Yachtmaster holders: how can you get your diploma recognized in France?

The Yachtmaster is a high-level English diploma recognized for captains sailing in international and European waters. However, since England recently left the European Union, Yachtmaster holders are no longer entitled to sail in European waters until an agreement has been reached between England and the European Union, limiting skippers’ ability to practice their profession.

Solutions for skippers with a Yachtmaster diploma who want to comply with regulations to continue practicing their profession.

Why isn’t the Yachmaster recognized in France?

The Yachtmaster is an English patent issued by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK.

However, it is important to note that RYA diplomas, including the Yachtmaster, are not recognized by French Maritime Affairs, which means that they do not allow you to work aboard boats flying the French flag.

The situation remains unchanged even when these diplomas are STCW-approved, as the Yachtmaster only has an STCW equivalent in the Certificat de Formation de Base à la Sécurité (CFBS). As a result, it does not meet the requirements of the French maritime authorities.

Solutions for sailing in France with a Yachtmaster

Obtain the Captain 200 certificate

Skippers will need to apply for a Validation d’Acquis d’Expérience (VAE) in order to validate the required skills and obtain the Capitaine 200 certificate.
Once holders of the diploma are qualified to carry out captain’s duties on vessels of up to 200 tonnes in many parts of the world, opening the way to missions in European waters, including French waters.

Pass the Master Commercial Yachting 200 GT

An interesting solution, as there is a gateway between the Yachtmaster and the Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT.

What is Commercial Yachting?

Commercial Yachting (C-Yachting) is a Belgian maritime certification certificate. It attests to the holder’s ability to command as a skipper, and takes account of sailing experience to be effective once the certificate has been obtained.

The Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT complies with the STCW convention and is recognized for use in France. This is the ideal diploma for Yachtmaster holders wishing to make the transition to a Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT for sailing in France.
You will then need to apply for a recognition visa from Affaires Maritimes.

It should be noted that sailors holding foreign qualifications are not automatically authorized to take command of a French vessel, even if they obtain a recognition visa.

With The Yachter, distance learning organization for Yachting Commercial, get 20% off the Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT.

Yachtmaster holders can benefit from a 20% discount on their training to obtain the Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT.

Working in France under a foreign flag

Other Yachtmaster skippers are also considering the possibility of working in France while operating under a foreign flag.

This approach enables sailors to navigate and practice their profession in French waters, while taking advantage of the maritime regulations of their home country.

However, this requires a thorough knowledge of international maritime laws, as well as strict compliance with the regulations of the flag under which the boat is registered. What’s more, maritime regulations can evolve, requiring constant monitoring to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

Sailing in France with a Yachtmaster diploma can be difficult, but it’s not insurmountable. Passionate and determined skippers have several options for gaining recognition for their maritime expertise in France.

Whether opting for the Captain 200 diploma, the transition to the Commercial Yachting Master 200 GT, or working under foreign flags, Yachtmaster sailors can explore French waters while complying with maritime standards and regulations.

As the world of sailing evolves, so may the recognition of the Yachtmaster in France. It’s important to keep abreast of recent developments and comply with current regulations.

So, whether you’re an experienced Yachtmaster looking for new assignments in France, or a maritime enthusiast keen to gain a better understanding of the world of navigation, don’t forget that marine horizons are vast, and with the right approach, they’re within your reach.