uksa superyacht training

Superyacht Cadetship

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We don't just offer certification and training, as a youth maritime charity, we can offer that something extra. We really look after our young people. Our careers students benefit from mentoring, access to our careers network, realistic careers advice and help with CVs. We have a fantastic fleet, a waterfront 4-acre campus, inspirational instructors, and great facilities.

a typical day on this course

The Superyacht Cadetship is a structured four year programme which allows you to earn while you learn to train for a long-term career in superyachting. Developed in close consultation with the MCA and their approved training guidelines, the cadetship course combines phases of training at UKSA with paid work placements in the superyacht industry.

It is also possible to compete a FdSc (Foundation Degree) in Operational Yacht Science during phase 1 and 3 of the Superyacht Cadetship, awarded by Plymouth University.

UKSA offers two start dates a year - March and August.

the requirements for this course

*You must be aged 18-25 when you start the Superyacht Cadetship, but can apply when you are 17 if you wish. *Cadets should ideally have GCSEs grades 9-4 (or equivalent) in English, Maths & Science. If applying for the Foundation Degree alongside the Superyacht Cadetship 48 UCAS points are required. *To apply for the training, you need to attend a 2 day Selection Event consisting of an aptitude test, team building exercises, delivery of a presentation on a superyacht and an interview. *You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement.

why choose us for your adventure training

Training at UKSA is all-inclusive with no hidden extras. Course fees include all training, food and accommodation, examinations, certification, logbooks and internet access for the training phases of your programme. Our careers students benefit from mentoring, access to our careers network, realistic careers advice and help with CVs. While on site you can take advantage of our indoor heated swimming pool, bar and study areas. As a charity we have funding opportunities available for many of our students.

View Contact Information..

01983 203038 | [email protected]

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Superyacht Deckhand Training

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UKSA Superyacht Cadetship

The uksa superyacht cadetship provides a unique pathway into the superyacht industry.

The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry .

The cadetship combines the most relevant training and mentoring, equipping graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge and realistic understanding of the industry they are entering in to.

The four-year programme is a career path to STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch (Yacht <3000GT) and onward to STCW II/2 Master (Yacht <3000GT) qualification, and was designed in consultation with the MCA.

By combining academic study and practical paid work on superyachts, cadet graduates are now forging long term careers within this elite industry.

Working closely with leading crew agents, management companies, yacht captains and our own in-house placement service, our cadets are now employed in all areas of the sector, from private performance racing superyachts to the largest, most high-profile motor vessels.

Who is a typical cadet?

Cadets are generally aged between 18 and 25-years-old and are drawn from a variety of backgrounds. Some are experienced watersports professionals or competitive sailors and have displayed a strong work ethic from their early teens. Many have achieved success in the Sea Cadets or Scouts, or have completed their Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

Others simply have the drive and determination to succeed.

Superyacht Cadetship study options

The cadet will develop skills and knowledge of seamanship and safety as well as industry qualifications and fitness

Case study: Dan Snook

Dan's cadetship story starts with sponsorship from Trinity House

Case study: Megan Jones

Megan's cadetship story starts with sponsorship from Trinity House

UKSA Superyacht Cadetship application

Tell us why you want a career on super yachts

Join a super yacht, see the world

The scheme provides training and support that will make you a valuable edition to any super yacht captain

Trinity House Yeomen

The title Trinity Yeoman was introduced in 2002 for all former Trinity House cadets, to recognise the completion of their training through the Trinity House Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme and the Professional Yacht Bursary Scheme. It is available to all Trinity House sponsored cadets, once they have obtained their Certificate of Competence. Trinity House Yeomen include Deck, Engineering, Electro Technical and professional yacht officers.The Yeomen Scheme aim is designed to retain a link with the Corporation of Trinity House and to monitor and follow the careers of Yeomen and where requested, to offer assistance on future career options that individuals may consider, both at sea and ashore.

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6 Of The Best Superyacht Training Courses In The UK

Superyacht Training UK

In recent years, the UK Superyacht Industry has been booming and more individuals have become aware of the staggering amount of  Superyacht Service providers and industry businesses that are based in the British Isles, much to their surprise. With this being said, alongside the boom, we’ve seen a higher percentage of UK residents interested in starting a career in the yachting industry. But, how do you know which Superyacht training courses in the UK are right for you?

To help your initial process of becoming crew a whole lot easier, green UK crew can find below a list of 6 UK Superyacht training courses.

Crew training academies are your first port of call when looking to embark on an exciting career journey. They provide you with all the necessary training and qualifications to find your first yacht job, whether you’re interested in becoming a stewardess, deckhand, yacht engineer or yacht chef.

Based on the Isle of Wight, the UKSA is a national maritime charity. The training courses that they offer include but are not limited to; STCW, AEC1&2, GMDSS, Security Training courses, Leadership and Management courses, Superyacht Stewardess and Steward courses as well as the OOW and Master 3000 modules.

