6 months. Varies by CoC type, and unlimited CoCs need 12 months on vessels over 80GT or 24 metres | hannapirita.com |
| Flag endorsement, Marshall Islands | Certificates issued by RMI examination are valid 5 years. The temporary Certificate of Receipt of Application is valid 90 days | Reapply or revalidate alongside the underlying CoC | register-iri.com |
| Medical Care Aboard Ship (MC) | 5 years, same caveat as Medical First Aid | Refresher recommended, and often required by flag or employer | roodbovengroen.com |
| Medical First Aid (MFA) | 5 years by flag state and company policy. STCW itself does not mandate a refresher | Refresher recommended, and often required by flag or employer | roodbovengroen.com |
| Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) | Sources disagree. The MCA lists no fixed expiry, many schools sell it on a 5 year cycle. Conflict kept, treat as 5 years | Refresher recommended if treated as 5 years | certifiedtraining.co.za |
| Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) | 5 years | Refresher course before expiry | stcwcoursefinder.com |
| Schengen Seaman Short Stay (Type C) visa | 1 to 5 years depending on contract and prior Schengen visa history. Entries limited to 90 days in any 180 day period regardless of visa length | Reapply through a Schengen consulate | smartmovecrew.com |
| STCW Basic Safety Training: Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) | 5 years | Refresher course, or the abbreviated route with 360 or more days of qualifying sea service in the last 5 years | certvaultapp.com |
| STCW Basic Safety Training: Personal Survival Techniques (PST) | 5 years | Refresher course, or the abbreviated route with 360 or more days of qualifying sea service in the last 5 years | certvaultapp.com |
| Passport | Varies by state, commonly 5 or 10 years for adults. Many countries require 6 months validity remaining plus 1 to 2 blank pages at entry | Renew through the issuing state | cbp.gov |
| US B1/B2 visa | Stamp valid up to 10 years depending on reciprocity, but each stay is capped by the I-94, typically 6 months | Renew before the visa stamp expires. Stay length is set at each entry, not by the visa | dockwalk.com |
| Flag endorsement, Cayman Islands | Tied to the underlying CoC remaining valid. The endorsement carries a QR code for live verification | Reapply when the CoC is revalidated | cishipping.com |
| Security Awareness (PSA) | No mandatory expiry under current MCA guidance | None required | certifiedtraining.co.za |
| STCW Basic Safety Training: Elementary First Aid (EFA) | No STCW expiry; refreshed with the five year set in practice | Refresher with the other basic training modules. Conflict kept: some training providers read the raw STCW Code table as not mandating EFA or PSSR revalidation, and files 01 to 04 read it that way too. The stricter 5 year reading is kept here. | certvaultapp.com |
| STCW Basic Safety Training: Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) | No STCW expiry; refreshed with the five year set in practice | Refresher with the other basic training modules. From 1 January 2026 anyone taking or revalidating PSSR sits the revised syllabus covering violence, harassment, sexual assault and bullying at sea. | certvaultapp.com |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate | Valid for the life of the person vaccinated, since the WHO amendment to International Health Regulations Annex 7 took effect on 11 July 2016 | None, no booster required | who.int |
| GUEST programme (IAMI) | No expiry stated in available sources, and schools treat it as a one time competency award. Unverified, the awarding body did not confirm a no expiry policy in writing | None found | pya.org |
| PADI recreational certifications | Lifetime, the card does not expire | None required to keep the card valid, though a Scuba Review or ReActivate is recommended after 6 to 12 months out of the water | blog.padi.com |
The joining pack
What a management company asks for in the week before you fly. Have it scanned, named and in one folder before they ask.
