yacht purser

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About the Purser

The purser on board a yacht is responsible for the financial management and administration of the vessel under the captain’s direction. This role may also direct the overall management of the interior department depending on the size and needs of the vessel. This position requires knowledge of ISM and ISPS, excellent computer skills in a variety of programs including Microsoft Office and various accounting software, along with superior communication skills. The purser communicates with onshore vendors, contractors, owners/guests and represents the yacht in a variety of situations. A vast knowledge of wines, food, restaurants and onshore activities is essential to success. A strong candidate will have at least five years of experience in the superyacht industry in addition to corporate land-based experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Financial administration for the entire yacht
• All operations of the interior department
• Interior inventory
• Interior purchasing and provisioning
• Liaising with guests and all crew
• Orchestrating guest activities
• Assisting captain with ships paperwork

Required Skills

• Financial management
• Advanced computer skills
• Chief stewardess experience
• Superior communications, organization, diplomacy and delegation
• Familiar with ISM and ISPS protocols
• Vast knowledge of wines, service and housekeeping
• Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
• Service skills – silver service, wine, cocktails, table setting, bartending
• Housekeeping skills – laundry, stain removal, delicate surface care, beds and flowers

Salary Modifiers

• Speaks multiple languages fluently
• New build experience
• Business/Accounting degree
• Advance medical training/certificate
• Limited knowledge of intended cruising area

Position Statistics

Career path, chief stewardess, head of housekeeping, second stewardess, laundry stewardess, junior stewardess.

Yacht Crew Agency / Role / Yacht Purser

Yacht Purser

The  Yacht Purser  is the captain’s main assistant. He/she ensures the financial and administrative management within the vessel. He/she is responsible for the general organisation according to the size and needs of the yacht.

This position requires knowledge of ISM and ISPS, as well as an excellent command of computer tools (Microsoft Office, accounting software).

The  Yacht Purser  communicates with the contractors, suppliers, external partners, owners and guests of the yacht.

He/she represents the yacht in various situations, he/she should therefore have a high level of culture (wines, restaurants, food, activities on the ground). The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in  yachting  as well as in the luxury industry.

Job responsibilities of the Purser on a yacht

• ​ Financial and accounting management of the yacht
• Responsible for the general organisation on the yacht
• Inventory management and inventory taking
• Supply and various purchases
• Liaise between the crew and the guests
• Orchestrate activities or events on the yacht
• Assisting the Captain with all administrative tasks on the yacht

Skills required from the Purser on a yacht

• Knowledge of financial management
• Knowledge of computer software
• Required experience in yachting
• Good command of required language and excellent organisation
• Knowledge of ISM and ISPS protocols
• Necessary general culture (knowledge of wine, service and housekeeping) 
• Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
• Knowledge of service (wine, cocktails, dishes)
• Knowledge of housekeeping techniques (cleaning of delicate surfaces, making beds and floral decoration) for checking the maintenance of the yacht

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Purser for a Megayacht - M/F

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The Role of a Purser

Size means everything in the superyacht world. Although, the bigger the yacht, the more pertinent the role of a Purser. As yachts increase in size, so do the administrative pressures faced by Captains and their shoreside counterparts. This explains the significant growth the Yacht Purser job role has had over the past few years. Soon, the role of a Purser will hold the same weight as the more familiar yacht crew jobs. Without a Purser, the ever-increasing regulations and administrative workload could be detrimental to the proper functioning of the vessel.

What is a Yacht Purser?

The need for a Purser exists on larger yachts with the sole purpose to ensure seamless operations. Under the Captain’s direction, the Purser is essentially responsible for the effective and smooth running of the vessel. As a senior crew member, the Purser manages several areas, including HR, accounts, interior, purchasing, inventory, and legal aspects. The role of the Purser is to be the single point of contact for all department heads. A credible and qualified Purser should create uniformity and streamline administrative duties, making them an invaluable asset to the Yacht.

