Yachting Cadetship

The Cadetship training programme in detail:

Phase 1

Essential Cadetship Training - 18 weeks (academic study)

This phase is designed to train cadets in seamanship, watch keeping, maintenance and industry knowledge; the qualifications necessary to obtain an entry level position of employment. With the correct application and the correct attitude, the cadet should be able to be considered for a junior watch keeping position by the end of Phase 2.

Phase 2

Industry Phase - 12-18 months (paid employment)

Cadets will work at sea, following the guidance of the MCA Training Record Book, with regular communication to the UKSA and reports from the cadet's Captain / Employer. The UKSA will expect monthly reports from the cadet reporting on their work, roles and responsibility. For those cadets on the Foundation Degree programme, Level One Modules will be completed by the end of this Phase.

Phase 3

Yacht Operations and Management - 10 weeks (academic study)

This is the link between a senior deckhand's role and that of a watch keeping officer's.  The ocean training builds on the cadet's working experience in Phase 2, enabling competence and confidence to plan and execute an ocean passage. With the addition of the General Operators Certificate (GOC), the cadet is able and eligible to sit the Master 200 oral exam. The Ship Security Officer knowledge, together with the Master 200gt and the cadet's experience at sea, makes them attractive as junior watch keeping officers; the intended placement for Phase 4.

Phase 4

Industry Phase - 12-18 months (paid employment)

During this phase the cadet will gain watch keeping experience, in line with the MCA Training Record Book; applying and honing the practical techniques and practices learnt in Phase 3. Once again the UKSA will expect monthly reports from the cadet on their progress and development onboard. For those cadets on the Foundation Degree programme, this would be completed by the end of this Phase.

Phase 5

Cadetship Completion Training - 8 weeks (academic study)

This is the final stage of the Officer of the Watch 3000gt training. Building on training and experience gained over the period of the course, Cadets will study senior modules towards the final examination and qualification.

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
• Yacht Operations and Management
• MCA Master 200gt training

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:

• Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science**
• UKSA Officer of the Watch Oral Preparation Certificate
• MCA Sea Survival for Yachtsmen
• MCA General Ships Knowledge
• GMDSS General Operators Certificate
• MCA Navigation and Radar
• MCA Advanced Firefighting
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean with Commercial Endorsement
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Certificate
• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (sail)
• Twin Screw powerboat competence
• Commercial endorsements for Yachtmaster qualification***
• 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****
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance Course Certificate
• RYA Small Craft Radar Certificate
• MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)
• MCA Ship Security Officer (SSO)
• Yacht Operations and Management course
• Employment Law
• Cash flow and forecasting/P&L/Business accounting
• Project Management
• Customer Service

Notes

* Candidates with over 1,250 tidal miles, including three skippered passages over 60 miles of which 1 is skippered and 1 is overnight, logged in a power vessel plus 21 days onboard a power vessel in advance of the course can enter for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster (Power) exam. Pre-requisites for the RYA Coastal Skipper (power) are 400 miles, 12 days at sea, 2 as skipper and 12 night hours. For those students without the pre-requisite experience you will be entered for the RYA Day Skipper (power) qualification.

**An optional qualification, requires academic pre-requisites Please budget for an extra £300 for accommodation in Falmouth if opting for the Foundation Degree.

***£25 + MCA ENG 1 medical examination.

****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.