The UKSA state:

“Our reputation as one of the world’s leading providers of MCA and STCW courses sets us apart as an industry leader. We offer a comprehensive range of all-inclusive courses designed to make career development as effective and straight-forward as possible”

At their facilities, located in West Cowes, full board is included, taking the stress out of organising meals during your stay.

2. South West Maritime Academy 

Located in South West England, close to Bristol and South Wales, the South West Maritime Academy claims to have a student pass rate of 100%. They offer all of the important yachting courses such as STCW, Medical First Aid, Fire Safety and Security courses. Their full STCW packages and dates can be viewed here .

There are several options for comfortable accommodation that are close to the training facilities, these are also broken down on their website .

SWMA claim that:

“Whatever and wherever you choose, we will adapt and develop specific training and programmes to support your needs and will also remind you when re-certification is required for individuals to ensure continued compliance”

3. Flying Fish

Specialising in Superyacht training courses such as the Yachtmaster Ocean and Yachtmaster Offshore courses, as well as Water Sports and other Superyacht training courses, Flying Fish is a training centre that prides itself on a personal touch provided during courses. They also offer Stewardess and interior training courses. After enrolment, the team claim to take the time to get to know students as individuals, and not just a name on the register – from their background and previous experience to their hopes for their future careers.

Located on the Isle Of Wight, the school make use of their proximity to The Solent, a hub for water sports and yachting.

Read More: What Visas Do I Need To Work On Superyachts?

4. warsash academy.

Warsash Academy operates at Solent University, Southampton. With state of the art facilities such as the Engine Room Simulator and Maritime Simulation Centre, they are world leaders in superyacht training, having invested over 43 million in technology and resources.

Offering over 150 accredited deck, engineering, interior, maritime and offshore safety training courses, approved by the MCA, MNTB, OPITO, SIGTTO, SQA, and other awarding bodies, Warsash is one of the best options for those looking to get serious about a career on Superyachts.

5. Bristol Maritime Academy

Direct access to the ‘challenging’ tides of Avonmouth and the Bristol Channel makes the Bristol Maritime Academy an excellent training location for aspiring superyacht crew, and for those who are looking to further their career with courses such as the RYA Day Skipper Theory and Yachtmaster Theory courses.

“For over a decade, our team of highly qualified instructors have trained small and large teams to keep safe near the water with our unique training courses delivered online, onshore, on water, and on-site. We believe in professionals training professionals and ensuring the training is appropriate to your team’s working environment” – Bristol Maritime Academy

For more information, including further details of the courses on offer, click here .

6. The Maritime Skills Academy

Part of the Viking Maritime Group , The Maritime Skills Academy have locations in Portsmouth and Dover. The academy offers the UK’s first purpose-built marine safety and training centre using a classroom environment and on-site fire ground. Courses on offer include STCW training, deck training, medical training and fire safety.

Viking Maritime also operate Viking Crew , who run a jobs board crew can use when searching for positions on vessels. This is a great place for graduates of the Skills Academy to find work after completion of training.

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By SuperyachtNews in collaboration with UKSA 20 Apr 2023

Increase in women’s uptake of UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship

85 per cent increase in women taking part in charity’s training course….

UKSA has reported an 85 per cent increase in the number of women undertaking its Superyacht Cadetship course from 2022 to 2023, demonstrating a positive shift in response to the charity’s work to drive diversification and appeal to more women to take up a maritime career.

The Isle of Wight-based charity, which provides life-enhancing water-based adventures, education and world-leading maritime training, has seen an increase in the number of women from 10.8 per cent in 2022 to 20 per cent in 2023.

Available to those aged 18-25, and still accepting applicants for its September 2023 intake, the structured four-year programme is designed to train the future officer of the superyacht industry and was created with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) . It equips graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge, alongside offering a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in a career in the superyacht industry.

James Potipher, cadetship manager at UKSA, said: “UKSA has been working on increasing accessibility into the maritime industry with structured pathways and providing opportunities to those that may not have been able to access this route and women in particular often feel this kind of opportunity is not accessible to them. It’s really positive to see a shift towards greater diversification and we hope the numbers continue to grow in roles that are traditionally male dominated departments on board.

“This course is a fantastic alternative to university and, uniquely, students earn while they learn so they can pay off their course fees while they’re working and training in the industry. Not only is the course all-inclusive of food and accommodation during the training phases, there are also grants and funding available to make the course available to as many young people as possible.”

Cadets also have the opportunity to undertake a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science during phase one and three of the Superyacht Cadetship, which is awarded by the University of Plymouth. The option gives additional careers and training pathways into different sectors in the maritime industry.

