What Certificates Do I Need to Work Onboard a Yacht?

If you’re considering a career at sea, you’ll need specific certificates to work onboard a yacht. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you’ll need to kickstart your career, from compulsory qualifications to extra training courses that will impress your future employer.

Image of a large yacht in the sea | What certificates do I need to work on board a yacht?

The key certificates you’ll need to work on a yacht

To work in the yachting industry, the mandatory certificates requested by the vessel or management company are usually the following:

STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate

The aim of the course is to give seafarers the essential education and training in Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, with an additional Proficiency in Security Awareness.

Fire Fighting Training with the Maritime Skills Academy | What certificates do I need to work on board a yacht?

Once you have completed your Basic Safety Training, the Maritime Skills Academy offers a variety of maritime courses, including deck and engine simulation, marine, fire, and safety training.

ENG1 or Equivalent Seafarer Medical

To embark on a career at sea, you must be deemed medically fit and healthy. This can be completed at any MCA-approved doctor’s surgery.

Further Certificates to Improve Your Skills

It’s always a good idea to keep evolving and developing your skills. Completing any additional relevant courses that could benefit yourself or the yacht is a great way to help you progress in your career. These could include, but are not limited to:

Deck

  • VHF Radio
  • RYA Radar
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Tender Operator
  • PWC Personal Watercraft Proficiency
  • PWC Personal Watercraft Instructor

It’s also common for clients to request certification in Proficiency in Designated Security Duties and Powerboat Level II.

Engine

Engineer checking Engine on a Superyacht | What certifications do I need to work onboard yacht?

Interior:

Image of a Mojito with cucumber and mint | Yacht Mixology Training

To improve your interior skills, Luxury Yacht Interior Training provides bespoke, tailored training and consultancy to enhance the service standards onboard Superyachts. From Yacht Mixology to Linen and Laundry Training, you can enhance your interior skills by visiting the website here.

You can read our other blogs here for more helpful information on how to get started in the yachting industry.

Or, to apply today, browse our complete list of vacancies here.