What does the role of a Purser entail?

Pursers generally have multiple essential and important duties. Some of these tasks and responsibilities include:

• Finance – Takes ownership of all fiscal matters including accounting, budgeting and bookkeeping
• Buyer – Purchases everything needed to cater for crew and guests including food, drinks, uniform, cleaning products and more
• Contracts and Negotiation – Liaise with suppliers and distributors to ensure the yacht is provisioned
• Crew Administration – Will administer payroll for the crew and oversees all crew immigration
• Yacht Administration – Organise port clearances, logistics and customs.
• Charter Administration – If the yacht is chartered this will incur further responsibilities
• Guest Activities – Liaise with guests and crew to organise activities

Industry experience required to become a Purser?

Eloquent communication skills, sound industry knowledge, first-hand experience, and an eye for detail are absolute must-haves for a Purser. Since the role of a Purser revolves around paperwork, efficient and accurate administration and accounting skills goes without saying.  

Although the job requirements may differ per yacht, in a nutshell, a well-rounded Purser should encompass the following

• At least five years’ experience in the superyacht industry
• Corporate land-based experience
• Exceptional service, communication, organizational, diplomacy, and delegation skills
• Excellent computer skills – proficient in Microsoft Office and various accounting software
• A good understanding of maritime law
• ISM and ISPS protocols
• Financial management
• Knowledge of cruising areas, including restaurant suggestions, shoreside activities
• Provisioning around the globe
• Excellent knowledge of wines
• STCW & PSA
• ENG 1 Medical

On-board vs shoreside Purser

An on-board Purser is self-explanatory. Land-based Pursers do everything an on-board purser does, just in a remote capacity. There are many reasons why yachts choose to outsource their yacht administration and opt for a shoreside Purser

• Space – Can’t accommodate a Purser on-board 
• Cost-effective – A dedicated Purser without the overheads
• Flexibility – Don’t require a permanent employee or prefer flexibility with hours  
• Staff retention – The Purser you’ll never lose

What salary can you expect as a Purser?

For an established onboard Purser, with great responsibility, comes great reward. The role of a Purser oversees business critical functions, so it is fair to expect just compensation and time off. The salary is largely dependent on the size of the vessel, however tools such YPI can provide a more-or-less ballpark figure. As per Yachting Pages , “pay for a Purser can range from roughly €4,000 to upwards of €7,000 per month” and will most likely include rotation. Most commonly 2 months on two months off, requiring vessels to employ two Pursers to cover the one role.

How can the role of a Purser assist you?

A superyacht is essentially a business and as such should operate as one. Without a Purser, large yachts may struggle to function effectively, let alone maintain the high standard of service that on-board guests expect. The role of a Purser is established to assist the Captain and Chief Officer to alleviate the administrative duties, eliminating stress through saving time and effort. With twenty years combined experience,  Virtual Pursers  are industry experts who understand first-hand the ever-increasing administrative pressures faced by the maritime industry. Offering a flexible approach, Virtual Pursers  are readily available to support all vessels, no matter the size of the yacht or the extent of the need, as well as other maritime professionals such as Yacht/Fleet Managers, Charter Brokers, Marinas/Shipyards. An ideal solution for yachts that are fully crewed, have minimal space on-board, or who don’t necessarily require full-time support. As well as yachts who have an established Purser, supporting shortfalls and as a temporary solution. Using Virtual Pursers  guarantees continuity in a cost-effective manner, introducing the concept of “The Purser You’ll Never Lose”; retaining all the information and experience that comes with a great Purser, for years to come.

Q & A with co-founder of Virtual Pursers Bec McKeever

How did you become a Purser?

I came into yachting with a background in accounting, not planning to utilise my past life profession at all actually. My first yacht with the infamous M/Y Octopus, at 126m she is a beauty! I was instantly in awe with the Chief Stewardess & Purser but it wasn’t until a year or two into yachting that I started thinking about a career path and that I had the potential to climb the ranks. I was Chief Stew for a few years before Purser. Two very different roles but a lot of personal and professional development in the Chief Stew role, I believe, that really makes a positive difference to your ability in the Purser role.

