UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Course

Number of phases
5
Course duration
5 years
Role
Deckhand to Officer
Start dates
September 2025

From Cadet to Officer on superyachts

Are you between 18-25 and looking for an exciting career on superyachts? The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Course is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry. The programme has been designed specifically in consultation with the RYA and MCA to meet their approved training standards and guidelines and UKSA are proud to be the only training provider to offer this type of programme.

A great alternative to university, the course begins on 10th September 2025.

About the Superyacht Cadetship Course

The Superyacht Cadetship is our flagship course and is a structured five-year programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry following the career path to STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000GT).

The Superyacht Cadetship is delivered over five phases and combines the most relevant training, qualifications, and mentoring, which equips our graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge alongside offering a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in a career in the Superyacht industry. This structured programme progresses through the RYA Yachting scheme to MCA Deck Officer training leading to the MCA Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt) Certificate of Competence. This qualification enables you to work on an unrestricted world-wide basis as Captain of yachts up to 200gt, and Officer of the Watch of the very largest yachts up to 3000gt.

Cadets also have the opportunity to undertake a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science during phase 1 and 3 of the Superyacht Cadetship, awarded by Plymouth University. This option provides additional career and training pathways into different sectors in the maritime industry.

Superyacht Cadetship course stages

Phase 1

Essential Cadetship Training – 22 weeks (academic study)

This phase is designed to train cadets in seamanship, watch keeping, maintenance and industry knowledge; providing the skills and qualifications necessary to obtain an entry level position of employment.

Qualification gained

  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (sail)
  • RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shore based
  • MCA STCW Basic Safety Training
  • MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (STCW code Reg A-VI/6-2)
  • RYA Marine Short-Range Radio
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • RYA Advanced Powerboat
  • RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency
  • RYA Radar
  • MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing Training for Seafarers [Accredited by the UK Chamber of Shipping]
  • Superyacht Maintenance training
  • Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science (Optional)

As part of Phase 1, you will also participate in a NextGen workshop focusing on emotional intelligence, self awareness and communication, a Williams Jet Tender session on the water, and interviews with the industries leading agencies.

Phase 2

Cadetship 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. Students will have help from the industry guidance team here at UKSA to fine their positions for the work phases, if they have not already secured work before graduating.

Phase 3

Efficient Deck Hand and year 2 of Foundation Degree (if applicable)

After your initial phase of training, the UKSA Careers and Sales teams will support you on a 1:1 basis to return and complete the OOW modules.

Qualifications gained

  • Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) [must have 6 months onboard service]
  • RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shore based [Foundation Degree students only, or those planning to apply for Chief Mate <3000GT]

Phase 4

Cadetship Industry Phase – 12 to 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. 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 (Yacht less then 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.

Qualification gained:

  • Officer of the Watch (Yachts less then 3000gt) Certificate of Competence:
  • Human Element Leadership and Management (Operational Level)
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Restricted)
  • Electronic Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
  • GMDSS General Operators Certificate
  • Navigation and Radar (OOW Yachts)
  • General Ships Knowledge (OOW Yachts)
  • Oral Preparation Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt)

Lewis Coppinger

Second Officer on 50m yacht sailing from Greece to the Carribean

“I’ve gone from not really knowing what I wanted to do to being launched into a career which I love.”

read his story

Holly Barnard

Second Mate on SV Sea Dragon

“Every day is an adventure. Exploring unknown territories, meeting new wildlife neighbours, and being able to sail to areas only accessible by boat is pretty spectacular. I’ve always loved being on and in the ocean, so living and working on it is a dream come true.”

read her story

Course Pre-requisites

You must have the following pre-requisites to be considered for the Superyacht Cadetship:

  • Applicants must be between 18 and 25 with a genuine interest in a long-term career within the superyacht industry.
  • Excellent communication, oral and written skills, are essential, as is a good understanding of mathematics. Cadets should ideally have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English& Maths, passed with grades A-C.
  • 48 points UCAS points are required if applying for the Foundation Degree alongside the Superyacht Cadetship (120 points under the old UCAS points system). If you are over the age of 21, and you do not have the required UCAS points, you could be assessed on any workplace learning / training you have done.

Cadets will also be required to pass an MCA ENG1 medical examination prior to the start of their training at UKSA. Certain factors that may prevent you from passing this include colour blindness, short-sightedness, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, mental illness and alcoholism. If you are concerned about any of these conditions, please contact your Course Adviser.

Why Train With UKSA

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

  • Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
  • Accommodation in our new Sea.Change building*
  • Purpose built training suites
  • Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
  • Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
  • Access to our fully equipped gym
  • UKSA superyacht uniform provided (branded polo shirts)
  • Discounted rate for one  year’s membership of Nautilus International

* subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

attend an open day

How to Apply

You can get in touch with UKSA’s Careers Team by emailing [email protected] or calling +44 (0)1983 281626

To apply, you will need to send over the following:

  • Completed UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Application form
  • ENG1 medical ( or your booked appointment detail)
  • 2 full written references (Character or Professional)
  • CV

Please ask your course advisor for the application form and to start the process.

The next step is to book a cadet selection at UKSA.

  • 12th – 13th December 2024
  • 30th – 31st January 2024
  • 18th – 19th February 2025
  • 6th – 7th March 2025
  • 27th – 28th March 2025

Register Your Interest

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#SeaChangeStories

What drew me to the Cadetship was the hands-on experience you get to build up on the water, and the sea miles you gain over the duration of the course. It allows you to be thrown into situations that you wouldn’t usually be in.

Tory Armstrong -Superyacht Cadetship/Master Yacht

Read more