Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)

Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) is a compulsory online course for qualified RYA Yachtmasters who require a Commercial Endorsement.

Description

Professional Practices and Responsibilities

Once you have booked and paid the course fee online, you will receive a username and password to access the interactive PPR section of the RYA website.

You can take this course online at any time before applying for or renewing your Commercial Endorsement.

You study in your own time and take the exam when it suits you. 

Four modules

We strongly recommend that you complete all the training modules on the RYA website before you take the exam.

  • Commercial environment – how you fit into the professional maritime sector.
  • People – the importance of correct manning, keeping your skills up to date and the safe management of commercial vessels.
  • Vessel – the compulsory carriage and maintenance of safety equipment, as well as the creation and implementation of risk control and operating procedures.
  • Purpose – ensuring your vessel is suitable and compliant with the work you are carrying out, your obligations to protect the environment, and maintaining appropriate planning and situational awareness.

Mock exam

Following the modules, a mock assessment is provided to help you check if you are ready before proceeding to the final, graded online assessment.

Candidates typically spend between six and eight hours working through the four course modules.

What's included

  • Technical support, online training, exam fee and certification.
  • If you have to re-take your exam, there is a charge of £5, payable direct to the RYA.

Qualifications

  • RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)

Before you start

  • There are no formal pre-course requirements.
  • Exemptions from this course: You do not need to take the PPR course if you hold an MCA Certificate of Competency as an Officer of the Watch or Master. (This does not include the Master of Yachts 200 gt endorsement that may appear on your RYA Yachtmaster certificate.)

What next?

  • Updating your PPR certificate: After you have taken your first PPR course, you will need to take a short refresher course and a new test when you renew your Commercial Endorsement.
  • If you are over 65 and subject to more regular medical fitness examinations, you do not need to take the PPR course each time you renew your medical.

Similar courses

This comprehensive course provides in-depth training in offshore navigation, meteorology, tides, and collision regulations. It delivers all the theoretical knowledge required to prepare for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore (NC)

More Information

Our Yachtmaster Milebuilders are an ideal way to gain valuable sea miles and complete qualifying passages as you prepare for your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. You'll join a series of extended offshore passages, sailing by day and night as part of a watch system, building real-world experience and confidence at sea.

More Information

The Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track programme is designed for confident sailors who have completed RYA Day Skipper or have previous experience as skipper in sheltered waters. It provides an efficient pathway to the RYA /MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore Certifcate

More Information

This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC

More Information

Marine First Aid training designed for people who work and operate on the water. Ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers and crew, the course develops practical emergency response skills for marine environments and leads to the nationally recognised Statement of Attainment HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid.

More Information

Learn some tricks of the trade so you can be safe on the race course. Racing with spinnakers is exciting but it also presents new risks. Flying a kite requires the crew to perform a number of tasks in the correct order.

More Information

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course is ideal for confident Day Skippers or sailors with equivalent experience looking to take the next step into offshore sailing. This five-day program focuses on advancing seamanship, navigation, and boat handling skills, with an emphasis on operating safely and effectively in more challenging coastal and offshore conditions.

More Information

This one-day RYA Diesel Engine course provides a practical introduction to the key systems of a marine diesel engine. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to carry out basic maintenance, prevent common causes of engine failure, and handle minor mechanical issues at sea—without needing workshop support.

More Information

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course at Flying Fish is essential for professional yacht crew, watersports instructors and marine tourism operators. Train on rigid inflatable boats in Sydney Harbour and gain practical skills in boat handling, safety, and high-speed driving. The certificate is internationally recognised and commercially endorsable.

More Information

Prepare for the prestigious RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence through a unique combination of RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and an unforgettable Pacific ocean qualifying passage to Lord Howe Island.

More Information

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shore-based week teaches you ocean passage planning and celestial navigation, including the use of a sextant. You will leave the course confident that you have the knowledge and skills required to navigate an ocean passage using traditional methods.

More Information

The Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track in Sydney combines professional skipper training, celestial navigation and real offshore passagemaking. Begin by working towards your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and AMSA Sailing Master Offshore, before progressing to ocean navigation and a qualifying passage in preparation for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean oral examination.

More Information

This intensive five-day course prepares you for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Coastal Certificate of Competence. The first three days focus on practical coaching, skills refinement, and exam preparation with a Flying Fish instructor, followed by a two-day independent practical examination conducted onboard by an authorised RYA Yachtmaster Examiner.

More Information

This blended learning course meets the requirements of World Sailing, RYA, and Australian Sailing for offshore racing and passagemaking. The course includes 6–8 hours of self-paced online learning followed by a 5–6 hour practical training day covering essential sea survival techniques, emergency procedures, and safety equipment use. No prior experience required.

More Information

The RYA Cruising Instructor course prepares commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmasters to become professionally accredited RYA instructors. This internationally recognised qualification can open doors to teaching opportunities at more than 2,400 RYA training centres across 58 countries and is an excellent springboard into professional yachting.

More Information

This advanced practical course is designed for experienced sailors at or above RYA Day Skipper level preparing for the RYA Yachtmaster examinations. Through intensive hands-on training, you’ll refine your seamanship, boat handling, navigation, and decision-making while building the confidence and competence required for the Yachtmaster practical exam.

More Information

The Yachtmaster Coastal Fast-Track in Sydney is a 9-week program that takes you from novice to the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence. Train with expert instructors, sail iconic Sydney Harbour and gain hands-on experience on a well-equipped fleet. A perfect blend of adventure and professional training!

More Information

This immersive professional training programme combines practical on-water training with shore-based theory and leads to the internationally recognised RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and AMSA Sailing Master Offshore certification. Designed to prepare you for real-world sailing and professional work afloat, these globally respected qualifications provide a proven pathway to employment opportunities across Australia, the UK, Europe and the Caribbean.

More Information

Learn how onboard DC electrical systems work, how to diagnose common faults, and how to keep essential boat systems running safely and reliably — ideal for recreational boat owners, liveaboards, professional skippers, and Yachtmaster candidates.

More Information

Learn the essential maintenance skills needed to keep a modern cruising yacht safe and reliable. This practical three-day course for boat owners and skippers covers diesel engines, marine electrics, winches, rigging checks, and preventative maintenance, and includes online pre-learning in marine electrics before the course begins.

More Information