International Yacht Training Worldwide

Master of Yachts Unlimited

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Master of Yachts Unlimited Training

IYT Master of Yachts courses have been recognised by the British Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) since 1998 for use on board all Red Ensign registered Yachts up to 200 gross tons. Although the courses were specifically designed for use on Red Ensign Yachts, they are now accepted by many other flag states because of their prestigious MCA recognition. It is imperative that holders of IYT certificates check with the flag state for which they wish to work or the port authority/maritime authority in which they wish to operate to ensure they will accept your certificate.

What is the IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Certificate? The IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology.

If you hold the Master of Yachts Unlimited certificate you are qualified for work as:

  • Master of 200 ton vessel all oceans
  • Chief Mate of 500 ton vessel up to 150 nautical miles offshore
  • OOW (Officer of the Watch of a 500 ton vessel all oceans).

What are the entry level requirements?

  • Candidates should be 18 years of age or older.
  • IYT Worldwide MOY Unlimited Programme is restricted to current holders of a valid IYT Worldwide MOY Limited Certificate.
    • Note that we will also accept:
      • MCA STCW Officer of the Watch (OOW) CoC
      • A valid STCW Officer of the Watch (OOW) CoC that is accepted for a Flag State Endorsement (FSE) by the MCA
      • MCA stamped Notice of Eligibility (NOE)
      • MCA Master (Code Vessel) <200GT
      • MCA Master <500GT (150nm/Near Coastal)
      • Marshall Islands Master (STCW II/3) <350GT  /  Chief Mate (STCW II/3 <500GT)
      • AMSA Master less than 35m Near Coastal (Master <35m NC)-previously referred to as Master 4
  • A current medical fitness examination and a colour blindness eyesight examination, which allows the participant to safely perform the relevant duties on a yacht. Medical/eyesight examinations must be performed within the last two years from the time the certificate is being issued.
  • Prior to taking the course the candidate MUST have undertaken either two trips of 250 miles, or one trip of 500 miles out of sight of land. To cover those areas where this may be difficult, i.e. the Mediterranean or Caribbean; this out of sight of land requirement can be satisfied 20 miles or more from a shore line.
It is expected that a passage plan be made for that voyage, which would subsequently be used in the course for review and debriefing purposes leading to improvements by the final theory exam.
  • It is strongly preferred that the passage(s) be carried out prior to the course being taken (but that it may be done after the course with extenuating circumstances).

What does the Master of Yachts Unlimited theory course consist of?

The course consists of 6 days of astronavigation and worldwide meteorology. A thorough knowledge of all subjects covered in the IYT Master of Yachts Limited course is assumed. There will be a final written examination on the last day of the course.

  • The earth and the celestial sphere
  • The PZX triangle
  • The sextant
  • Measurement of time
  • Meridian altitudes
  • Sun sights
  • Planet sights
  • Starsight planning
  • Starsights
  • The pole star
  • Moon sights
  • Compass checking
  • Satellite navigation systems
  • Great circle sailing
  • Meteorology
  • Passage planning

The IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited certificate is a qualification that indicates that the holder has sufficient knowledge of celestial navigation to navigate globally using a sextant and to plan, undertake and manage an ocean passage together with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved with regards to routing and meteorology.

Candidates who have demonstrated the required level of understanding and expertise in the course syllabus will be awarded the IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Certificate

How do I apply for enrollment?

Candidates may apply to any of the participating IYT Partner Schools worldwide who offer this course.

What happens if I am color blind, hearing impaired or have other medical issue?

The MCA are no longer allowing Deckhands, Officers of the Watch, Mates or Masters who have color blindness to hold MCA certification. In the past, those who were diagnosed with color blindness were issued certificates with the endorsement” no solo watch” or “dual watch only”.
 
Because the IYT/MCA Master of Yachts certificates are commercial in nature, IYT will be complying with the same MCA requirements and will be unable to issue any commercial certificates to those who have color blindness.  It is imperative that students undertake a color blindness test BEFORE they enroll in any IYT/MCA commercial course as we will not be able to certify them.
 
Also, it is important to note that a ‘lantern test’ for color blindness is no longer accepted.  The test must be an Ishihara or CAD test. 
 
Those who already hold IYT/MCA commercial certificates with a color blindness endorsement “no solo watch” will be able to renew with the same endorsement”.  

For candidates who are hearing impaired, hearing loss should not exceed 20 decibels for the frequencies of 500Hz, and 1000Hz and 2000Hz. When hearing level does not meet these standards, hearing aids may be accepted providing the above standards can be reached when using the aid and watch keeping duties at sea can be adequately performed.

Candidates with Type 1 Diabetes may receive the IYT Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate and Limited Certificates of Competency.  However, please know that the MCA may not allow you to progress to the OOW or 500 and > Master Certification.  As the IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Certificate of Competency allows for ocean crossings, we cannot issue this certificate as medical assistance will be unavailable. 

Please note that the MCA will not issue an STCW qualification to candidates who do not pass the “ENG1 Medical Fitness Examination”.  The MCA will not allow you to progress to the OOW or 500 and > Master Certification.

How much time do I have to submit all required paperwork after completing the course?

Click here for information on time submission requirements for MOY Mate/Coastal, Limited and Unlimited.

Next Steps

As a professional in the yachting industry you are required to update and learn new skills on a regular basis. As you move up the chain of command or look for new opportunities your qualifications are essential. Please make sure they do not expire.

IYT plays a leading role in your professional training with 250 + schools in 56 countries around the world. We facilitate theoretical and practical training through our network of partner schools globally.

We are dedicating our efforts to better serve students and schools as we continue to improve our database and system and are working diligently to create new e-learning courses.

IYT is proud to be an ISO 9001:2015 Standard approved company.

View our course progression for an understanding of what is possible when you train professionally with IYT.

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