If you’ve attended yacht shows before, you will have received our usual marketing & promotional material on board. A few years ago we took the decision to cut down on paper & printing and reduce our carbon footprint by not transporting large amounts of material by air.
Instead, this page gives you all of the usual information that we would be handing out in our Yacht Show Newsletter (SV Engineering info, course dates, updates from the MCA etc.). JPMA’s presence at the shows is still the same, but one little QR code is helping us do our bit for the environment!
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About us…
John Percival Marine Associates (JPMA – part of Hoylake Sailing School Ltd) are a group of experienced marine professionals and small craft practitioners, most of whom are Master Mariners or Chief Engineers who hold, or have held, senior positions within the Marine Industry. Our training centre is located in Hoylake, on the Wirral peninsula, near Liverpool.
We offer training and tuition to Superyacht, Workboat and Merchant Navy professionals to all levels. Our specialty is preparation for MCA Oral exams for both Deck and Engineering, with a high pass rate on first attempt. We offer most of the written modules for Deck up to OOW <3000gt/Master <3000gt and Engineering up to SV Chief Engineer.
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Read on for info about:
Where you can find us at Palma, Cannes & Monaco Yacht Shows in 2025;
Training & Courses we offer (Home of the Original Oral Preparation Course!);
Small Vessel Engineering CoCs;
Changes to SQA Written Exams for SV Engineering;
Electronic Notice of Eligibility (NoE) Applications and Online Oral Exams;
Changes to Master (Code Vessels) <200gt CoC Oral Exams;
Association of Women in Yachting;
Our Partnerships – Nautilus & SeaCertify;
Yacht Sea Service Verification Process for NoE Applications;
Alternative RYA Yachtmaster Pathway for OOW Yacht Candidates;
Master (Workboat) <500gt CoCs;
Accommodation in Hoylake During Your Course.
Keeping Up to Date With Us On Social Media.
JPMA @ Yacht Shows in 2025
Palma Superyacht Village-
We will be at Palma Superyacht Village on Wednesday 30th April.
Contact us to book a visit from Catherine & Ali, for advice on training, regulation changes, NoE applications and much more.
Cannes & Monaco Yacht Shows – we will be out and about each day, visiting yachts and crew.
If you’re busy on board, and would like us to visit you, please email us to arrange an appointment.
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Home of the Original Oral Preparation Course
JPMA are renowned for our meticulously crafted Deck and Engineering MCA oral exam preparation courses and pre-course prep packs, set up by the late Captain John Percival, which have seen thousands of successful candidates since the late 90’s.
Despite John’s passing in 2014, our dedicated instructors have seamlessly continued his legacy, consistently achieving high pass rates on the first attempt.
We offer MCA oral prep courses for the following UK CoCs:
We pride ourselves on being the premier, and original, destination for Deck & Engineering crew seeking a top-notch, timetabled, oral prep course. Our courses are expertly designed to provide a structured and immersive learning experience, instilling a deep understanding of maritime principles and practices.
Our commitment goes beyond merely preparing you to pass your oral exam – we aim to shape our students into stronger, more knowledgeable seafarers. While achieving a successful exam result is important, our primary goal is to cultivate a more educated and skilled individual.
ONLINE ORAL PREP STUDY SESSIONS FOR MCA DECK EXAMS – we understand that seafarers preparing for MCA Deck oral exams may not know where to focus their studies, or encounter challenges in specific subjects. That’s why we’ve added to our famous oral preparation services, to provide targeted assistance through our online, student-led, hourly sessions.
We understand that preparing for your oral exam can be stressful, and sometimes, questions just can’t wait until morning. That’s why we offer an out of hours Deck Instructor emergency lifeline for students who need urgent answers before they can get a good night’s sleep! Available via WhatsApp from 17:00 to 21:00 each day of the oral prep course, this complimentary service provides 1:1 support from one of our experienced deck instructors. Whether it’s a last-minute clarification or a pressing concern, our on-call instructor is there to help, ensuring you feel confident and ready for the next day.
The John Percival Oral Prep (Deck) Bundle
is a unique package combining the advantages of our online flexible study sessions with the focused intensity of our acclaimed 5-day Yacht Deck oral prep courses for OOW <3000, Master <500 & <3000, ensuring that individuals find the approach that best suits their learning style and exam readiness. (This is in addition to our standard MCA oral prep courses)
Don’t just take our word for it..:
In 2024, our OOW (Yachts) <3000gt oral exam candidates had a pass rate of 100% at first attempt, and our Master (Yachts) candidates had a pass rate of 80% at first attempt.
Our Small Vessel Engineer oral exam candidates achieved a pass rate of 83% on first attempt, in 2024.
