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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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STCW Superyacht Deckhand

Our Superyacht Deckhand course at Flying Fish UK is packed full of the essential qualifications and skills required by the deck crew on a superyacht. It provides a superb springboard into your first job.

Description

You'll need to be well-presented, hardworking, a team player, and comfortable away from home for long periods to do well in this industry. The rewards can be significant for those who fit in, and there are great opportunities to advance your career.

The Flying Fish Superyacht Deckhand Course has been refined over 17 years. It includes all the skills and qualifications you need to start your new career.

Course programme

Stcw basic safety training - 6 days.

STCW basic safety training is compulsory for ALL crew who work on Superyachts. The course comprises the following training modules. 

• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting.
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Security Awareness.
• Personal Survival Techniques.
• Elementary First Aid.

VHF Radio Operators Course - 1 day 

RYA Radio VHF Short Range Certificate (GMDSS/DSC) teaches you marine radio techniques and emergency procedures. 

Motor Yacht Familiarisation course – 1 day

Spend a day on our twin-engine motor yacht and learn driving skills, knots, terminology, anchoring, picking up mooring buoys, and basic navigation.

Ropework Course – 1 day

Here, you will learn more advanced knots. We will show you how to splice braided and three-strand rope and tie a soft shackle!

RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance – 1 day

The course teaches you about engine operation, fuel, water and cooling systems, as well as fault finding and common problems.

Superyacht Maintenance – 1 day 

We will be on board one of our yachts, learning the detailing procedures used on a superyacht. How to use an acid wash, clean teak, polish topsides, portlights and stainless steel.  

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course – 2 Days

A legal requirement for yacht crew who need to drive the yacht tender. 

RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC) – 1 Day

This fun, practical course will teach you all there is to know about Jet Skis and how to use one safely. Jet Skis are often found on luxury yachts, and it’s the crew’s job to know how to use these toys safely! On completion of this course, you will gain your Personal Watercraft licence.

Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes, France

There is no additional charge for this. Our staff in Antibes help you through the process of seeking employment. The event includes looking at local crew agencies, what to expect, presentation, do’s and don’ts, dock walking, and a final polish of your CV before you begin your career in the superyacht industry.

Flying Fish UK

Our experienced training partners at Cowes, Isle of Wight, run the Superyacht Deck Crew course—the yachting capital of England.

Where to stay whilst you are training 

If you book accommodation with us, you will stay in comfortable, self-catering crew accommodation very close to our training centre in Cowes.

Book your accommodation with us as an optional extra when you book your course.

The price for shared room accommodation for the course duration is $1150. Or you can book a single room for $1890

Before you start

• The course is suitable for complete beginners who want to achieve commercial qualifications for deckhand work.
• You must be at least 18 years of age

What's included

Qualifications and learning outcomes.

• STCW Basic Safety Training
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC)
• RYA VHF Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Ropework, essential knots, and splicing
• Yacht detailing, teak work, repairs, washdowns, stainless care
• One-day boat handling course
• CV Clinic, industry guidance, and mentoring
• Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes.
• Looking for a career in yachting? Check our  Yachtmaster Fast Track  programme. 

Similar courses

STCW Basic Safety Training is required by anyone wishing to work on a commercial vessel greater than 24 m in length. If your aim is to work on superyachts this course is an essential part of your training.

Upon completing this course, you will have a thorough knowledge of all the theory required for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.

This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC

This course provides intensive training in the practical skills and theoretical knowledge the small boat driver needs. You will learn to drive our rigid inflatable rescue craft.

This course prepares experienced skippers for the prestigious RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence. The programme combines the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course with an exhilarating Pacific ocean qualifying passage.

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shore-based week teaches you ocean passage planning and celestial navigation, including the use of a sextant. You will leave the course confident that you have the knowledge and skills required to navigate an ocean passage using traditional methods.

The Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track in Sydney first trains you for your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. Then, you go on to learn celestial navigation and complete an ocean-qualifying passage in preparation for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean oral exam.

Our Superyacht Steward/ess course at Flying Fish UK provides the essential skills and qualifications needed to start working as a Superyacht Steward or Stewardess. It's the perfect springboard you need to enter the industry with confidence.

