The Master 200 qualification is the next level up from the Yachtmaster (Offshore or Ocean). If you have obtained the M200 (restricted) solely as a YM Offshore, it is simply a matter of adding the Ocean qualification later to become an M200 (unrestricted).
There are two options for the Master 200. The preparation for both is the same; it will depend on your experience and knowledge:
1. The Master 200 (limited) allows you to operate up to 150NM from a safe harbour
2. The Master 200 (unlimited) allows you to operate worldwide.
Important: some countries do not recognise these certificates.
Benefits:
✅ Outside the UK, the Master 200 is more widely recognised than the Yachtmaster.
✅ If you obtain the Master 200 qualification, you will automatically be qualified as an officer of the watch (OOW) on yachts of up to 500 tonnes.
✅ Skippers holding the Master 200 qualification are regarded as a step above those with the Yachtmaster qualification and are more employable.
✅ It acts as a bridge between the MCA/RYA Yachtmaster courses and the MCA Deck Officer courses.
Exam requirements:
– For the Limited Master 200:
1. Yachtmaster Offshore certificate (sailing or motor)
2. Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Certificate
3. STCW GMDSS Restricted Operator’s Certificate
4. STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
5. STCW Basic First Aid or Medical First Aid on Board a Ship or Medical Care on Board a Ship
6. STCW Basic Firefighting and Fire Prevention
7. STCW Personal Survival Skills or RYA Survival at Sea
8. STCW Safety Awareness
9. ENG1 Medical Certificate
10. Minimum age 18 years
11. HELM (Leadership and Human Element Management, Operational Level)
12. Must have completed at least 6 months’ service at sea holding the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate
13. MCA Eligibility Notice
– For Master 200 Unlimited:
1. Yachtmaster Ocean certificate (sailing or motor)
2. RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shore-based certificate
3. RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Certificate
4. STCW General Operator’s Certificate (GMDSS)
5. STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
6. STCW Basic First Aid or Medical First Aid on Board a Ship or Medical Care on Board a Ship
7. STCW Basic Firefighting and Fire Prevention
8. STCW Personal Survival Skills or RYA Survival at Sea
9. STCW Safety Awareness
10. ENG1 Medical Certificate
11. Minimum age 18 years
12. HELM O (Leadership and Human Element Management, Operational Level)
13. Must have completed at least 6 months’ service at sea holding the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence.
14. MCA Eligibility Notice