With an impressive overall oral exam pass rate of 83% across all of our Yacht, Workboat and Unlimited/Merchant oral prep students, meaning that more than 8 out of every 10 students passed first time, the question arises:
Why would you go anywhere else for your oral prep?
Choose JPMA for unparalleled success and expertise, dedicated to shaping not just exam success, but better seafarers.
Click here for more information on our Deck and Engineering MCA oral exam preparation courses
In addition to our famous oral prep courses, we offer many other types of courses for your MCA CoC:
OOW <3000 General Ship Knowledge;
Master <3000 written modules;
SV Engineering EOOW & Chief Engineer Modules;
HELM (O) & (M);
RYA Shorebased courses.
More information on the types of courses we deliver can be found here.
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Small Vessel Engineering CoCs
We are proud to have been the first training provider accredited by the MCA to run the written modules for the new Small Vessel Engineering CoCs.
A number of years ago, a new Engineering qualification route was introduced by the MCA for Engineers working on ‘Small Vessels’, i.e. any vessel <3000gt: Yachts; Workboats; Fishing Vessels; Tugs; Standby; Seismic Survey; Oceanographic Research Vessels and Government Patrol Vessels. This means the Standard CoCs gained through this route will be transferable between the above industries.
The CoCs available are:
SV Marine Engine Operator Licence (MEOL(SV)) (similar to MEOL(Y))
SV EOOW <3000GT & <9000kW CoC (Limited to Yachts) (formerly known as SV 2nd Engineer, similar to Y4)
SV EOOW <3000GT & <9000kW CoC (formerly known as SV 2nd Engineer, similar to Y4)
SV Chief Engineer <500GT & <3000kW CoC (similar to Y3)
SV Chief Engineer <3000GT & <9000kW CoC (similar to Y2/Y1)
Please click here for more specific detail on these CoCs.
There are CoCs within the SV route that are ‘limited to yachts’, designed specifically to provide a pathway for experienced engineers working within the Yacht sector to progress through the SV Engineering structure, without having to obtain the large amount of actual sea service required for the initial SV EOOW CoC. These CoCs can only be used on yachts, but can be upgraded to the standard CoC by obtaining further sea service.
Please be aware that the Yacht CoCs were phased out on 31st December 2022. NoEs have a 5 year validity, so you may do your Yacht oral exam at any point up to its expiry date, but be aware that the written pass certificates expire after 3 years, and they must be in date when your CoC is issued.
We can help with NoE applications, guidance on how to apply for exemptions and many other common questions.
Changes to SQA Written Exams for SV Engineers
In March 2025 the SQA announced that they were introducing an additional 15 minutes reading time for all SV Engineer written exams. This means that candidates now have time to read through the question paper prior to the exam, identifying which questions to begin answering first, and planning timings to ensure they allow enough time to answer each question on the paper. It should be noted that candidates are not allowed to write anything on their answer books or begin working before the exam begins at 1400.
In addition to the extra time allowed for candidates with diagnosed learning difficulties, such as Dyslexia, this amounts to an extra 45 minutes in the exam room, which is good news for those who struggle with timings during exams!
Electronic Notice of Eligibility (NoE) Applications and Online Oral Exams
The MCA have published MIN 690, which details the updated application process to allow for applications to be made online using the submission of electronic documents, as well as the new online booking process for online oral exams. We have covered a few pertinent points here:
Timescale
An NoE application will take the MCA at least 28 days to process. Please remember that the NoE department processes all MCA NoE applications, including those for merchant, fishing, workboats, yachts etc. You are advised to apply for your NoE in good time, as the MCA cannot guarantee how long it will take to issue.
Revised NoE Application Process
If you are applying for your first UK CoC, your NoE application must be accompanied by original documents and certificates, which you must post to the MCA (details of what is needed for each CoC can be found on each CoC route page found on this page of our website). However, as candidates will need to keep their passports with them for travel and identification reasons, the MCA have agreed that a photocopy of the passport, signed, dated and stamped by the Captain of the vessel, along with his/her CoC number, will be accepted. You can also send your birth certificate as a form of ID.
If you already hold a UK CoC, the MCA now accepts subsequent applications, electronically, via email. The application form must be completed and emailed to the relevant team with the required documentation.
Training Record Books
Under the new electronic application system, if your CoC requires the completion of a TRB the original physical TRB will need to be submitted to the MCA, but you must retain scanned copies of the overview signature pages from the TRB. These will be required for your oral exam.
The Small Vessel EOOW TRB must be obtained from a registered training provider, after you have completed the prescribed amount of service and training. Further service is then required whilst completing the TRB.
The OOW Deck TRB is required if you have less than 36 months actual sea service and must be completed over a period of at least 6 months.