Do you think you need yachting experience to be a Purser?

Yachting is so different to any other industry and experience within it lays a solid foundation, it’s the integral part of becoming a successful Purser.

What’s your favourite aspect of being a Purser?

Having my finger on the pulse and being able to orchestrate the logistics of the entire vessel. It’s so rewarding to see my plan come into action and be pulled together, especially when you have a bit of OCD.

Q & A with co-founder of Virtual Pursers Dominique Smit

Do you have to be a Chief Stew before you become a purser?

Even though it is a completely different role, it is recommended that you have some Chief Stew experience before you become a Purser. Not only will it give you a better sense of responsibility and leadership but it allows you to work closer with other department heads and gives you a better sense of how the different departments function together and the bigger picture of how the boat functions overall which is essential for the purser position.

Would you recommend doing a Purser course?

I would definitely recommend training for the role of Purser, background knowledge is essential and any additional training is always beneficial. However, do your research before you pick a course. Having a mentor to guide me through my career has been invaluable so if you do have anyone you trust, ask for their advice.

Was it always your goal to become a Purser?

I didn’t start yachting with the goal to become a Purser, I didn’t even know what a Purser was in the beginning! But as my career evolved, I started enjoying the constant challenges each new position brought and the Purser position is so stimulating and every day is different that I felt like it would be the perfect job for me.

Virtual Pursers trusted business model intends to revolutionize the yachting industry by providing an innovative, cost effective, practical shoreside solution. A dedicated Purser without the overheads. The Purser you’ll never lose. For more information contact [email protected] or call +44 203 514 0413.

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Purser Trainer

Yacht purser, quality yacht purser training at your fingertips, welcome to the first online yacht purser training program, dedicated to those who want to advance their careers in the superyacht crew industry. through our innovative e-learning system, our course can be completed at your own pace, from anywhere in the world..

Our Mission:

To ensure quality yacht purser training and information, while keeping up with maritime regulations and providing ongoing support to assist in your learning and development

Accredited by The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI)

Accredited by the Guidelines for Excellence in Superyacht Training (GUEST)

Winner of the ACREW Superyacht Business Awards for Crew Training 2021

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel as a purser!

Whether you’re already a purser or would like to pursue it in the future, our interactive, supportive program will arm you with the tools you need to perform your duties and meet the requirements of this demanding role.

One year to complete the program

Ongoing support + one-on-one calls, coaching, mentoring + cv review available, yacht purser course topics.

Course topics include the role of the purser, crew administration and logistics, port clearances, financial administration and budgeting, maritime legislation and legalities, guest logistics and much more.

Yacht Purser Crew Course

This module provides an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the purser and includes tools to implement, organise, and manage the Purser duties.

Port Clearance Course

In this module, students will gain a full understanding of how to implement, organise and manage Port Clearance Procedures.

Purser Maritime Course

This module is designed to give you an understanding of the Maritime Structure, Conventions and codes.  

Purser Financial Management

This module will provides students with an understanding of the importance of accurate financial management. Basic accounting principles, purchase orders, bookkeeping, budgeting, account plans, reporting and VAT.

Purser Charter Course

This module will provide an understanding of the charter process, agreements and accounts involved, along with the social aspects, communication and cultural differences.

Voly Accounting Platform

Learn the ins and outs of the Voly Accounting System, and how it can help you in your role as a purser to save time   whilst maintaining accurate financial accounts.

Deep Blue Management Software

This module will provide you with a good understanding of Deep Blue’s fully integrated software program that helps manage the day to day operations onboard.

Total Super Yacht

Within this module you will gain familiarity of this software which uses a modern interface to make ISM reporting seamless and easy.

