Master (Yachts) - Business & Law

About this course

This course starts with a basic introduction to civil and criminal law, negligence and duty of care. Other subject areas include an introduction to international law, safety management, certification, documentation, safety requirements and sea worthiness. 

On completion you should have achieved the following objectives at a level of understanding necessary for the safe operational management of a large yacht: 

• State the basic principles of public international law of the sea 
• Apply the major international shipping conventions to the operation of yachts 
• Apply the United Kingdom merchant shipping regulations and employment law generally as it relates to the engagement, management and termination of crew contracts of employment 
• Describe the legal responsibilities of the owner/master as they relate to the provision of a seaworthy vessel, including manning and watch keeping arrangements 
• State the statutory duties regarding saving life, in the event of collision, reporting accidents and dangers to navigation 
• State the responsibilities of the owner/master for the health and safety of all persons on board yachts 
• Describe the law and practice of chartering, the basic principles of marine insurance and maritime salvage law as they relate to the safe operation of a yacht. 

What you'll study

Legal framework 

• Legal framework 
• Arrival and departure 
• International law 

Safety management 

• Safety certificate and documentation 
• Prevention of marine pollution 
• Statutory safety duties 
• Seaworthiness and safe manning 
• Security 

Contracts and marine insurance 

• Contracts of salvage 
• Contracts of employment 
• Yacht charter agreements 
• Marine insurance 

Useful tips

• Read though the exam syllabus. 
• Your pass certificate is valid for three years. 
• You do not need a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) to attend this course. However, you will need an NoE for your MCA oral examination. Download the application form. Allow at least six weeks for the NoE to be processed by the MCA. 
• Do the ‘proper’ PSCRB course instead of ‘Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen’. The latter has not got an STCW Code which has the following implications: Not all flag states recognise the Advanced Sea Survival, meaning you might have to do the PSCRB later anyway. Your certificate will have a negative endorsement (‘not to be used on vessels with davit-launched life rafts’). There is also no updating course available for the Advanced Sea Survival. 
• Pre-study makes the difference. That’s why we send you the course notes as soon as you book. 

Notice of Eligibility (NoE) and oral exams guidance

When you have accrued sufficient sea time to sit an oral exam with the MCA, you are required to apply for a Notice of Eligibility (NoE). 

This form can be downloaded from the MCA website and must be returned with original copies of your supporting documentation (sea service testimonials, STCW certificates, exam pass certificates and ENG1) to prove you are eligible for an oral exam. 

Once you have your NOE you can book your oral exam at any of the MCA offices throughout the UK. The MCA office you have chosen will not confirm your booking until you have received your NOE. Be aware they do have busy periods, so it is best to book your oral exam well in advance to ensure you get your preferred date. 

A Notice of Eligibility is valid for five years from date of issue, and for three years after a successful oral exam. You must apply for your NOE well in advance of your anticipated exam date as they can take up to six weeks to be processed.