- Passportmanagement6 months validity and 1 to 2 blank pages commonly required at entrycbp.gov
- US B1/B2 visamanagementRequired for any US bound yacht. Cost is usually borne by the employerdockwalk.com
- Schengen Seaman Short Stay (Type C) visamanagementFor non EU crew on yachts cruising the EUsmartmovecrew.com
- Seaman's discharge bookflagRequired to stamp non Schengen crew in and out of Spanish ports since March 2025, and often required to join yachts of 50 metres and overevolutionagents.com
- ENG1 or equivalent medical certificateMLCThe original is typically requested by the agency before placement, not a copybluewateryachting.com
- Yellow fever certificatecaptainOnly if transiting or arriving from an endemic country. Lifetime validity since 2016who.int
- STCW Basic Safety Training (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR)flagEssential before stepping aboard any commercial yachtdockwalk.com
- Rank Certificate of CompetencyflagThe original must be carried on board, not a copy, per Cayman guidancecishipping.com
- Flag state endorsementflagRecognises the CoC for service on that flag's ships, and it tracks the CoC's validitycishipping.com
- Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA)MLCAn individual agreement is required for every seafarer, and it must be reviewable before signingedumaritime.net
- Crew joining form (next of kin, bank details, tax status, uniform sizes)managementStandard agency or management intake form, format varies by company. Unverified as a single named template, though the fields are consistent across several providerssignnow.com
- Background check consentcaptainIncreasingly requested per Dockwalk guidancedockwalk.com
- Hours of rest recordMLCFormat set by MSN 1842(M), endorsed by both master and seafarer, retained at least 1 year. Missing or incomplete records are a named common Port State Control deficiencyassets.publishing.service.gov.uk
- Crew listflagAll Cayman flagged ships must carry and maintain a list of crew, and large yachts a Minimum Safe Manning Documentcishipping.com
- Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance and Maritime Labour CertificateflagCarried on board per MLC Regulation 5.1, alongside the most recent inspection reportedumaritime.net
Straight answers
What catches people out on the basics?
From 1 January 2026 the PSSR module carries mandatory training on violence, harassment and bullying at sea, and crew who passed before that date keep the old certificate with no reissue. The Marshall Islands runs its own two year seafarer medical that sits alongside an ENG1 rather than replacing it, so crew on that flag hold two medicals. Schengen days pause while a crew member is signed on a crew list and restart on disembarkation, and the 2026 Entry Exit System now tracks that biometrically.
What catches people out on Deck paperwork?
Efficient Deck Hand has to be held for at least eighteen months before an officer of the watch certificate can be issued, so the clock starts long before the exam. A new Yacht Unlimited route opened on 18 May 2026 and it needs no cargo ship sea time, which removes the old reason to leave yachting for a merchant ticket. A certificate issued after 1 January 2017 without ECDIS carries a negative endorsement, so skipping the five day course marks the certificate itself.
What catches people out on Interior paperwork?
Finishing a GUEST course only earns a course attendance certificate, and the Certificate of Competence arrives later once the awarding body receives a signed training record book. Level 2 food safety is a legal requirement for any interior crew member who processes food in the galley, not only for cooks. Crowd management training is required under the Large Yacht Code once a yacht carries more than twelve passengers, which catches the head of interior.
What catches people out on Galley paperwork?
The Ship's Cook Certificate carries no expiry date, because it is an MLC certificate rather than an STCW one. The whole galley requirement switches on vessel facts, since a yacht only has to carry a qualified cook beyond sixty miles from a safe haven with ten or more seafarers aboard. The MCA rejects computer based food safety certificates, so an online only Level 2 course does not count.
What catches people out on Engineering paperwork?
The Y1 to Y4 yacht engineer route closed to new entrants on 31 December 2022, and new engineers now go through the Small Vessel structure in MSN 1904. Many yachts run an electrical specialist under the ETO job title without the formal certificate, which is allowed when no ETO is listed on the Safe Manning Document. High voltage training only bites when the vessel generates or distributes over 1000 volts, so it is a vessel fact rather than a rank requirement.
What catches people out on Medical paperwork?
A yacht nurse or paramedic is hired on a shoreside licence, NMC or HCPC registration, rather than a maritime certificate of competency, and losing that registration ashore ends the yacht job too. NMC nursing registration is revalidated every three years and HCPC paramedic registration renews every two, both on evidence of continuing practice, so a medic's licence runs on its own clock beside their STCW and ENG1. None of the three medical roles carries an MCA or STCW ticket of its own; STCW Medical Care Aboard Ship is a separate, non-clinical qualification meant for the officer who is not the yacht's medic.