The RYA Competent Crew course is a Royal Yachting Association certified beginners level sailing course.
It teaches the basic knowledge and skills needed to become a competent crew member on a sailing yacht.
Whether you are new to the yachting industry or already experienced, attending and passing this course will give you essential foundations for sailing a yacht.
In this article, we uncover what the course entails and how, as a yachtie, you can benefit from having this qualification on your CV.
Chapters
- Who Should Attend a RYA Competent Crew Course?
- How Long is the Course and What Will I Learn?
- Where Can I Attend a Course?
- Will RYA Competent Crew Certification Help Me Get a Job on a Yacht?
- What are the Perks of Working on a Yacht?
- Ready for Your New Career?
Who Should Attend a RYA Competent Crew Course?
The RYA Competent Crew course is suitable for anyone interested in yachting with little or no sailing experience.
It is ideal for those new to yachting who want to gain fundamental skills before progressing to more advanced courses or getting a job on a superyacht.
It is also useful for those who have sailed before but would like to refresh their skills.
How Long is the Course and What Will I Learn?
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The course is typically taught over five days and includes both classroom and practical training.
Participants will learn about:
- Safety procedures
- Sail handling
- Rope work
- Steering
- Navigation
- Other essential sailing skills
By the end of the course, participants should be able to work effectively as part of a yacht crew and have a basic understanding of yacht handling in different conditions.
This course is often a prerequisite for further RYA qualifications and is an excellent starting point for anyone considering sailing as a hobby or career.
Where Can I Attend a Course?
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers Competent Crew courses through approved training centres worldwide.
To find a suitable course, visit the RYA’s official website and use their training course search tool.
You can also contact your nearest RYA training centre directly to enquire about upcoming courses.
Will RYA Competent Crew Certification Help Me Get a Job on a Yacht?
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Absolutely. The more yachting qualifications and skills you list on your CV, the stronger your application will be when applying for yacht crew positions.
The yachting industry is highly competitive, with many skilled professionals competing for the top jobs.
To gain an advantage, consider obtaining certifications such as:
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- ENG1 Medical Certificate
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- Efficient Deckhand Certification
Having these qualifications increases your chances of success when you go dockwalking to find yacht work.
What are the Perks of Working on a Yacht?
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UK residents working on yachts can enjoy a variety of benefits depending on their role and vessel location. Some of the most common include:
Tax Benefits
If you are a UK resident working on a yacht that spends over 183 days per year outside UK waters, you may be eligible for the Seafarers Earnings Deduction.
If you qualify, you may not have to pay income tax or national insurance on your earnings from working at sea. The best way to confirm is by using our residency test.
Travel
Working on a yacht allows you to travel the world, visiting some of the most beautiful destinations while being paid to do so.
Accommodation
Most yachts provide full accommodation for crew members, so there is no need to pay for housing while on board.
Training and Career Development
Many yacht employers offer ongoing training and opportunities for career progression, allowing you to grow professionally while gaining new skills.
Networking
Working on a yacht provides valuable opportunities to meet other industry professionals and build connections for future roles.
Ready for Your New Career?
If you are passionate about working in the yachting industry but still have questions, get in touch with us.
Our experienced team can advise you on training, tax, and working at sea, including tax preparation and filing with HMRC.
And remember, if you qualify for the Seafarers Earnings Deduction, your income could be completely tax-free.
Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.