Destination Management Course

Gain an understanding of the importance of thorough research and reconnaissance; ways to present information to guests; the logistics involved with guest arrival and on-going guest well-being.

Knowing you’re busy with guests, charter turnarounds and maintenance periods, we’ve created an easy-to-use online platform that brings the training to you.

• Flexible course structure
• Complete modules as your schedule allows
• Individual modules or course package available
• One-on-one support through your studies

Quality online purser training courses for those who want to advance their careers in the superyacht crew industry.

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A Purser is a reputable, high-ranking position directly responsible to the Captain and assisting the other HODs, whilst also working closely with Management Companies or the Family Office or Accountant.

A Purser is primarily responsible for the administrative management of a superyacht and all financial matters onboard. 

This multi-faceted, technical position is commonly found on larger yachts due to the vast array of duties and responsibilities onboard. On smaller yachts, a Chief Steward or Stewardess takes on this role instead.

What does a yacht Purser do? | Yacht Purser Job Description

Generally speaking, the Purser is in charge of ensuring everything runs smoothly in terms of administration onboard a yacht. This includes an all-encompassing variety of jobs that can be divided into finance, purchasing, contracts, crew administration, yacht administration, charter administration and guest activities.

The responsibilities of a Purser include:

Working with management company accountants to maintain accounts, budgets and other financial reports

Working with Heads of Departments to ensure timely processing of budgets, invoices, payments, credit card and expense reconciliations

Assisting Heads of Departments with purchasing and provisioning

Responsible for administration, accounting, collection and payment of all onboard money

Responsible for all crew administration including payroll

Ensuring all crew certification is up-to-date and correct

Responsible for keeping up-to-date crew and passenger lists and reporting any changes

Responsible for all crew travel and guest travel as required

Performing Customs, Immigration and Port Clearance requirements

Advanced planning and preparation for owner and guest trips, including on-site reconnaissance as required

Pre-arrival destination/event/venue checks for guests, including transport options, security facilities and bookings for events, sightseeing trips and eating out

Planning and directing events and activities for owners and guests ashore

Assisting owner and owner’s representative out of season as required

Soft and hard skills required to be a Purser

The ideal candidate for this role has excellent administrative and organisational skills, is accurate with their work and is computer literate. 

As a role at the heart of a yacht's administration, communicating with onshore vendors, contractors, yacht owners and guests in a variety of settings, superior communication skills and diplomacy and delegation qualities are essential.

The skills of a successful yacht Purser include:

Financial management skills

Administration management skills

Knowledge of maritime law

Advanced computer skills

Exceptional organisational skills

Superior communications, organization, diplomacy and delegation

Accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht. For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide .

Are you ready to secure a Purser position on board a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search. 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

YPI CREW TEAM

Ypi crew recruiters in charge of purser recruitment.

Louise Overend

Interior Recruitment Team Leader

Annabelle Huvelin

Interior Recruitment Specialist

Let’s get started. Call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us.

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Yacht Purser – Job Description & Salary

• Yacht Purser – Job Description �...

Due to the increasing size of superyachts and number of crew members on board, the Yacht Purser job role had seen significant growth in the past few years.

The complexity of how these larger superyachts operate means they are using management strategies and employing crew members often associated with cruise ships and the Navy.

A Yacht Purser may be a position you have only recently heard of, with most of the limelight for yacht crew jobs going towards Stewardesses , Deckhands or Captains. 

If you have experience in administration or finance then the Yacht Purser role could be a fantastic opportunity for you to carve out a career working on Superyachts.

What does a Yacht Purser do?

The Yacht Purser originated from a Naval Rank position, where this person was in charge of buying supplies for the crew including bedding, food and clothing.    

Now the Yacht Purser does a wide variety of jobs and could almost call themselves any number of titles including HR Manager, Finance Manager, Purchasing Manager, Travel Manager and General Administrator.