Sea Service – OOW (Yachts) <3000gt
MSN 1858 clearly defines types of sea service: actual sea service (when the yacht has actually been at sea); yard service (maximum of 90 days); standby service, when the yacht is ready to proceed to sea and awaiting the arrival of guests (maximum of 14 consecutive days at one time, must not be longer than the last voyage. Your total standby service cannot exceed your actual sea service).
Watch Keeping Service – Master (Yachts) <500/<3000gt
A day of watch keeping service is defined in MSN 1858 as a day when you have spent more than 4 hours on bridge watches within 24 hours. Watch keeping time is only counted from the date printed on your OOW CoC. Time at anchor can only be counted towards watch keeping service if it is part of a passage.
SV Engineering Sea Service
Engineering service is detailed in MSN 1904 for SV CoCs. Clarification of service definitions is available on each CoC route page listed here, including the variation of service required for Yacht candidates doing the SV CoCs.
Testimonials and Certificates of Discharge
All yacht, sea and watch keeping service must be recorded on a testimonial. This must be accompanied by either a Certificate of Discharge, Discharge Book, PYA/Nautilus/IYT Service Record Book. Testimonials can be found as annexes of MSN 1858, MSN 1904 & MIN 642 (there are different types of Engineer testimonial, depending on what type of vessel you are on. The Yacht testimonial can be found as an annex of MIN 642. The Certificate of Discharge and other types of Testimonial can be found as an annex of MSN 1904). Note that any service gained on Yachts must be independently verified by the PYA or Nautilus, as detailed further down this page.
If you meet all of the above requirements, an NOE will be issued. Currently this is done through email and you will receive an electronic NOE. Only after you have received your NOE can you book an oral exam though the central team.
MCA Oral Exams
The way in which you can book your oral exam has changed. The MCA have rolled out a new system from April 2022 where you will be able to book your oral exam using the Online Booking Service. You will need to send your electronic NOE, scanned Government ID and scanned Discharge Book to the MCA via email. Once received, the Online Oral Exams team will check the details and send you a link to the Online Booking Service which will enable you to book your oral. The oral exam is delivered through Microsoft Teams.
Changes to Master (Code Vessels) <200gt Oral Exams – 2-Part Oral Exam:
The MCA have introduced a new, 2-part, oral exam for Master <200 candidates. Part A is an online written exam, and Part B is an online oral exam. For candidates holding an NoE for the new 2-part oral exam, we recommend undertaking our 8 day prep course prior to attempting Part A, as you will need to revise the whole syllabus for this online written exam. On passing Part A, you will receive a booking for the Part B oral exam, which will usually take place a few weeks after your Part A. We recommend undertaking 1-2 days of refresher oral prep immediately prior to sitting Part B. This can be done online.
Course Dates
Click here to see our 2025 course dates for RYA Shorebased courses, HELM, MCA Deck & Engineering written modules, Oral Prep and more. Click into the individual course pages for prices.
Concierge Service
We recognise that making the journey to us here in the UK can be stressful, so we have always done our best to lighten the load. As a complimentary part of your booking process, we can help with travel arrangements, taxi bookings, accommodation (off-site) etc.
Association of Women in Yachting
Until recently, the Yachting industry has been one of the only areas of commerce without a specific female only network/support mechanism in place. Because of this, JPMA founded the Association of Women in Yachting in 2018.
The AWY provides a resource for professional women in the yachting industry to network and surround themselves with like-minded female industry leaders, through online resources and networking events.
We held our inaugural networking event at the Palma Superyacht Show in April 2019. Since then we’ve held events at Monaco, Antigua, Fort Lauderdale and Cannes yacht shows, plus online forums during the pandemic.
Our event at MYS, in partnership with She of the Sea, ‘The Shore Future Forum and AWY Networking Session’, was a great success.
The Shore Future Forum provided current and ex yacht crew with an opportunity to hear from other women who have come ashore, and how they’ve found employment or started their own business.
They shared their journeys, alongside panellists who offered advice on what large yachting companies are looking for in ex-yacht crew as potential employees.
The panel session was followed by our usual networking event, for professional shorebased women to network and connect with each other, on the roof terrace of the IHO building, with fabulous views of Monaco port.
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Look out for details of our next event during Monaco Yacht Show 2025.
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For more information, or to request membership of the organisation please contact Anna Percival-Harris on members@womeninyachting.co.uk
JPMA’s 25th Anniversary
In 2022, John Percival Marine Associates celebrated our 25th anniversary.
Hoylake Sailing School Ltd was established in 1996, to run RYA shorebased courses, and very shortly afterwards the Principal, Captain John Percival, was approached to run oral preparation for MCA Deck oral exams.
JPMA was then formed in 1997, to deal solely with the Superyacht sector and since then the company has gone from strength to strength, providing Deck & Engineering training across a wide range of industries including Workboat and Merchant Navy.
