In response to a recent article on the increased demand for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency, and how the qualification is increasingly being required of entry-level superyacht crew.  This qualification has previously been criticised as an incorrect fit for the industry. We have had some interesting responses from people in and outside of the industry... 
 
Ayla Lewis-Wharton. North Australia Super Yacht Agent, Advisor & Consultant: “Unfortunately the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore still isn’t well recognised in Australia as a qualification at all. I very recently tried to get mine recognised with AMSA without success- I had to start again from scratch. There definitely should be aligned international standards/acceptable qualifications. Here in Australia, AMSA and the MCA need to offer more clarity on how to qualify for equivalent qualifications. We are constantly fielding enquiries from potential yacht crew on whether they should follow the MCA path or the AMSA path, with both claiming that their qualifications are recognised by each other - easily - Heads up! They’re not! I’d love to hear from anyone who has had success transferring in either direction.”
 
Darryl Window. Owner of a luxury car transport service: “I have been trying to crack the defence forces in all countries - everybody appeared to put barriers in front of me - received very little help from all GOVT’s -it appears a closed shop - I gave up in total frustration - highly paid public servants just trying to fob u off - I was a public servant for 32 years , and saw it first hand - bloody clowns who think they are god!”
 
Capt. Malcolm Jacotine. Superyacht Captain: “This really is a legacy qualification and by now the path to yacht OOW/Chief Mate/Captain should not be dependent on RYA/IYT qualifications, it should be based on experience and relevant training/education as per the model for the commercial route to a CoC. And, when it comes to competence, there is a much more serious issue related to yacht qualifications and that is the complete lack of any documented watchkeeping experience required for OOW and Chief Mate in the current structure.

However, there is one area where RYA/IYT qualifications have value, and that is as a tender driver qualification. As yachts have become larger so have their tenders; the coxswains of these boats should have the qualifications and competence to operate these autonomously, day or night, and at distance from the mothership.
 
If the MCA and training providers looked at this seriously they could develop a structure that was more in line with the industry and its demands, improve competence and safety, and develop a better pathway to full commercial Unlimited CoC.”
 

The original article can be found here. 

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