This self-paced online course provides a beginner's introduction to the navigation theory and safety knowledge required to go boating safely at sea.

This course provides a grounding in the essential maintenance tasks required to keep a modern cruising yacht on the water.

The Flying Fish Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track in Sydney takes you from novice sailor to the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence.

This internship offers seasoned watersports instructors an unparalleled chance to embark on a comprehensive two-year work-study journey, culminating in certifications as a Yachtmaster Ocean and RYA Cruising Instructor. Set in an idyllic location, this program promises an enriching, career-enhancing experience in an inspiring environment. It is also a highly cost effective way of training.

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Superyacht Deckhand Course (Including STCW)

£3,110  GBP

If you would like to travel the world then a job on a Superyacht could be what you are looking for. Our Superyacht Deckhand Course gives you everything you need to start looking for work as a Deckhand.

Working as a Deckhand on a Superyacht is a job like no other. You will spend your days earning money working in the sunshine onboard an incredible yacht in some of the most amazing destinations in the world! To work onboard a Superyacht you’ll need to be hardworking and prepared to be away from home for long periods, but there are fantastic opportunities to advance your career for the right individuals!

Funding your new career

Would you like to pay for your course on finance? A growing number of customers want the option to spread the course fees giving your wallet a bit of breathing space. If this is you then Flying Fish are now able to offer customers the option to spread payment over 12 months in the form of an interest-free finance agreement. Please contact us to find out more.

Superyacht Deckhand Course

Our most popular programme, the Superyacht Deckhand Course includes all the skills and qualifications you need to start your new career. The course starts with STCW Basic Safety Training, VHF Radio, and PDSD (for crew with any security role onboard).

The second phase of the course is designed around the role of a Deckhand, to teach you your role on board. During this week you will cover everything from rope work to wash downs, cleaning, and repairing teak.

Preparing your CV

Having a perfect CV is one of the most important factors in landing that first job. We help you prepare, format, and write your CV during the course, including getting that all-important photo! We run a session on working in the industry that covers everything from paying tax to what to pack. Flying Fish customers benefit from our exclusive recruitment day in Antibes, run by one of our team who has worked in the industry for over 15 years.

Learn to drive a motorboat

The tenders (a smaller boat to accompany the yacht) on today’s Superyachts are getting bigger and bigger, with that in mind Flying Fish now includes a one-day motorboat handling course on our 36′ twin-engine motorboat. While onboard you will show you how to handle lines, drive a twin-engine yacht, anchor, navigate as well as the general engine maintenance and housekeeping expected on a larger yacht.

If you have never set foot on a motorboat then this is a great opportunity to pick up some valuable skills.

Where to stay

If you choose our accommodation option, the Flying Fish crew houses in Cowes are comfortable and centrally located. Just a 2-minute walk to the town and our training centre, this will take the stress out of finding your own accommodation. You will be able to mix and socialise with other people on the course who, like you, will be starting a career in the Superyacht industry.

Two weeks of self-catering accommodation costs £580.

Have you completed an ENG1 Medical?

All crew who want to work on a Superyacht are required to hold an ENG1 Medical. We recommend you complete the ENG1 Medical before the start of your course, as it confirms you are fit to go to sea.

Why train with Flying Fish?

• Flying Fish limits student numbers to small groups. This means you have the opportunity for one-to-one time with our expert Instructors.
• Flying Fish are always happy to tailor your programme, elements can be added or removed.
• We provide shared self-catering accommodation in crew houses 5-minute’s from our training centre in Cowes.
• Flying Fish offers a free and exclusive Recruitment Event in Antibes. This event not only hooks you up with crew agents and helps you seek employment, we also give you knowledge on the local area and how to live there on a budget! Over a week’s worth of knowledge wrapped into one day!

No need to take our word for it, check out what our past students have to say about their time with Flying Fish! We are rated 5* on Google, from over 200 reviews!