Generally speaking, the Purser is in charge of the smooth running of the administration of the yacht. Tasks and responsibilities include:

• Finance – Takes ownership of all fiscal matters including accounting, budgeting and bookkeeping
• Buyer – Purchases everything needed to cater for crew and guests including food, drinks, uniform, cleaning products and more
• Contracts and Negotiation – Liaise with suppliers and distributors to ensure the yacht is provisioned
• Crew Administration – Will administer payroll for the crew and may be in charge of visa applications, certifications, inductions and travel
• Yacht Administration – Organise port clearances, logistics and customs. If the yacht is chartered this will incur further responsibilities
• Guest Activities – Liaise with guests and crew to organise activities

The Yacht Pursers job is a demanding role that requires incredible administration, organisation and is an essential part of the management of the Superyacht. 

Without a Purser, a large Superyacht will never be able to effectively operate, nor will it be able to maintain the high standard of service for guests on board.

Yacht Purser salary

Like any yacht crew salary, a Yacht Pursers salary will depend on the size of the boat and experience of the individual. 

The size of the yacht will be a big factor in determining wage, as this has a direct influence on the level of responsibility and tasks needed to manage the yacht effectively.

The salary of a Yacht Purser will range from €4,000 – €8,000 per month.

How to become a Yacht Purser

Becoming a Yacht Purser will require getting a few years experience on board a yacht before applying for this role.

This experience is invaluable as you will need to know the nuances of how a yacht functions, to be able to fully understand what customers want and how to deliver the impeccable service.

Generally your career path will start with being a Yacht Stewardess, or you could progress up to Chef Stewardess before going for the Yacht Purser role.

While there is no official Yacht Purser qualification, having a degree in business or a business related subject will help get your CV into the hands of the decision maker. Some skills recruiters and yacht captains look for in a Purser include:

• Proof of exceptional administration 
• Experience in financial management, accounting and budgeting
• Knowledge of maritime laws
• Understand ISM and ISPS protocols
• Experience working on a superyacht or cruise ship
• Strong computer skills including Excel, Word and Powerpoint

Along with these skills, you will need to have your STCW Basic Safety Training certificate and your ENG1 Medical to become a Yacht Purser.

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You worked on P&O Cruises for several years, what was your role?

How did you make the move in to yachting from cruise ships, what training did you need to become a yacht purser, what would you say to someone who is considering a similar move from another maritime industry in to yachting, tell us what a day in the life of a superyacht purser looks like, what is the favourite part of your job, what is the hardest part of your job, you have been nominated for the acrew purser award, tell us about that., if you could swap for one day, what role onboard would you try out and why, what’s next for you, superyacht purser.

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The Crew Academy is the superyacht industry’s go-to training provider for a comprehensive range of accredited training programs tailored to yacht crew members at every level including Purser, Leadership, Administrative, Technical and Mental Health courses.

Captain & HOD Mental Health Awareness

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Designed to equip leaders with the awareness to drive positive change onboard.

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Designed to equip yacht crew with a raft of coping mechanisms and the tools to drive change in the industry.

Yacht Owner's Representative Program (YORP)

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27 Sessions, Over 12 weeks, 5-7pm UK Time

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Hosted by TCA, this online program comprising GUEST Units 41, 42 & 43 will deepen knowledge and understanding of the operational and technical aspects of the role of an OR.

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Join us on October 1st for a free webinar where we'll introduce you to the exciting world of yachting.

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Gain a greater understanding of various leadership styles, as well as practical knowledge and skills to progress in your career. Choose from 3-day or 2-week course.

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GUEST Programme Online Purser Course; Part-time or Intensive 2-week - we’ve got you covered.

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Sandra Jordaan

The founder of The Ultimate Yacht Purser Course talks about her superyachting life.

My father is a pilot for South African Airways. After university, I went through a rigorous interview process to become a pilot before realising that it wasn’t my passion. I had been considering working on superyachts for a while and in 2006, an opportunity magically presented itself via a friend of a friend who was recruiting. I landed the job, caught a flight to Barcelona and never really looked back.

