The numbers are in for our written and oral exam pass rates from 2015, and we have a lot to smile about. There has been a significant increase in first attempt passes in most subjects – JPMA has always been known for high pass rates and these results speak for themselves. Managing Director, Anna Percival-Harris […]
Read More

New Deck & Engineering Instructors Teaching at JPMA
2016 sees a new era for John Percival Marine Associates, as several Deck and Engineering Instructors have joined our expanding team. Following on from the recent retirement of 2 long serving instructors, Captains Bill Marr and Keith Cederholm, our new additions bring a wealth of fresh knowledge and experience to the classrooms. In particular, two of the new […]
Read More
Alternative 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: […]
Read More
New Requirements for Deck & Engineering CoCs
The STCW Convention 1978 has been amended by the 2010 Manila Amendments and contains new requirements for all seafarers. In addition, the MCA have recently made changes to the pre-requisites for UK STCW CoCs. See all of the changes here: Changes to Master <200, OOW, Chief Mate, Master & Engineer Yachts Requirements
Read More
Can I Use My Yacht Service to Obtain an Unlimited UK CoC?
Candidates applying for any Deck or Engineering Unlimited UK CoC may use service gained on Yachts >24m or >80gt. You must gain the entry level CoC (Deck OOW or EOOW Unlimited) before being able to progress through the higher level Unlimited CoCs. This applies even if you already hold a Master (Yachts) <3000gt CoC. If […]
Read More
MCA Announce Master Workboat 500gt CoC at Seawork 2013
The MCA have been in consultation with JPMA and the National Workboat Association for the last 5 years to develop the new STCW Master (Workboats) <500gt CoC. Captain Roger Towner of the MCA announced at Seawork on Tuesday 25th June 2013 that the M Notice was in production, and is now available online. Click here to download MGN […]
Read More
Can I Use My Enhanced Learning (ELCAS) Credits at JPMA/HSS?
JPMA/Hoylake Sailing School were, until recently, an ELCAS approved training provider. Due to legislation changes, we, along with other training providers, are working with ELCAS to reinstate this relationship. — If you have ELCAS funding available to you, you can use it to pay for your training at this centre. When making a booking with […]
Read More
ELCAS Accreditation
JPMA/Hoylake Sailing School are now an approved ELCAS training provider. http://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com/ “The MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) is an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a maximum of three separate financial years”
Read More
15th Anniversary Competition Winners
The winners of our 15th Anniversary competition were drawn at Monaco Yacht Show, and they are as follows: Winner of an iPod Touch – Ryan Smith Rhys Lovering Winner of an iPod Shuffle – Bree MacDonald Ben Semmens Tori Steinmeier Burger Van Der Walt Roy Deas Congratulations to all!
Read More
Can I get extra time in exams if I am Dyslexic?
Candidates undertaking a MCA written exam conducted by SQA/IAMI who have been diagnosed as dyslexic by either an educational psychologist or a Specialist Dyslexia Teacher may be allowed an extra 15 minutes for each hour of normal examination time. Please note that we must make a request for the extra time to be granted by […]
Read More
How Long Is My NoE/Module Certificate Valid For?
OOW, Master, Y4, Y3 & Y2 modules are valid for 3 years from the date of issue of the pass certificate. (The Master Celestial Navigation certificate is valid for 1 year.) An NoE is valid for 5 years from date of issue, and for 3 years after a successful oral exam. You must apply for […]
Read More
15th Anniversary for JPMA!
In 2012 JPMA are celebrating our 15th year in the Superyacht industry.Hoylake Sailing School was established in 1996, to run RYA shorebased courses, and very shortly afterwards we were approached to run oral preparations for Class 4 oral exams.We formed JPMA in 1997, to deal solely with the Superyacht sector, and since then we have gone […]
Read More
RYA Commercial Endorsements
There are a number of RYA practical certificates and CoCs which can be commercially endorsed. See this page of the RYA Website for a list of certificates which can be endorsed, and for information on how to do it. The RYA have developed an online training course to prepare commercial endorsement holders for the extra […]
Read More
Revalidation of MCA STCW CoCs
All MCA STCW CoCs must be revalidated every 5 years. This is an administrative process, which requires you to download a form from the MCA website. Click here to access the form on the MCA website. Click here to read MSN 1861 ‘Revalidation of UK CoCs’. The MCA updated the revalidation process following the Covid-19 […]
Read MoreHSS/JPMA Training Centre Re-opening
On 17th December 2010, we moved back into our training centre, 7 months after fire tore through the building. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported us, and worked to ensure a smooth transition. Our official opening ceremony took place on 24th January 2011. Councillor John Hale stepped in […]
Read More
Deck (Superyachts)
The deck qualifications available through the Yachting route are: Master Code Vessels (Master <200gt) Master Code Vessels (OOW) Master Code Vessels (Chief Mate) Master Yachts (Master <500gt) Master Yachts (Master <3000gt) The MCA have their own Yacht (Deck) FAQ section. Click here to access it.
Read More
Visas for South African Nationals Entering UK
Please note that if you are a South African citizen, you will need a visa to enter the UK. You DO NOT need a ‘Student’ visa, as our courses do not meet the UK Border Agency’s criteria as a ‘course of study’. We strongly advise you to speak to your local British Embassy to establish what […]
Read More
How Do I Endorse My OOW CoC To Chief Mate?
NOTE: Updating Training for CoC applications- anyone serving on board ship, who holds any of the following certificates must, as of 1st January 2017, have documentary evidence of either completing the training course or updating training within the last 5 years: Personal Survival Techniques Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (CPSC & RB) Proficiency in […]
Read More
JPMA (John Percival Marine Associates) & Hoylake Sailing School Ltd.
We offer an extensive and comprehensive range of both RYA and MCA courses. Our School is set in the heart of Hoylake, on the beautiful Wirral peninsula in Northwest England. Two names, one mission… HSS and JPMA both operate from one training centre, catering to different markets. All students coming through our doors will experience […]
Read More