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IYT’s Global Approach to Yacht Training

  • IYT identified the need for a standardized international yacht training system.
  • Established a global network of professional, high-quality partner schools.
  • Offers both recreational and professional Superyacht training, including:
    • Interior & deck crew training
    • Master of Yachts 200 Tons Unlimited certification
  • IYT qualifications are accepted globally, thanks to rigorous training standards and content including but not limited to:
    • IALA Regulations (Areas A & B)
    • Weather systems & tidal calculations (Northern & Southern Hemispheres)
    • Understanding tropical revolving storms

Master of Yachts (MOY) – Professional Certification Overview

  • Designed for those pursuing a career in the Superyacht industry.
  • Recognised by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for use on Red Ensign group commercial and private vessels and accepted globally by many maritime authorities.
  • The MCA were the first administration to recognise professional yachting as a career
  • The MCA introduced the “Code of Practice for Commercial Yachts and Sail Training Vessels” (MCA code of Practice), now an industry-wide standard.   
  • In 1997, MCA confirmed IYT MOY courses met the standards required for commercial yachting.
  • STCW Basic Safety Training is also required for all interior and deck crew.

IYT Master of Yachts Certification Levels

  1. Master of Yachts Coastal / Mate 200 Tons
    • Master <24m vessel up to 60nm offshore
    • Chief Mate <500 tons up to 60nm
    • Chief Mate <200 tons up to 150nm
  2. Master of Yachts 200 Tons Limited
    • Master <200 tons up to 150nm offshore
    • Chief Mate <500 tons up to 150nm
    • Officer of the Watch (OOW) <500 tons all oceans
  3. Master of Yachts 200 Tons Unlimited
    • Master <200 tons all oceans
    • OOW <500 tons all oceans

All candidates must meet STCW ’95 Regulations VI/1 Sections VI/1–4

Commercial Endorsement Clarification

  • IYT MOY and Small Powerboat & RIB Master certificates are already commercial and do not require endorsement.
  • RYA’s “Yachtmaster” certificates are recreational and do require commercial endorsement.
  • MCA recognizes the following IYT qualifications as commercial:
    • Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 Tons
    • Master of Yachts Limited 200 Tons
    • Master of Yachts Unlimited 200 Tons
    • Small Powerboat & RIB Master

Advantages of Holding IYT MOY Certification

  • Most internationally accepted professional yacht qualification.
  • Recognized by governments, insurers, and major yacht charter companies worldwide.

Medical Limitations for Certification

  • Color blindness:
    • MCA prohibits commercial certification for color-blind candidates.
    • IYT complies and cannot issue MOY certificates to color-blind individuals.
    • Acceptable tests: Ishihara or CAD only (lantern test no longer accepted).
    • Existing certificate holders may renew with existing “no solo watch” endorsements.
  • Hearing impairment:
    • Loss must not exceed 20dB at 500Hz, 1000Hz, and 2000Hz.
    • Hearing aids may be permitted if minimum hearing levels are met.
  • Type 1 Diabetes:
    • May receive MOY Coastal/Mate or Limited CoC.
    • Likely ineligible to progress to higher-level OOW/500+ CoCs.
  • ENG1 Medical:
    • Required by MCA to obtain STCW.
    • Without passing, progression to OOW or 500+ Master Certification is not allowed.

What Is STCW?

  • International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW).
  • Sets qualification standards for seafarers worldwide.
  • Key revisions:
    • STCW ’95 (1995 amendments)
    • STCW 2010 (Manila Amendments)
    • STCW refresher courses now mandatory every 5 years

STCW Training – Important Update

  • As of May 1, 2022, IYT no longer offers STCW training courses.
  • Training courses are available at most nautical colleges or training schools
  • STCW certificates are now issued by flag states, such as:
    • Marshall Islands
    • United Kingdom (MCA)
    • Other national maritime authorities

Basic STCW Courses (modules) include:

  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
  • Basic Firefighting & Fire Prevention
  • Personal Survival Techniques
  • Elementary First Aid
  • Maritime Security Awareness

Refresher Training (now mandatory):

  • Required for STCW certificates issued after Jan 1, 2017, or those without expiry.
  • Required every 5 years for the following modules:
    • Personal Survival Techniques
    • Basic Firefighting
  • To avoid retaking the entire “Personal Survival Techniques” module, students must complete a self-declaration form declaring they have performed specific exercises within the last 5 years
    • Self-declaration must include dates and vessel registration numbers

Important Notes for Superyacht Crew

  • STCW certificates must be valid and current for all crew members, including:
    • Masters, Deckhands, Chefs, Stewards, Engineers, etc.
  • Expired STCW documents can result in:
    • Port State Control (PSC) detention
    • Insurance issues
    • Inability for the vessel to legally operate
  • Always confirm your flag state’s acceptance of STCW from other countries (e.g., U.S.-issued STCW may not be accepted elsewhere).