Charting The Course: How The Bluewater Scholarship Programme Is Shaping Future Yacht Crew Leaders

The world of yachting is fast-paced, global, and filled with opportunity—but progressing your career as a deck or engineering officer can be costly and complex. That’s where the Bluewater Scholarship Programme steps in.

By Pippa Wastell • 02 July 2025

Charting the Course: How the Bluewater Scholarship Programme is Shaping Future Yacht Crew Leaders

Bluewater Scholarship Programme © Bluewater

Designed to support experienced seafarers who are ready to take their next big step, the programme offers targeted funding and training support for those working towards a Certificate of Competency (CoC). Whether you’re aiming to qualify as an Officer of the Watch or an Engineering Officer of the Watch, Bluewater is offering a lifeline to help talented individuals gain the qualifications they need to succeed in the maritime industry. 

Investing in Talent: What the Programme Offers 

Bluewater selects four candidates to receive a fully funded training package, with two pathways available: 

Officer of the Watch <3000GT (OOW) – for deck officers 

Small Vessel Engineering Officer of the Watch (SV EOOW<9000kW, <3000gt) – for engineers 

Successful applicants will train at one of Bluewater’s leading facilities in Antibes, France or Palma, Spain, with one candidate per programme selected in each location. 

OOW <3000GT Training Package 

This pathway supports deck candidates preparing for their oral exams and includes the following training modules: 

Navigation & Radar (Yacht) 

General Ship Knowledge (Yacht) 

Efficient Deckhand (EDH) 

HELM Operational 

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display & Information Systems) 

GMDSS General Operator Certificate 

Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC&RB – Antibes only

SV EOOW<9000kW, <3000gt Training Package 

Engineering candidates receive support to complete these vital training modules: 

SV Marine Diesel Engineering 

SV Auxiliary Equipment – Part 1 

SV Operational Procedures, Basic Hotel Service & Ship Construction 

SV Workshop Skills (Palma only

Advanced Firefighting 

Medical First Aid 

HELM Operational 

PSC&RB (restricted – Antibes only

Each pathway prepares candidates to apply for their Notice of Eligibility (NoE), a prerequisite for taking the oral examination required to obtain a CoC. 

What’s Not Included 

While the scholarship generously covers course fees, it does not cover: 

Seafarer medical (ENG1 or equivalent) 

External exam fees (oral or written) 

Travel and accommodation 

Retakes or resits 

Costs related to qualifying sea time or mileage 

Entry Requirements: Who Can Apply? 

The programme is open to motivated and experienced seafarers who meet the following minimum criteria: 

For Deck Candidates: 

Valid ENG1 medical 

STCW Basic Safety Training (FP&FF, EFA, PST, PSSR) 

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or IYT Master of Yachts 200 (with shore-based certificate and commercially endorsed) 

36 months’ sea service as outlined in MSN 1858 

For Engineering Candidates: 

Valid ENG1 medical 

STCW Basic Safety Training 

AEC 1 & 2 qualifications 

24 months employed in engineering on vessels >200kW (MSN 1904) 

6 months at sea in engineering on vessels >200kW (MSN 524) 

The Application Process 

Applicants must submit: 

An online application form 

A CV and two references (from a captain, senior crew, or management company) 

A profile photo and personal statement 

Scans of all relevant certificates 

Key Dates: 

Applications Open: 1 September 2025 

Deadline: 31 October 2025 (midnight) 

Results Announced: December 2025 

Training Starts: From January 2026 

Training Completion: Within two years of receiving funding 

A panel of maritime professionals—including captains, engineers, and shore-based experts—will review all applications. Please note, the panel’s decision is final, and no appeals process is available. 

After the Scholarship 

Successful candidates agree to a few simple conditions, including: 

Consent to Bluewater’s Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy 

Participation in occasional marketing interviews and photos 

Providing a short update after completing their training, sharing how the scholarship helped advance their career 

Why It Matters 

With many talented seafarers held back by the cost of training, the Bluewater Scholarship Programme opens new doors. It’s not just about funding—it’s about empowering the next generation of yacht professionals to take on leadership roles, contribute to safer and more effective operations, and grow the professionalism of the yachting industry as a whole. 

If you’re ready to move forward in your maritime career, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. 

Applications open 1st September 2025. 
Start your journey—apply through Bluewater’s official site and take the next step toward your future.