The course comprises five phases; phase one will see cadets developing skills and knowledge of seamanship and safety as well as industry qualifications. Phase two sees students employed on a superyacht as an entry-level deckhand and phase three progresses cadets from a junior deckhand to more senior positions on board such as lead deckhand or bosun by building on their working experience. Phase four gives the cadets watch-keeping experience in a paid employment role which will see them practically applying and honing the techniques and practices learned. The final stage is the Officer of the Watch 3,000gt training, with cadets studying senior modules towards a final examination.

As a charity, UKSA has funding opportunities available for students who would otherwise struggle and can help with assisted funding towards the Superyacht Cadetship programme.

For more information on UKSA and its maritime training for a career at sea, please visit www.uksa.org

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Related news

Cadetship funding applications skyrocket

United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) reports more than 50 per cent increase in students receiving superyacht cadetship funding

UKSA sees 150% increase in female applicants for superyacht course

The trend is a positive shift towards increased diversity in the superyacht sector.

UKSA aims to enroll 500 disadvantaged youths

UKSA and Edmiston will aim to give those less fortunate an opportunity to forge a career in the superyacht industry

UKSA announce new collaboration

The UKSA today announced a new and exclusive collaboration with a famed bolthole in the Isle of Wight

UKSA Superyacht Cadetship gains momentum

The four-year course offers a structured pathway into the superyacht industry

2 years ago

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Superyacht Cadetship

UK Sailing Academy's (UKSA) flagship programme, the Superyacht Cadetship , has been designed for 18 to 25-year-olds and is a credible alternative to university. The structured four-year programme equips students with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, qualifications, and a realistic understanding of the superyacht industry.

The programme mixes classroom learning with practical training and paid-for work on superyachts. Working in the superyacht industry can take students all over the world. With earnings from €2,800 a month tax free, cadets can pay off course fees while working and training within the industry. Working closely with leading crew agents, management companies and yacht captains, UKSA cadets are now employed in all areas of the sector.

Cadets also have the option to take a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science, leading to a full BSc if required.

Course overview:

• 5 phased programme run over four years
• Designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry
• Purpose built classrooms and navigational training simulators all on one site
• Food and accommodation included during training phases at UKSA

Course stages and qualifications:

Phase 1 – Essential Cadetship training – 160 days (academic study)

• Develop the skills and knowledge required to gain an entry-level deck position on a superyacht
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, STCW Basic Safety Training and many other qualifications
• Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science, year one completion

Phase 2 – Industry experience working onboard superyachts – 12-18 months (paid employment)

• Employed on a superyacht as an entry-level deckhand

Phase 3 – Yacht operations and management – 3 weeks (academic study)

• Progress from junior deckhand to a more senior position onboard
• First steps to gain Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3,000gt) qualification
• Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science, year two completion

Phase 4 – Industry experience – 12-18 months (paid employment)

• Employed on a superyacht gaining watch keeping experience

Phase 5 – OOW training – 8 weeks (academic study)

• Final stage of Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3,000gt) training. Study senior modules towards final examination

Entry requirements:

• Applicants must be aged between 18 and 25 when they start the Superyacht Cadetship, but can apply when aged 17
• Excellent communication, oral and written skills, are essential, as is a good understanding of mathematics
• Cadets should ideally have GCSEs grades 9-4 (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science
• If applying for the Foundation Degree – 48 UCAS points
• Attend a 2 day cadet selection at UKSA – selection dates running most months

As a charity, UKSA often have funding opportunities available for many of it's students and can help with assisted funding towards the Superyacht Cadetship programme.

Attend an open day to learn more about their courses, meet the team, see their campus facilities and get a feel for what life as a future UKSA student will be like!

Find out more:

Call UKSA's dedicated course advisors on +44(0)1983 203038 or visit https://uksa.org/course/professional-training/superyachts/superyacht-cadetship-course/

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Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

Advance your maritime career.

UKSA’s Professional Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is a bespoke, ALL-INCLUSIVE, comprehensive training package that will provide you with the skills you need to start your career in the maritime industry.

Our yachting career students will tell you that we provide unbeatable  course content, training and facilities.  You will also enjoy modern shorebased accommodation and freshly prepared daily meals while you are training with us.

About the Professional Yachtmaster course

This unique, premium qualification has been developed by Richard Baggett , one of the world’s top yachting instructors, and his highly experienced team at UKSA. The course is constantly monitored and adapted to ensure it remains relevant and always covers the current requirements for you to start working in the industry straight away. UKSA’s highly regarded Yachtmaster opens up the most opportunities for employment within the maritime sector. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, working on superyachts, flotilla, tug boats, and employment in the Merchant Navy.

• 16 weeks training
• 70 days afloat
• 2,500 tidal miles covered
• Navigation training
• Radar training
• Basic engineering and safety training
• Careers guidance from our professional team
• Networking within the industry

Train at UKSA and experience our unbeatable value, world-class tuition and invaluable industry support and insight.

