A Programme of Training

To gain a marine licence in order to act as Master or skipper of a commercial vessel you need to attend a programme of study in order to acquire the professional under-pinning knowledge in support of that Certificate of Competence.  This training will invariably lead to the award of a Diploma from an Awarding Organisation and in the UK for those seeking a licence for sea-going vessels less than 500GT working within 150 miles of the coast this is the Scottish Qualifications Authority or SQA.

The International Maritime Organisation legislation that covers this aspect of the marine industry is the Standards, Training and Certification of Watchkeepers Convention (STCW) and the CoC required for these smaller vessels is covered by Regulation II/3.  In the UK the professional knowledge in support of this licence is the SQA Level 3 Diploma in Maritime Studies which requires the completion of 5 Units.  For the Boatmaster Licence which is not an STCW certificate, but covered by an EU Directive the underpinning knowledge is covered by the Units of the Level 2 Diploma.  Although RYA certificates do not comply with the standards of STCW and, therefore, have limited recognition outside of the UK the RYA Offshore Yachtmaster Certificates has value in its acceptance as a marine licence by the MCA for vessels coded under the SCV Code and recognition as the principal training requirement for the Master Coded Vessels <200GT.  Although there is no requirement to achieve a Diploma for this licence the subject content of the Level 2 Diploma meets the syllabus for professional knowledge and we would recommend this as the programme of study to undertake.

Having reviewed the academic achievements and experience of a candidate to assess prior-accredited learning we then prepare an Individual Learning Plan which is a programme to complete the training necessary for the award of a Diploma.

Learning is by a combination of self-study and tutorials using Zoom.  This facilitates assessment criteria using written assignments and recorded oral examinations.  Candidates are able to progress at a rate that suits the individual and we endeavour to provide maximum support to ensure success.

We look forward to working with you to help you achieve your career aspirations.