I spent some years as a chief stew on board, plus a short stint in yacht management in Monaco, but I always wanted to be a purser, overseeing the logistics and administration of a superyacht. I felt like I’d be the perfect fit for it, but it was challenging to find out precisely what captains were looking for. Regardless, I felt confident that I’d be suitable, as I’d studied law as well as accounting, finance, tourism, project management and superyacht management. Eventually, I stepped into a purser position on a 90-metre yacht that had never had a purser before. Despite being thrown in at the deep end and having to carve out the role onboard, the fantastic female chief officer was instrumental in guiding me through the process.

I realised in hindsight that there were not enough purser courses out there for people like me who already had a lot of education and experience. It took me about six years to land my first purser role, and if more information or mentors had been available, I would have progressed more quickly. I launched The Ultimate Yacht Purser Course to provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to manage yacht administration and logistics confidently. It took me about two years to write, and it’s one of the most comprehensive courses out there. It’s not just a case of turning up to ten classes and receiving a certificate; it’s very interactive. I am constantly updating it as regulations change so quickly in this industry.

I think there is an unconscious bias that the purser role is only about filing papers and checking receipts and therefore not a highly skilled position, but it is so much more than that. On large yachts, the purser steps in to complete all the administrative tasks that the captain and officers are too busy to do anymore. Therefore, it is essential that the purser has an excellent understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and how to minimise risks accordingly.

I’m also an ambassador for She of the Sea – a platform launched by Jenny Matthews to start conversations about gender and diversity in the industry. I am always keen to get involved with organisations that support women, because it’s such a patriarchal society and I think women face many challenges in leadership roles.

Chilean Patagonia

I value connecting with different people and yachting has allowed me to have the most incredible friendships with people all over the world. That’s been the best thing about my career – as well as the travel, of course. One of my most memorable experiences was in the Bahamas. I had been working really hard on a busy charter yacht, and at the end of the season, the owner thanked us by letting us have the boat for a week! He even said we could invite friends and family onboard, so I flew my cousin out from Texas. It was just the most incredible holiday, cruising around the Exumas for a week like guests!

I also loved cruising Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica. They are both such surreal places. It is so, so quiet, with the most incredible landscape and wildlife. It’s this dream world where the sun doesn’t really ever set at night, so you get this pink haze every evening. I love diving too, so Cocos Island, between Costa Rica and Galapagos, was pretty spectacular.

Where is still on my bucket list? Japan, for skiing!

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Who is The Yacht Purser?

Coach | Trainer | Mentor

Sandra's yachting experience spans over ten years travelling extensively to over 60 countries and all seven continents while working onboard private, charter and explorer yachts up to 91m, as a chief stewardess and purser.

Sandra has several yachting career highlights, including managing an 8-month refit as a purser, hosting royalty, presidents, celebrities and oligarchs on board (requiring extensive protocols), working at a yacht management company in Monaco, successfully completing a 72 day continuous Russian charter (with no preference sheets), navigating to the most remote corners of the earth and forging the most incredible friendships along the way.

Between yachting and extensive studies, Sandra edited a financial magazine called Enterprise Risk on how to prevent, mitigate, and insure business risk and facilitated large conferences and events. Sandra holds the following professional qualifications:

Strategic Intervention Coach   (Core 100 Life Coaching through Robbins-Madanes Training) with Tony Robbins as a teacher

Superyacht Management Diploma (MTA, UK)

Postgraduate Diploma in Management, Tourism (UCT, South Africa)

Bachelor of Business Science, Accounting, Law and Economics   (UCT, South Africa)

Masters Level Project Management Course   (UCT, South Africa)

Purser Course

Through her love for teaching, Sandra launched the Ultimate Yacht Purser Course in 2019. Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to perform vessel administration and logistics as a Purser confidently. As a career coach, Sandra is in a unique position to help crew discover their strengths and build their confidence so that they can find a job on a yacht they love, which is a bonus for her students. Between managing an international training company and supporting students and yacht crew worldwide, she is also a mother to her son Leo.

