Post-Brexit: RYA Certificates of Competence to be reinstated in Spain

Yacht in Cardiff Bay © Paul Wyeth

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has received confirmation that its International Certificates of Competence (ICC) and several of its course completion certificates and other Certificates of Competence remain valid for skippering Spanish flagged boats.

The announcement comes following persistent and coordinated consultations through the UK Government with Spain's General Directorate for Merchant Marine (DGMM).

The RYA raised concerns once it became clear that the UK's status as a third country from 1 January 2021 meant that, in accordance with Spanish regulations, RYA certificates would no longer be recognised by the Spanish Government for use on Spanish flagged boats.

The RYA together with British Marine immediately engaged with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the UK Department for International Trade and the British Embassy in Spain in an effort to make representations to the relevant Spanish Authorities regarding the impact of these new restrictions. An economic impact statement was prepared and provided to Spanish Authorities with the purpose to make clear the financial impact on the Spanish economy as a result of the changes to recognition.

Following reinstatement of RYA qualifications into Spanish law, RYA certificate holders will now be able to continue to skipper boats registered in Spain as well as in the UK.

The British titles now valid for sailing in Spain are as follows: RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence; RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence; RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence; RYA Day Skipper; RYA Powerboat Level 2; RYA International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC).

Richard Falk, RYA Director of Training and Qualifications, commented: "The RYA will continue to work with the MCA, Department for Transport, and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and other industry partners, to ensure that RYA qualifications are as widely recognised as possible following the UK's exit from the European Union."

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