This guide explains the first steps to becoming qualified in the large yacht industry. Bluewater is the longest established yacht crew training provider outside the UK with over 19 years’ experience. We offer a full range of deck, engineering and interior courses for those just starting in the yachting industry and all the required modules to reach the highest levels of professional yachting.

If you are seeking work in the yachting industry for the first time certain courses are essential and others are highly desirable in the eyes of potential employers.

You will find it difficult to obtain a job in yachting unless you have attended these courses. They contain essential safety information for anyone going to sea for the first time. Basic training takes place over 5 days and comprises 4 courses. These are: Personal Survival Techniques, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, Fire Prevention and Firefighting and Elementary First Aid. If you are hoping to go on to gain MCA Certificates of Competency such as are described elsewhere in this booklet you should be aware that the MCA expect that your STCW 4 element basic training takes place over a minimum of 5 days of tuition. Some centres offer training over a shorter time period - STCW95 Crew Basic Training

Under UK law most people do not require a licence to operate a boat of less than 80 GT. Most other countries however have a much lower limit than this. In France, for instance, permits are required over 6 Kw of engine power. The RYA National Powerboat Certificate (level II) is recognised by most European administrations for the operation of small craft like yacht tenders. Any yacht operating tenders outside the immediate vicinity of the mother ship would be well advised to have qualified tender drivers. Obtaining this certificate at an early stage could make your CV stand out and enhance your job prospects. The course takes place over two days and has theoretical and practical boat handling elements - RYA power boat level 2 course

The Royal Yachting Association is currently the only maritime certification body to issue a Certificate of Competency specifically for these types of craft. Although potentially very dangerous in careless hands, personal watercraft are very popular "toys" on superyachts. Having an RYA jet ski licence could well set you apart form other candidates for a job, whatever department in the yacht you are hoping to work in - RYA personal water craft course

For new stewards and stewardesses we have three entry level courses designed to help you be more effective more quickly in your new job.

This is a one day course which includes a general overview of the role of the interior crew, silver service techniques, table settings, wine storage and service, and napkin folding. The course includes a lecture and practical applications - Silver service course

This is a two day course that includes the full day of silver service and an introduction to the interior management of a yacht. It focuses on the skills needed for the smooth running of your interior, including personal grooming, laundry procedures and daily routines - Advanced Stewardess course

The Foundation Certificate is an entry level qualification providing a straightforward introduction to wine. The qualification objective is to provide the basic product knowledge, skills in the service of wine and food and wine matching. It is ideal for inexperienced crew who wish to advance their knowledge in this fascinating and important area. The course lasts one day and includes tasting of a wide selection of international quality wines and a basic food and wine matching activity. - Introduction to wine course

Under new rules published in MGN 270 some yachts will need to carry a number of crew qualified with a Yacht Rating Certificate (please refer to the manning scales on page 12). This is to bring the industry into line with STCW 95. The Yacht Rating Certificate is a combined deck and engineering qualification. To obtain a Yacht Rating Certificate you will need the following:

- 6 months yacht service
- 2 months sea service
- STCW 95 crew basic training
- An ENG1 seamen’s medical certificate.
- A completed yacht rating training record book.