In a statement released by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the UK-based organisation revealed that it believes that a company trading as Gibraltar Yachting Association (GYA) has been issuing Counterfeit Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificates in Spain & Gibraltar.

The RYA would like it known that the ‘GYA’ are in no way recognised by the RYA to carry out instruction or issue any of its certificates. RYA’s Jon Mendez, Chief Powerboat Instructor commented, “The requirements of some countries for certification and the desirability of the RYA name has led to some unscrupulous people issuing fake certificates. People are paying for poor training and worthless certificates. Our message is clear – train at an RYA recognised teaching establishment.”

A full list of all RYA recognised centres is available from this website and the RYA urges anyone to check out recognition particularly abroad before booking a course.