RYA certificate fraud

Success for RYA and Spanish police - 72 people detains

RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training and the Spanish authorities are celebrating the success of a year long operation to identify and arrest rogue operators in the Balearics and mainland Spain responsible for issuing false certification. The Guardia Civil detained 72 people connected with the fraud, signalling a victory for the RYA and boat users worldwide.

El Servicio Maritimo and the Guardia Civil worked closely with the RYA in the enquiry after an RYA investigation in 2001 found that there were questions surrounding the issue of a number of certificates. Several companies were identified, monitored and action taken against with detentions in the Balearics, Zaragoza, Madrid and Barcelona. In total 106 ICC (International Certificate of Competence) and 4 Yachtmaster Offshore Certificates were issued fraudulently by several rogue companies.

James Stevens RYA Training Manager said this morning "RYA courses and certificates are renowned throughout the world and indicate that the bearer has been trained and examined to the highest standards. If a person is being issued a certificate who has little or no boating experience the implications for the safety of other boat users are concerning. Experience of handling the craft in varied conditions and knowing how to cope in an emergency is paramount and cannot be gained by paying a great deal of money for a false certificate. Boat users would be better off investing the money in the correct training, making their boating activities as fun and trouble free as they should be."

When it first became apparent that technology has developed sufficiently to allow the copying of ICC certificates the RYA redesigned them to incorporate anti fraud measures. In addition the RYA are actively encouraging the public to check that the Training Centre they are considering is recognised by looking for the RYA Training Centre 'tick mark'. If anyone is considering completing RYA training in this country or abroad and is unsure as to the legitimacy of the Training Centre, the RYA website provides a comprehensive list.

RYA Training has a rigorous set of criteria that need to be met and maintained by Training Centres and inspects them on a regular basis to ensure the high standards are met.