How to Replace Lost RYA Certificates

Lost your RYA certificate? You're not alone. Sailing certificates get damaged by salt spray, lost during moves, or simply misplaced after years in a drawer. The good news: replacing an RYA certificate is straightforward if you know the process.

This guide walks you through exactly how to replace lost, damaged, or stolen RYA certificates, including costs, turnaround times, and what to do while you wait.

The RYA can replace any certificate they have on record, including:

Certificates of Competence:

• Yachtmaster Coastal
• Yachtmaster Offshore
• Yachtmaster Ocean

Plastic Photo ID Certificates:

• Powerboat Level 2
• Powerboat Advanced
• Tender Operator
• Personal Watercraft
• Day Skipper (sail/motor)
• Coastal Skipper (sail/motor)
• Inland Waterways Helmsman

Course Completion Certificates:

• Competent Crew
• Day Skipper Theory
• Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
• Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
• Navigation courses (Essential Navigation, Day Skipper Shorebased)
• First Aid at Sea
• Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Radar
• Sea Survival

Radio Certificates:

• VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC)
• Long Range Certificate (LRC)

Note: CEVNI (European inland waterways) endorsements are part of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). If you need to replace an ICC with CEVNI endorsement, use the ICC application process.

Step 1: Check Your Records in MyRYA

Go to rya.org.uk/myrya and log in to your account. Under "Your RYA certificates" you can view your credentials and share them as temporary proof while waiting for a replacement.

Don't have a MyRYA account? You'll need to create one:

• Click "Register" on the MyRYA login page
• Enter your name, email, and date of birth
• The RYA will match your details to their certificate database
• Your qualifications should appear automatically once verified

Can't find your certificates in MyRYA? This usually means:

• Your details don't match RYA records (check spelling of your name)
• Your training centre hasn't submitted records (contact them directly)
• You completed training before digital records began (contact RYA directly)

Step 2: Get the Correct Replacement Form

Contact the RYA via their Help & Support page and they'll send you the relevant application form. Alternatively, the declaration of loss forms are available on the RYA website.

Different certificate types have different forms:

• Course completion certificates (theory courses, Competent Crew, First Aid, etc.)
• Plastic photo ID certificates (Powerboat Level 2, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, etc.)
• VHF/SRC certificates (separate declaration form)
• Certificates of Competence (Yachtmaster qualifications)

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Form

Each form requires:

• Your personal details and certificate information
• A declaration explaining the loss
• Supporting evidence (logbook entries, training centre confirmation)
• A passport-style photo (for photo ID certificates and VHF/SRC)
• Payment details

Submit by post to the RYA Certification Department, or by email if using Fast Track.

Step 4: Pay the Replacement Fee

Current fees (as of 2025):

RYA Gold and Life members: Free replacements

Step 5: Wait for Delivery

Standard turnaround: approximately 21 working days

Your replacement certificate is printed at RYA headquarters and posted to your registered address. Ensure your address details are correct on your application.

Need it faster? See the Fast Track option below.

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Store your certificates digitally. Never lose track of your qualifications.

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*Fast Track fees vary by membership level. See below.

Need your replacement certificate urgently? The RYA offers a Fast Track service that aims to process applications within approximately 5 working days (excluding delivery time). Note: some application forms still quote 3 working days.

Fast Track fees (in addition to standard replacement fee):

How to request Fast Track:

1. Complete the relevant replacement/declaration form
2. Email your application to fast.track@rya.org.uk
3. The RYA will contact you to arrange payment of the Fast Track fee
4. Your certificate is processed within approximately 5 working days

Important: Applications cannot be upgraded to Fast Track after they've been received by the standard processing queue. If you need Fast Track, submit directly to the Fast Track email from the start.

Join Crew the Boat

Store your certificates digitally. Never lose track of your qualifications.

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Need to prove your qualifications before your replacement certificate arrives? Here are your options:

1. Use MyRYA Digital Record

Your MyRYA account shows all your qualifications with dates and certificate numbers. Most charter companies and boat owners accept a screenshot or printout of your MyRYA record as temporary proof.