• STCW Basic Safety Training
• Superyacht Deckhand Certificate
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC)
• RYA VHF Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Ropework, essential knots and splicing
• Maintenance day, teak work, repairs, washdowns, cleaning the stainless yacht maintenance
• One-day boat handling course
• CV Clinic, industry guidance and mentoring with one of our experts
• Industry preparation day with one of our experts
• Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes
• Small student groups for a personal approach and one-to-one time

Entry Requirements

You must be 18 years old or older to train with Flying Fish. The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who are looking to work as a Deckhand on a commercial yacht. To work on a Superyacht you will need to complete an ENG1 Medical and we recommend you complete this prior to the start of your course, though this is not essential.

This course is available on the following days: (please check the availability with the training school)

• 30th September 2024
• 21st October 2024
• 4th November 2024
• 18th November 2024
• 2nd December 2024

Flying Fish UK

124 High Street Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7AY United Kingdom

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Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

Begin a career on a Superyacht

Having a career on superyachts is a dream job.

Begin your career on a Superyacht, travel the world, get away from that desk, meet some fantastic people… and the salary isn’t bad, either! The question that remains, however, is how to get a job on a Superyacht in the first instance to launch your career on the ocean.

Read on to find the answer, as well as information on what a Superyacht is, what a career in the industry can offer you, the kind of salary you can expect, when to look for work, and how you can launch your career by completing our Superyacht Deckhand course or Superyacht Stewardess course!

What is a Superyacht

A Superyacht is the name given to a private or commercially operated luxury yacht over 24 meters in length. A Superyacht can be a sailing or motor yacht, they range in size and shape, with the largest yacht today, Azzam which is 180 meters long.

All these Superyachts require an army of qualified crew, including Deckhands and Stewardesses.

What can the industry offer you?

Working in the Superyacht industry offers the travel and adventure that no other job can offer you. There is no such thing as a 9 – 5 on a Superyacht; there’s always lots going on, and most of your time will be spent in the sunshine.

Almost all large yachts are based in the sunnier places on the globe, typically yachts head to the Med for the summer before heading to the Caribbean of the US for the winter. This means your office will always be on the move!

How much do yacht crew get paid?

The average  Superyacht salary  for a new Deckhand or Stewardess ranges from €2,000 to €3,500 per month. The Salary depends on the type and size of the yacht. If you are a UK resident, then the salary can be tax-free!

On top of that are the tips. If you end up on a charter yacht, then you can easily double your salary during the charter season. Working on a Superyacht can be hard work with long hours but rewarding – and, for many, the start of a career!

When should you start looking for work?

Understanding the Superyacht season is a big component in how to get a job on a Superyacht!

The Superyacht season kicks off in the Mediterranean anytime between March and May. However, as the Superyacht industry grows, with bigger and bigger yachts, the demand for new crew increases. The employment window has changed from the traditional February to April window. We now see crew land their dream job in the middle of summer.

There are more yachts on order that are over  100m in length than ever before , all requiring qualified crew.

Most members crew start out with day work, helping busy crews prepare their boat for the owner. Others land a job through a crew agent, dock walking, social media or a contact within the industry.

What is the role of a Superyacht Deckhand?

As a Deckhand, your responsibility is to maintain the exterior of the yacht, its tenders, jet skis and any other toys onboard. You will be interacting with guests and owners to make sure their time onboard is beyond expectations.

Flying Fish have developed a course that gives you everything you need to get started. If you fancy a career as a Deckhand, then look at our  Superyacht Deckhand Course .

How about a Steward or Stewardess?

The role of a Steward or Stewardess can be varied; however, your main duty will be the meticulous cleaning of the interior of the yacht. A Steward/ess will serve food and drinks to guests, looking after their every need. You will rub shoulders with the rich and famous and travel the world.

The Stewardess Course teaches you all you need to become a Steward/ess from silver service to making cocktails. If this is what you are looking for, then see our Superyacht Steward/ess Course .

How do I begine a career on a Superyacht?

To work on a Superyacht, all crew must complete  STCW Basic Safety Training course , mandatory qualifications required by all seafarers. All seafarers are required to hold an  ENG 1 medical to prove that you are fit to go to sea.

If you are new to the industry then we would recommend either our Superyacht Deckhand or Steward/ess courses, please see below for more details.

Superyacht Deckhand Course

Our most popular course. Provides all the skills you need to work as a Deckhand. Includes STCW.

£3,320

Superyacht Stewardess Course

Superyacht interior course.