Working Towards 200gt

[Chris Hill]

Looking at some past posts regarding qualifications for working on WFSV's it is clear to see that the preferred qualification is Master 200gt or above.
Can anyone tell me if there is a generally accepted route to achieve this qualification?
Many thanks.
C.

[Barrowboy]

Have a word with the guys at Hoylake Sea School. The Principal there is/was on the MCA Work boat committee that has been seeking to 'upskill' the wind farm crews and knows chapter and verse what the best route is. Indeed, suprise, suprise, his company offers all the relevant courses.

For my sins I run an offshore wind farm construction site in the German sector and you're right, no skipper of a PTV gets to work in the field unless they have a Master 200 ton COC and an unrestricted radio licence, as well as a valid ENG1 or equivalent, BOSIET/STCW95 Sea Survival, First Aid ticket, etc, etc.

The Uk sector isn't quite so tightly regulated yet (still loads of great skippers with RYA tickets) but it's fast heading in the same direction.

And yes, I have to say it, I've seen highly 'qualified' skippers (paperwork wise) who can't cut the mustard and many guys with just RYA Yachtmaster tickets who are superb....

[Will75]

Chris, the M200 is a massive step up from the YM. I did it via YM ocean to get the unlimited ticket. Study hard, think big ships all the time, read and absorb Cockcroft and Lameijer's book and then get some oral prep with one or two Master Mariners. Get the STCW certs and ROC or GOC whilst you are studying. Even though this is the bottom rung of the MCA ladder it is still much more intense and testing than the Offshore YM. The Ocean YM is at a much higher level than the offshore although mainly astro and ocean nav/met and the Ocean oral was good prep for the Masters oral. My Masters oral was 1hr 10 from memory. If you want to chat about it then pm with contact details. Cheers Will

[Chris Hill]

Thank you very much for this sound advice it is very much appreciated.

[Doug Stormforce]

HI Chris

Essentially the route is

1/. Yachtmaster Offshore shorebased

2/. Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence Power or Sail

2a/. Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased

2b/. Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence

(offshore will result in restricted M200, Ocean will result in unrestricted M200)

3/. GMDSS ROC or GOC (ROC= restricted, GOC= unrestricted)

4/. STCW Basic Safety

5/. ENG1 Medical from a doctor

6/. With all of the above you can apply for a NOE (Notice of Eligibility) from the MCA

7/. Master 200 Oral Prep

8/. Master 200 Exam

Items 3, 4 and 5 can be done in any order and before or after items 1 and 2

[steadyeddie]

also required after 31 aug is the HELM operational course , mca min 455(M),