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We would like to share several important updates for all engineering crew and engineering students. For those at the beginning of their engineering careers, this information is particularly important. Establishing the correct foundations early can help to avoid unnecessary delays and complications later on. The guidance below is intended to support you in planning your engineering career correctly from the start.
It is essential to ensure that all sea service is correctly documented from the very start of your career. All sea time must be recorded either in your Seaman’s Book/Discharge Book or supported by an official testimonial and verified with either the PYA or Nautilus.
We would like to highlight two routes of entry to the Small Vessels (SV) Programme:
Bluewater is pleased to confirm that we are now able to register students for both routes.
To be eligible for registration via the Experienced Seafarer Route, candidates may count up to 90 days of shipyard service. A further 90 days may also be approved, bringing the maximum total allowed to 180 days.
Previously, approval for additional shipyard days could only be granted by the MCA. However, from 2026, the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) will also be able to approve these additional days, provided you can demonstrate that relevant engineering work was carried out during the shipyard period.
Please note that no more than 180 days of shipyard service in total may be counted towards your Certificate of Competency (CoC). If 180 days of shipyard service has been used prior to registration, no more can be used after.
Prior to registration on the SV Programme, candidates may work in a dual role (deck/engineer) and have their sea time counted in full. Once registered on the SV Programme, however, the MCA will not accept sea time gained in a dual role.
All qualifying sea time, after registration, towards the SV EOOW Certificate of Competency must be completed entirely within the engineering department.
For full details of the engineering career pathway, please refer to MSN 1904.
Our training specialists in Antibes and Palma are available to provide guidance and support throughout your career progression. Please contact them for further information.
Antibes Office
Pippa Wastell
Email: training@bluewateryachting.com
Telephone: +33 493 34 47 73
Palma Office
Katarina Nilsson
Email: palma@bluewateryachting.com
Telephone: +34 971 677 154
