Yachting Cadetship

Aim

A structured three-year apprenticeship to train for a long-term career.

Duration

Option to take foundation degree alongside yachting cadetship.

Overview

The Cadetship is designed to provide a simple progression beyond RYA/MCA Yachtmaster to MCA Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competence. This qualifies you to work on an unrestricted world-wide basis as Captain of yachts up to 200gt, Chief Mate up to 500gt and Officer of the Watch of the very largest super yachts up to 3000gt. Developed in close consultation with the MCA and their approved training guidelines, the programme provides structured training coupled with paid periods of work experience.

Pre-requisite experience

Applicants should be under 25 and be able to demonstrate a proven interest in a career
in the yachting industry, passing a UKSA Cadetship interview. No formal qualifications are required. However, good communication skills – oral and written – and an ability with maths is necessary.

Qualify for

Officer of the Watch aboard a vessel up to 3000gt.

The Cadetship training programme in detail

Phase 1

introduction - 6 months (academic study)

Cadets follow the Ocean Graduate programme

Phase 2

First Sea Phase - 12-18 months (paid employment)

Cadet is employed as a paid crew member aboard a yacht over 15 metres. The Cadet will start to complete the MCA record book and will be supported in their role via email and phone to check on development and progress.

Phase 3

Management / Master 200 - 3 month (academic study)

UKSA Marine Business Management
MCA Master 200 modules

Phase 4

Second Sea Phase - 12-18 months (paid employment)

The Cadet returns to sea, gaining a wider experience of vessels and operational areas. Throughout this phase, the Cadet continues to complete the MCA record book and starts working at a level required for candidates taking their Officer of the Watch examination. Support continues via email and phone.

Phase 5

Officer Of The Watch - 7- 8 weeks (academic study)

Returning to the Academy, the Cadet will complete their Officer of the Watch training and under go revision in all subjects in preparation for the final MCA Officer of the Watch Oral Examination.

Benefits

• Gain the qualifications needed to work on the world’s largest yachts
• Ideal for school leavers or newly-qualified university graduates seeking a lifetime of adventure and excitement in the marine industry
• Periods of practical employment, with up to two years paid work during the course, greatly offsetting the cost of training
• Develop your qualifications and skills while working in the industry on a clearly structured and supported programme
• Long-term career benefits of higher qualifications firmly establish your career prospects for work on the largest vessels

Syllabus

All theory and practical training to:

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (sail)
• RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper (power)
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean
• Commercial endorsements for all Yachtmaster certificates

• All MCA modules to Officer of the Watch, including:

• Sea Survival for Yachtsmen
• Ships Security Officer
• GMDSS General Operators Certificate
• MCA Navigation and Radar
• MCA General Ship Knowledge
• MCA Oral Preparation and Examination

• UKSA Marine Business Management course
• MCA Master 200gt training
• Marine Engineering and Yacht

• Maintenance training, including:

• Diagnostic fault finding
• Yacht electrical systems training
• Hotel services, hydraulics and water systems
• MCA ISPS ship stability and construction
• Propulsion systems, engine room equipment
• Rigging, splicing, sail repair and winch servicing

Qualifications

Successful candidates will gain the following qualifications:

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean with commercial endorsement
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (sail)
• RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper (power)
• Commercial endorsements for Yachtmaster qualification (1)
• DTI CEPT Long Range Radio Certificate

• STCW 95 Basic Training

• RYA / MCA Personal Survival Techniques
• MCA Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• MCA Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• MCA Elementary First Aid
• MCA STCW 95 Proficiency in Medical First Aid aboard ship
• RYA National Powerboat Level 2 Certificate
• RYA International Certificate of Competence (2)
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance Course Certificate
• RYA Small Craft Radar Certificate
• MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)
• MCA Sea Survival for Yachtsmen
• MCA General Ships Knowledge
• GMDSS General Operators Certificate
• MCA Navigation and Radar
• MCA Advanced Firefighting
• UKSA Certificate in Marine Business Management
• UKSA Officer of the Watch Orals Preparation Certificate
• Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science (3)

Notes:

1. £17 + MCA ENG 1 medical examination.
2. Free to RYA members, membership fee £34
   With the practical nature of the two years paid work experience the course is Ideally suited to students aged 17-25.
3. Optional, requires academic pre-requisites Please allow for an extra £350 for accommodation in falmouth if opting for Foundation Degree