Superyacht Cadetship

A new superyacht cadetship training programme specifically tailored to the superyacht industry has now been introduced to meet growing demand. This superyacht cadetship is the first of its kind to issue a UK MCA Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency (CoC).

Officer cadet training is ideal for those who may have no previous experience of working at sea and who wish to become officers in the superyacht industry, or the wider maritime industry (e.g. cruise ships). The training programme lasts for three years consisting of five phases which alternate between academic studies at college and time at sea to gain practical experience. Throughout the programme you’ll be guided and mentored by a training manager with additional support from an on board training officer while at sea.

As well as gaining the OOW (Unlimited) CoC, you’ll also gain a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Marine Operations and academic exemptions from working towards Chief Mate (Unlimited) certification. You’ll receive the core tuition of the foundation degree, but you’ll also study a number of superyacht-specific units, such as superyacht operations, paint care and hospitality.

For the sea phases you’ll gain sea service on board superyachts, sail training vessels and commercial vessels, meaning you’ll build wide and valuable seagoing experience. In total you’ll spend around 12 to 14 months at sea during the three-year programme.

Why choose an unlimited superyacht cadetship?

There are many reasons to consider studying for an OOW (Unlimited) CoC instead of a yacht-restricted CoC to work on a superyacht:

• Work as a deck officer on any size of vessel, including superyachts above 3,000GT (which are classed as passenger superyachts or passenger ships).
• Work on superyachts where the yacht asks for officers with unlimited certification, even if the yacht is less than 3,000GT.
• Optimise your chances for career progression and gain an edge when applying for top positions within the superyacht sector.
• Open up additional maritime career options across the broader maritime industry.
• Enhance your long-term career prospects when transferring to a shore-based career.
• Train to the highest standard in the maritime industry and gain an academic qualification.
• Opportunity to progress to Master Mariner (Unlimited) – the pinnacle of maritime education and training.

For additional information, please review the Maritime Career Progression Charts for deck certification.

Course content

The FdSc Marine Operations units include:

• Bridge watchkeeping
• Chartwork
• Tides and sailings
• Celestial navigation
• Emergency response and communications
• Cargo work
• Meteorology
• Ship stability
• Ship construction, and
• Law and management

These units form part of the underpinning knowledge required by the MCA for the OOW and Chief Mate (Unlimited) qualifications.

You will also receive further superyacht-specific tuition, including:

• Superyacht regulatory framework and superyacht operations
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification
• VHF short range certification
• Day skipper, or similar
• Superyacht tender operations
• Personal watercraft certification (jetskis)
• Paint care
• Superyacht etiquette
• Hospitality introduction.

Course Availability & Fees

Please contact the Admissions and Recruitment team for further information:

Tel: +44 (0)23 8201 5015

Email: wma.admissions@solent.ac.uk