How to use it:

• Log in to MyRYA
• Navigate to My Certificates
• Take a screenshot or print the page
• Share with whoever needs proof

2. Request a Letter from the RYA

For formal verification (insurance, commercial operations), you can request an official letter from the RYA confirming your qualifications.

Contact: certification@rya.org.uk

Explain your situation and they may be able to provide written confirmation faster than a replacement certificate.

3. Contact Your Training Centre

Your original training centre has records of your qualification. Many will provide a confirmation letter or email while you wait for your RYA replacement.

4. Use Your Crew the Boat Verified Profile

If your qualifications are verified on Crew the Boat, your profile serves as proof of your credentials. Verified badges show that we've reviewed your certificate documentation.

If you've changed your name (marriage, divorce, deed poll), you can get replacement certificates in your new name.

Requirements:

• Copy of name change documentation (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.)
• Current MyRYA account updated with new name
• Standard replacement fee (£25 for course certificates, £35 for photo ID certificates)

Process:

1. Update your name in MyRYA account settings
2. Upload supporting documentation when prompted
3. Request certificate replacements
4. Certificates will be issued in your new name

Turnaround: 21+ working days (may take longer due to document verification)

If you can't access MyRYA or your certificates aren't showing, contact the RYA directly:

RYA Certification Team

• Email: certification@rya.org.uk
• Fast Track email: fast.track@rya.org.uk
• Phone: 02380 604158 (Certification Department, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
• Main switchboard: 023 8060 4100
• Post: RYA, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton SO31 4YA

Be ready to provide:

• Your full name (as it appeared on original certificate)
• Date of birth
• Approximate date of qualification
• Training centre name (if you remember)
• Certificate number (if you have it)

For older certificates, you may need to provide additional details or evidence to help the RYA locate your records.

Training centres close, merge, or change ownership. If your original training centre no longer exists:

Good news: Your certificate is still valid. The RYA maintains central records regardless of training centre status.

Process:

1. Try MyRYA first – certificates should still appear
2. If not showing, contact RYA certification team
3. Provide as much detail as you remember (dates, location, course type)
4. RYA can search archived records

Note: Very old certificates may require more research and additional evidence. The RYA has worked to digitise historical records but some gaps may exist.

Once you receive your replacement, take steps to avoid losing it again:

Digital Backup

• Photograph both sides of your certificate in good lighting
• Store photos in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
• Save a copy to your Crew the Boat profile

Physical Storage

• Keep originals in a waterproof document wallet
• Store separately from other sailing gear (not on the boat)
• Consider a fireproof document safe at home

Get Verified

Upload your certificate to Crew the Boat and request verification. Even if you lose the physical certificate again, your verified profile provides permanent proof of your qualifications.

How long do RYA certificates last?

Most RYA certificates are lifetime qualifications with no expiry. Exceptions:

• First Aid at Sea – Valid 3 years, requires refresher
• Sea Survival – Some commercial requirements specify refresh periods
• Commercial Endorsements – Separate MCA requirements apply

Can I get a digital certificate instead of physical?

The RYA issues physical certificates (paper certificates and plastic photo ID cards depending on qualification type). There's no official digital certificate format, but your MyRYA account provides digital access to your qualification records which you can view and share online.

What if I never received my original certificate?

Contact your training centre first – they should have posted your certificate after your course. If the training centre can't help, contact the RYA certification team with your course details.

Where will my replacement certificate be sent?

Certificates are posted to the address you provide on your application form. Ensure your address details are correct before submitting.

Is RYA membership worth it for certificate replacements?

RYA membership can reduce your costs. Standard members pay £50 for Fast Track (vs £99 for non-members), while Gold and Life members get free certificate replacements entirely. Note that Gold membership is an automatic upgrade after 10 consecutive years of RYA membership, not a tier you can purchase directly.