Please note:  On occasion your sea phases may involve travelling outside of the UK. Therefore, to avoid restricting sailings we highly recommend that all Professional Yachtmaster Offshore students/Cadets are vaccinated against Covid-19 with the current maximum number of doses.

  Please note this is not mandatory in order to complete the course but a recommendation.

Why train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

• Accommodation in our new  Sea.Change building when shorebased for the duration of your course *
• Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
• Purpose built classrooms and navigational training simulators all on one site
• One-to-one mentoring throughout the course from your instructors
• Dedicated careers course manager
• Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
• Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
• Use of our swimming pool
• Access to our fully equipped gym

*  subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

Qualifications gained

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail) or RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail)
• RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• RYA Short Range Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities

Commercial Endorsement

To work professionally within the maritime industry, you must be commercially endorsed. To commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster Certification at the end of your training, you will need to complete the RYA application for Commercial Endorsement Form, but you will gain all qualifications needed to commercially endorse your ticket during training.

Entry requirements

You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (click  here   for more details) and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement (click  here  for more details). We recommend all students secure this before attending a course.

There are no other pre-requisites necessary to start the course. All that we ask is that you have enough sailing experience to know that you want a life at sea. If you don’t have any previous experience, we recommend you talk to our course advisors on  +44 (0)1983 203038  or  [email protected]

Funding available

We are here to support you

UKSA is committed to making training and qualifications accessible to those who have the desire to succeed in a yachting or watersports career. Funding could be available for this Yachtmaster course. To see a full list of all of our funding options visit our  funding opportunities page  or call us to talk about your options with our experienced course advisers on  +44 (0)1983 203038 .

Frequently asked questions

How to get a commercial skipper’s license

The recommended route to obtaining a commercial skippers license is to do two training courses which consist of the Day Skipper Shorebased course and the Day Skipper Practical course. These are both included in the Professional Yachtmaster offshore course. The first covers the theory and knowledge-based training, such as meteorology, navigation, pilotage techniques and collision regulations; the second is putting this theory into practice in addition to developing the practical skippering skills of crew management, boat handling, practical pilotage and passage making.

What is a Yachtmaster?

A Yachtmaster is a person with a wealth of maritime knowledge who can cope with plain sailing and motor cruising and is also able to cope in demanding situations. Our Yachtmaster offshore qualification is recognised and respected all around the world and is the ultimate aim of many skippers, both professional and recreational.

Who are the RYA?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) are the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inland waterways cruising.

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“The course is very professional, the instructors are experienced and highly motivated, and everyone is friendly and keen to help you succeed. The key reason I joined UKSA is to get my yachting ticket from an organisation that is well respected in the yachting industry. I also wanted to benefit from the careers support to be able to break into a career in professional yachting.”

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#SeaChangeStories

I jumped at the chance to compete in the Golden Globe Race. This was everything that I had worked for and I had a chance to live it. For the past few years, I have been working flat out with a team of people to realise my ultimate goal of doing this race. It will be a challenge like nothing I have done before and I am throwing myself completely into it. Gregor McGuckin -Golden Globe Race/Professional Yachtmaster

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Mining Institute Building

Despite its location some distance west of St. Petersburg's more famous institutions of higher education and the seemingly prosaic nature of its title, the Mining Institute boasts a splendid neoclassical building in the style of a Greek temple, and has an absorbing museum housed in its remarkably ornate interiors.

The first technical college in Russia, the Mining Institute was founded in 1773 with the purpose of training engineers and geologists to expand the mining of precious metals and minerals. It was originally housed in two residential buildings from the 1720s built to a template by Domenico Trezzini. At the start of the 19th century, Andrey Voronikhin, who was already at work on the Kazan Cathedral, was commissioned to redesign the building for what then became the Mining Cadets College. He used the load-bearing walls of the old buildings, but added a portico with twelve monumental columns, decorated with statues by the renowned sculptors Vasily Demuth-Malinovsky and Stepan Pimenov.

Inside the building, the museum occupies the finest halls, with a wealth of classical murals and marble columns. During the Soviet era, the college was renamed the Plekhanov Institute after the leading revolutionary Georgiy Plekhanov (although he never actually completed his degree course). Now known as the National Mineral Resources University, it continues to maintain a reputation for excellence in the field.

Accommodation near the Mining Institute Building

Trezzini palace hotel, deluxe boutique hotel offering all-suite accommodation by the neva river, castle hotel, small hotel offering simple modern accommodation and reasonable service, solo sokos hotel vasilievskiy, superior business hotel with stylish interiors and attractive location, dining near the mining institute building, russian kitsch, restaurant known for its colorful interiors, serves reasonable russian cuisine, very popular small georgian restaurant serving excellent food at fair prices, dve palochki, popular chain serving varied asian and european cuisine, open till late.

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