Master less than 500 gross tonnage (yachts)
This certificate is issued under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 and Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2014, made under the Navigation Act 2012.
What will this certificate allow me to do?
This certificate allows you to perform the duties or functions of one of the following:
- Master less than 500 gross tonnage on yachts in any operating area
- Watchkeeper deck officer on yachts of less than 3000 gross tonnage in any operating area.
Yacht means a vessel that:
- is less than 3000 gross tonnage
- is commercial use for sport or pleasure
- does not carry cargo
- does not carry more than 12 passengers.
A yacht does not need to be designed to carry sail and may be a training vessel, a sail training vessel or a short ranger yacht provided they are not designed to carry cargo.
Am I eligible?
To get a Master less than 500 gross tonnage (yachts) certificate of competency you must meet medical, sea service and course requirements. The requirements depend on whether you are getting a certificate for the first time or revalidating an existing certificate. Each requirement and how to prove that you meet them is explained in these instructions.
Important disclaimer
These instructions are summary information only. We make decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014, Marine Order 71 (Master and deck officers) 2014, Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers) 2014, Marine Order 73 (Ratings) 2014 and Marine Order 74 (Master and deck officers – yachts) 2015. Please refer to these marine orders for full details of eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.