Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Courses

Royal Yachting Association Training in NZ

RYA/MCA certificates are internationally recognized by not only all the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Red-flagged countries (eg UK, Bermuda, Cayman Island etc, which covers 83% of the world's largest commercial yachts) but by major worldwide yacht charter companies, insurance companies and maritime employment agencies.

The RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Courses 

The RYA programme provides a pathway of levels in yachting competency, for both motor and sail, whether for recreation or for professional operations.

The programme consists of 3 levels: 

 - RYA/MCA Coastal Yachtmaster

 - RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore a
 - RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean

The professional yachtsperson nowadays also needs to hold certain internationally recognised certificates in fire-fighting, first aid, sea survival and personal safety. These STCW certificates are globally  recognized and endorsed by Maritime New Zealand. We provide all necessary training for you to propel your future in yachting. Our unique programmes combine the RYA Yachtmaster with suitable modules to provide you with a comprehensive series of packages in maritime training depending on your requirements.

RYA Courses Offered by MTI

The RYA Yachtmaster Programme has been tailored by Mahurangi Technical Institute into a series of courses that suit the NZ market. Depending on seatime experience and competency levels and whether the professional certificates (compliant with STCW) are sought, the courses vary from a basic 5 day practical course up to a 4 week block course. 

These exciting programmes are unusual as there are very few courses one can do in NZ to achieve an internationally-recognised qualification. This is the route for you if you want an exciting career at sea.

Please remember, the RYA/MCA Certificates are held in high regard around the world, so our courses are understandably intensive and demanding. The RYA issue certificates only to those students who meet RYA standards.

RYA/MCA Qualifications

The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean Certificates of Competency are recreational certificates.  The candidate must hold a current First Aid Certificate and a VHF licence to commence these certificates.  If you wish to work abroad on a commercial MCA-registered vessel, the above certificates can be Commercially Endorsed by holding a Basic Sea Survival certificate and obtaining a Seafarer's Medical Fitness certificate (please see RYA publication G15 obtainable from Transpacific Marine on 0508 800600 or at sales@transpacific.co.nz).

There are two medicals:
• ML5 - this form can be taken to your GP.  Ideally for Coastal Skippers.  Valid for 5 years.
• ENG1 - For Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Ocean.  Valid for 2 years.  This can only be obtained from Dr R Batt, Parnell Medical Centre, 82b Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland, Phone: (09) 377 4427 (approximate cost $250)

If you enrol on a block course with MTI, we will process your certificates via Coastguard Boating Education to obtain the Commercial Endorsement.

Check out the range of RYA courses we offer by navigating the menu at the top of this page.