What STCW certificates does a yacht captain need?

STCW requirements vary by vessel size, flag state, and route:

For yachts under 3000 GT: a yacht master's certificate of competency for the tonnage band (the MCA issues Master (Yachts) less than 500 GT and less than 3000 GT, and Master (Code Vessels) less than 200 GT), or an equivalent recognised by the flag state, STCW Basic Safety Training (fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques, personal safety and social responsibility), valid medical certificate (ENG1 or STCW medical), and a valid GMDSS radio operator certificate with an STCW endorsement.

For yachts over 3000 GT: STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch certificate minimum, STCW II/2 for Master.

Flag state endorsements: STCW certificates must be endorsed by the vessel's flag state. An MCA Yacht Master operating on a Cayman-flagged vessel needs Cayman Islands endorsement of the British certificate.

Certificate renewal: certificates of competency are revalidated every 5 years, and the personal survival techniques and fire prevention and firefighting modules need refresher training every 5 years. Medical certificates are valid for up to 2 years (1 year for seafarers under 18). GMDSS requires renewal as specified by the radio authority.

Operational note: expired crew certificates can lead to PSC detention. Tracking expiry dates across all crew is one of the most critical administrative tasks a captain manages.