Royal Navy to superyacht Engineer licence requirements

Commercial Licences are also accepted to work on yachts as well as all other maritime sectors. Details of the licences and requirements are shown on the following link: MSN 1857 (M&F) Amendment 1 

 

You can apply for the Commercial Licences through the ‘Alternative Route’ if you have relevant marine experience and/or a degree. Details are shown on the following link: Guidance Notice MIN 511 (M) Amendment 1

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Commercial Licences:

• III/1 EOOW unlimited

• III/3 2nd engineer <3000kw

• III/2 2nd engineer unlimited

• III/3 chief engineer <3000kw

• III/2 chief engineer unlimited

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For reference, EOOW is usually the benchmark for qualified Royal Navy engineers holding the RN EOOW.

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Please note that each of these certificates requires a certain amount of sea-time which is stated in the Guidance Notices.

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There are now five STCW basic safety training certificates, some of which you may have from the Navy providing they haven’t expired:

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Basic STCW:

• Personal Survival Techniques

• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

• Elementary First Aid

• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities

• Proficiency in Security Awareness (or PDSD)

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In addition, you will need to take advanced ancillary STCW courses for MEOL and above licences:

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Advanced STCW:

• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

• Training in Advanced Fire Fighting

• Proficiency in Medical First Aid

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For SV/EOOW licences and above, you will also need the HELM certificate (Human Element Leadership & Management).

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You will also need to obtain a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate. This states that you are fit for work and needs to be renewed every 2 years. (See FAQ’s for details.)

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You may want to consider taking both the SV and Commercial oral exams. Certain yachts require commercial licences due to the technical specification so having both licences can open more opportunities.

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To transfer your Royal Navy engineering qualifications to Commercial Licences, you need to assess your background following the Memorandum of Understanding, then contact one of the approved Nautical Colleges to discuss your “Alternative Route” eligibility and “Action Plan”.

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Nautical Colleges and Yacht Training Providers

NB We have a strong relationship with Warsash Maritime Academy (Solent University Southampton) who have assisted many ex-Royal Navy engineers with relevant courses to transfer to the Super Yacht industry. Please click on the link below for details about the Alternative Route/Action Plan directly with the college: Solent University Southampton

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Contact MCA examiners if you have any queries: engineering@mcga.gov.uk

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Please note that one can have an exemption for the AEC1 (Approved Engine Course) provided the applicant submits sufficient evidence that they have completed a relevant qualification related to marine diesel engines, they have experience working on marine diesel engines, and experience with the operational maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines. However, this will only reduce the courses you need to take to attain a Small Vessel or Commercial Licence.  If you are not eligible yet to attain a Small Vessel or Commercial licence, you will have to take the AEC1 as a minimum requirement to be eligible for a position on board a yacht. There is also an AEC2 certificate which is more advanced.  If you are eligible to apply for the certificate before leaving the Navy, we would recommend it as you will need it later but it is not mandatory for entry level positions to get started. ​

 

The MCA are unable to grant exemptions to the MEOL (SV) since this always involves completing a period of sea service, the basic & advanced ancillary safety courses and the MCA oral exam. If you have sufficient sea-time from the Navy, you may be eligible to sit the MEOL oral exam provided you have the 5 x basic STCW and 3 x advanced STCW certs, AEC 1 & 2 and a Seafarer’s medical certificate.