MCA Master 200gt – UKSA responds to industry needs
The UKSA is re-focussing the syllabus of its Ocean Graduate course to include training towards the MCA’s Master 200gt qualification, yacht race training and a one-to-one mentoring service to support its students for the duration of their studies.
The Ocean Graduate plus+ is the result of UKSA’s philosophy to continually develop its training programmes to provide the marine industry with quality professionals with the most up to date qualifications and skills. Ocean Graduate plus+ students who have suitable experience and successfully pass the MCA Master 200gt oral examination will be able to command vessels up to 200gt – a step higher than the Yachtmaster Ocean currently permits.
Jon Ely – UKSA’s Business and Development Director says: “As a Maritime Academy focussing on training for yachting professionals, UKSA has always strived to provide for the future needs of employers, ensuring that our graduates have the training and qualifications needed to succeed in a competitive workplace. The MCA Master 200gt is a new qualification that we anticipate will become increasingly important over the next few years.”
In response to employers’ needs and feedback from UKSA graduates, Ocean Graduate plus+ students will also be provided with yacht race training. With the wealth of experience and knowledge available via the UKSA’s new Yacht Racing Academy, launched in April by Peter Harrison and the late Kit Hobday, students will be given basic race training, including starting procedures, race tactics and boat handling. The UKSA recognises that competitive sailing is an important skill for professionals engaged in teaching, corporate entertaining and the luxury yacht sector and the Ocean Graduate plus+ equips students with the skills they need to be successful in these areas.
Ocean Graduate plus+ also recognises the benefits of one-to-one coaching. The individual success of each student is greatly improved by individual target setting, nurturing and guidance, which in turn brings success for both the individual and the Academy.
Cally Logsdon – UKSA’s Maritime Careers Recruitment Manager says: “It is my job at UKSA to liaise with Owners, Captains and Agencies worldwide on behalf of our students. On a recent visit to Palma, to ensure our courses are meeting the needs of employers, I found that our contacts recognise and appreciate that UKSA graduates hold the most up to date and relevant MCA qualifications. We believe the MCA’s Master 200gt is the way ahead, and we aim to prepare our students to be in the best possible position as they enter the industry.”
“The UKSA Careers Service is available to all our students undertaking career course training and we support them and network on their behalf throughout their career progression. Over the years, the UKSA Careers department has built up a network of over 800 employers worldwide, ensuring UKSA students are given the widest range of employment opportunities, not only as they enter the industry, but throughout their working lives.”
Notes to editors
MCA Master 200gt Qualification
The MCA’s Master 200gt qualification enables candidates to upgrade on a non-mandatory basis from Yachtmaster Ocean to STCW Master (Code Vessels, less than 200gt) or Officer of the Watch (Yachts, less than 500gt) unlimited. The Ocean Graduate plus+ provides candidates with everything they need to upgrade; candidates with relevant experience will then be required to complete an oral examination at the MCA.
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
UKSA is recognised as the world’s leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non – profit making organisation supported by the Lister Trust. Based in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight it has superb, modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 300 craft. UKSA provide a wide range of courses aimed at adults, young people and the disabled. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is Patron to the Academy and Dame Ellen MacArthur MBE, Nick Moloney and Shirley Robertson OBE are their Ambassadors.