Sandra is one of three Training Providers to be granted the IAMI GUEST Accreditation for Purser Training. In 2021, Sandra was elected to the PYA Council Welfare Group.

She continues to share her extensive knowledge as a coach, trainer and mentor while building and nurturing the Purser community. Professional highlights include:

Acrew 2020 and 2021 Mentorship nomination

Acrew 2020 Entrepreneur of the year finalist

Council Member PYA Welfare Group

The Yacht Purser partners and associations:

IAMI Maritime Hospitality Sub Group

PYA Partner

Nautilus Partner

She of the Sea Ambassador and Pledge Signatory

ACREW AWARDS

In 2020 Sandra Jordaan, The Yacht Purser, made it through to the top three candidates in the annual Acrew Awards for Entrepreneurship and was nominated for the Mentorship award as well.

Entrepreneurship

For a crew member who has shown entrepreneurial flair. In the two years since departing yachting, Sandra has launched two successful brands (The Yacht Purser and The Yacht Crew Coach), all while juggling a toddler and teaching The Ultimate Yacht Purser Course. 

Judging criteria:

Project Management & Planning

Problem-solving

Willingness to learn

The three finalists per category are judged by Captains and senior crew, with video interviews and CVs.

GMDSS ROC (Restricted Operator Certificate)

GMDSS Radio Operator Certificate (GMDSS ROC)

Find out About GMDSS Short Range Courses

Find a GMDSS Short Range Radio (VHF) Course

The GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate is a prerequisite for Officers and Masters on vessels over 24m operating in Sea Area A1 (i.e. within about 50 miles of a coast station). It is also a prerequisite for the MCA Master 200 (Code Vessel) within a limited area. A GMDSS GoC is required for seafarers of the same capacity operating in an unlimited area (outside of Sea Area 1 / > 50 miles from a coast radio station).

*For yacht crew only in need of a VHF SRC certificate to fulfill the needs of a commercial powerboat or Yachtmaster license, a 1 day VHF license may meet the requirements based on the candidates capacity and area of operation (Opposed to the GMDSS ROC). Please contact your course administrator or employer in order to best understand the requirements *

Course Topics:

- Radio equipment used in the GMDSS - Distress signals and alerting procedures - Use of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) - Survival craft communications - Procedures for the use of EPIRBs and SARTs - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) regulations - Operational procedures - Maintenance of GMDSS equipment on board ship - Log keeping requirements.

This course is followed by an exam that is usually run by a different RYA assessor and has to be registered for separately to the course in most cases. The exam usually has a separate exam fee.

Examination and Certificate Validity

To obtain a GMDSS Short Range certificate, an operator must successfully complete a written examination and a practical examination administered by an accredited maritime training institution. The examinations test the operator's knowledge of radio equipment, procedures, distress signals, and other emergency information.

The GMDSS RoC is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years. The holder of a GMDSS Short Range certificate must maintain a current proficiency in radio operations and equipment maintenance. Candidates must complete a refresher examination in order to maintain license validity after the 5-year period.

VHF Training School Locations:

• Australia New South Wales
• Greece Corfu
• Croatia Split
• Cyprus Limassol
• Egypt Alexandria
• France Antibes Cannes Cote D'Azur Paris
• Ireland Dublin
• Poland Gdynia
• Russia Moscow
• Saint Maarten Marigot
• South Africa Cape Town Langebaan
• Spain Barcelona Palma de Mallorca Valencia
• Turkey Marmaris Mugla
• United Kingdom England Cornwall Cromhall Essex Hartlepool Liverpool Plymouth Poole Isle of Wight
• United States of America Fort Lauderdale
• West Indies Antigua

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