What is the Master 200/OOW 500
The MCA Master (Code vessel less than 200GT) is very similar to the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification but can be useful when operating from foreign ports when the port officials are more used to recognising MCA or Flag State qualifications. In some cases overseas administrations allow seafarers to operate other flagged vessels if they hold a MCA certificate referencing STCW. It can be used by skippers on vessels up to 200 Gt or by an OOW on vessels up to 500Gt. The Master 200 has different operational levels; ‘limited’, allowing operation up to 150 miles or ‘unlimited’ for worldwide use. Holders of Yachtmaster Offshore with a ROC GMDSS certificate are limited to 150 miles. Holders of Yachtmaster Ocean with a GOC GMDSS certificate are classed as unlimited.

Gaining the Master 200 The MCA Master 200 – OOW 500 is gained after successfully passing an oral examination with an MCA examiner. There is no set MCA or RYA preparation course for the Master 200 – OOW 500 oral exam. 50% of the MCA Master 200 oral exam syllabus includes items that are well covered in the RYA Yachtmaster training programme: Navigation, IRPCS, Meteorology, Chartwork etc.  The remaining 50% of syllabus items are rarely covered or encountered in normal RYA training: Business and law, MarPol, Stability, Bridge procedures etc.