Royal Navy to Superyacht Engineer Licence Requirements

Commercial licences are also accepted on superyachts and across other maritime sectors. Details of the licences and requirements can be found in MSN 1857 (M&F) Amendment 1 

 

You may apply for Commercial licences via the Alternative Route if you have relevant marine experience and or a degree. Further details are outlined in 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 typically the benchmark qualification for Royal Navy engineers holding RN EOOW.

 

Each certificate requires a specified amount of sea time, as detailed in the relevant 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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STCW Basic Training

There are five STCW basic safety training certificates, some of which you may already hold from the Royal Navy, provided they have not 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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Advanced STCW (required for MEOL and above):

• 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 require the HELM certificate (Human Element Leadership and Management).

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You will also need to obtain a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate, which confirms you are fit for work and must be renewed every two years. Please see our dedicated FAQs for further details.

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Additional considerations

You may wish to consider sitting both Small Vessel and Commercial oral exams. Some yachts require Commercial licences due to their technical specifications, so holding both can significantly increase your opportunities.

 

To transfer Royal Navy engineering qualifications to Commercial licences, you must assess your background under the Memorandum of Understanding and then contact an approved nautical college to discuss your Alternative Route eligibility and Action Plan.

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For MCA exam-related queries, you may contact the engineering examiners at: engineering@mcga.gov.uk

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AEC exemptions

Applicants may be eligible for an exemption from AEC1 if they can provide sufficient evidence of relevant marine diesel engine qualifications, experience in maintenance and repair, and operational competence.

 

Please note that any exemption will only reduce the number of courses required to obtain a Small Vessel or Commercial licence. If you are not yet eligible for either licence, AEC1 remains the minimum requirement to work on board a yacht.

 

AEC2 is a more advanced qualification. While not mandatory for entry-level positions, we recommend obtaining it before leaving the Royal Navy if eligible, as it will be required later in your career.

 

The MCA does not grant exemptions for MEOL (Small Vessel) as this qualification always requires sea service, completion of basic and advanced STCW courses, and the MCA oral examination. Candidates with sufficient Royal Navy sea time may be eligible to sit the MEOL oral exam once all required certificates are in place.