Over the last 25 years we have sadly lost our founder, John, and several instructors, who we miss terribly. We have overcome flooding in our French premises, fire in Hoylake, a global pandemic, and we continue to weather the storm. We are so proud to still be training Superyacht, Workboat and Merchant crew after all these years, and we plan to still be doing so in another 25 years!
Our Partnerships – Nautilus & SeaCertify
John Percival Marine Associates works in partnership with the following training providers and organisations:
Nautilus International (The Seafaring Trade Union)
SEACertify (Marine Electronics Training Provider)
These partnerships, with prestigious Wirral based companies, were all announced in 2022, our 25th anniversary year.
JPMA has always aimed to provide crew with a diverse portfolio of services, and with these new partnerships, we can expand our offering once more. Find out more here.
Changes to Yacht Sea Service Verification Process
In 2017 the MCA formalised an arrangement with the PYA and Nautilus for them to verify all yacht sea service before it is submitted with an NoE application.
Any service gained on yachts must be verified before applying for an NoE. You do not have to be a member of either organisation to have your service verified, but there may be a charge for this service for non-members.
MIN 543 details the requirements, but failure to have your service verified by one of these organisations prior to applying for your NoE will cause severe processing delays of around 160 days.
The service requirements are relevant to all routes laid out here.
Alternative RYA Yachtmaster Pathway for OOW Yacht Candidates
Candidates for the OOW (Yachts <3000gt) CoC are required to hold an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore CoC (or IYT Master of Yachts <200gt).
To obtain a YM Offshore CoC, candidates must have undertaken half of their qualifying mileage (1250 miles) on vessels <24 metres. The RYA have identified that this is difficult for some crew, stating:
“Candidates will be able to take an RYA Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper shorebased course, an RYA Coastal Skipper practical course and a Yachtmaster prep week. Those, combined with their superyacht and tender operations experience, will provide the necessary pre-requisite experience to sit the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal exam. The MCA will then accept this towards non-command OOW qualifications.
The existing pathway to the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore exam will remain for those holding the pre-requisite sea time and experience on appropriate vessels, and is indeed still seen as the preferred route. However, this alternative pathway will allow progression for those who do not have adequate command experience in smaller vessels.”
Click here to read the whole story.
Master (Workboat) <500gt CoCs
Many Yacht crew ask us about how they can move into the Workboat industry. For Engineers, that is now very simple, with the advent of the Small Vessel Engineering CoC route, but Deck officers will need to do additional training to gain a CoC valid for use on Workboats.
Alongside the MCA and the National Workboat Association, the late Captain John Percival (founder of JPMA) worked tirelessly over a number of years to develop the Master (Workboats <500gt) CoC.
There are several entry routes into this CoC – if you have any of the below CoCs you may begin the relevant courses to achieve the Master (Workboats) <500gt CoC:
- Master (Code Vessels) <200gt;
- OOW Unlimited;
- OOW (Yachts) <3000gt;
- Master (Yachts) <3000gt;
- Fishing Class 1 (UK).
Many of the routes include seatime onboard a workboat, and a requirement to undertake several Yacht written modules for OOW/Chief Mate/Master. JPMA offer most of these courses, including the Workboat Operations module.
The Workboat Operations module provides students with the expert knowledge and tailored workboat experience necessary to gain this Workboat specific CoC.
JPMA are proud to have been the first training provider to gain MCA accreditation to offer the Workboat Operations course, from our training center in Hoylake, Wirral.
The world’s first course took place at JPMA in April 2016, and was a huge success. JPMA continues to offer this course, with outstanding pass rates on first attempt.
Click here for all the details of this Workboat Master CoC.
Accommodation in Hoylake During Your Course
Need Accommodation?
Off-site accommodation can be arranged for you by our Admin team. All of the following are used regularly by JPMA/HSS students, and will provide a suitable study area for evenings. All you have to do it let us know which type you would like to book, along with your arrival and departure dates:
£35 & £40 per night – 5 – 10 mins walk, non-ensuite room in a private house including continental breakfast, sharing bathroom with 1 or 2 other guests if all rooms are occupied.
£50 per night – 10 mins walk, self-catering studio.
£60 per night – 10 mins walk, self-catering apartment.
£100 per night – entire 2 bedroom self-catering apartment located in same block as our training centre.
AirBnB: if you choose to book your own accommodation through AirBnB, please be aware that you will be required to do homework on most evenings during your course. You must ensure that the accommodation you book is equipped with an appropriate study area (either a desk in the room, or a dining table for your use). Please also check that the property is within a reasonable distance of our training centre.
We would recommend staying locally in Hoylake if you don’t have use of a car during your stay. We would discourage any accommodation that is more than a 30-45 minute drive away, due to the travel times at the beginning & end of the day, which will impact your studies.
Due to the nature of AirBnB we are unable to guarantee the quality of any private accommodation not booked through us.
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