Building Skills, Careers, and Wellbeing on the Water

UKSA is the World’s premier maritime training centre and our industry-leading instructors and wider support team have been delivering courses for over 35 years, helping thousands of individuals launch long-term and fulfilling careers.

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students from 49 countries

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MCA courses delivered

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course pass rate

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sea miles logged

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students trained in mental health awareness

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boats and watercrafts

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children under 18 took part in activities on the water 

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welfare sessions given

Careers Support and Guidance

Your Future Starts Here

At UKSA, we believe a maritime career should be accessible, aspirational, and transformative. With over 35 years of experience and strong connections across the maritime world, we provide expert insight, tailored support, and exclusive access to the industry – both during your training and long after you graduate.

Whether you’re aiming to become a deckhand, watersports instructor, steward, or superyacht officer, we prepare you for a successful, long-term career in the maritime industry.

Support that starts from day one - and lasts a lifetime

UKSA’s career support is built around your success, with one-to-one guidance and exclusive access to tools and events designed to help you thrive. Our instructors and careers advisors aren’t just educators – they’re maritime professionals with real-world experience.

We empower young people to take control of their future – with the guidance of a team who truly understands the sea. UKSA students graduate with confidence, qualifications, and a deep understanding of the maritime world. But most importantly, they leave with a clear path forward – backed by expert tuition, trusted guidance, and lifelong support.

Expert tuition that sets you apart

  • Specialist personalised, one-to-one Careers Support
    Every student receives individual careers advice, including CV reviews, interview preparation, and bespoke support – all delivered in a confidential and supportive setting.
  • Lifelong Support
    UKSA’s careers support doesn’t end when your course does. Our guidance continues throughout your journey in the maritime industry, helping you navigate job applications, promotions, and career changes.
  • Career Events & Networking Opportunities
    Attend UKSA’s exclusive career open days, the perfect opportunity to meet employers, build contacts, and secure job opportunities.
  • FREE and discounted membership
    Our Cadetship students get one year’s free access to the leading maritime union, supporting you from training into employment. We also provide discounted membership for all UKSA students.

Proven Success Across Programmes

Superyacht
Cadetship

This four-year programme is a unique pathway to officer-level roles in the luxury superyacht sector, with 100% of Cadets into employment within 12 months of graduation.

Professional
Yachtmaster Offshore

Our flagship course delivered a 90% pass rate in 2024, equipping graduates with one of the most prestigious qualifications in the industry. Alumni are now working as skippers, flotilla leaders, charter operators, and on Superyachts. 

Superyacht
Deckhand Training

In just three weeks, 127 students in 2024 gained core qualifications in safety and seamanship. With strong industry links, many moved into work within weeks of graduation. 

Superyacht
Steward Training

Combining technical expertise with the soft skills demanded by high-end service roles. In 2024, 53 students graduated job-ready, trained in silver service, floristry, laundry, and wine appreciation.

Watersport
Instructor Training

A proven launchpad into the leisure and yachting sectors, this course delivers over 90% graduate employment. You’ll gain recognised qualifications and valuable real-world experience.

Supporting you to succeed

Welfare at the heart of UKSA

Need to talk? We’re here to listen. At UKSA, your wellbeing matters as much as your career. Reach out to Kim or Gemma any time during your training or beyond - we’re with you for the journey.

Student welfare is at the heart of what we do. Because we understand that personal growth is just as important as professional development. Thanks to funding from The Seafarers’ Charity, we have developed and embedded a comprehensive welfare service that places wellbeing at the heart of our maritime training.  

From your first day with us you’ll have access to a dedicated team who are here to support your emotional and pastoral needs – no matter your age, background or ability. 

You are never alone at UKSA. We’re here to help – every step of the way. 

Our approach to learning goes beyond qualifications. We focus on your personal development, confidence, and wellbeing – giving you the real-world tools you need to succeed both in training and in the workplace.

UKSA is unique in offering ongoing access to our welfare services, so even after you graduate, our team remains available to help you manage life and career challenges. Here’s what we offer:

  • 1:1 confidential support from the team with all Further Education students and Cadet students.
  • Emotional and pastoral care tailored to individual needs
  • Ongoing mentoring during and after your course
  • Dedicated welfare support for under 18s, including direct parent communication
  • Safeguarding services, including designated leads on-site and support and signposting partnerships with associated professionals.
  • Guidance for students, staff, and parents

Our on-site Welfare Team offers confidential, personalised support throughout your journey. Whether you need someone to talk to or help navigate life’s challenges, you can always turn to us.

Kim Fry – Safeguarding and Welfare Manager 

Kim is a qualified social worker with decades of experience supporting children, young people, adults, and families. Kim is the lead Welfare Mentor for Cadets. She is also a Mental Health First Aid England Instructor Member and works closely with the maritime sector to champion and promote mental health awareness.

“UKSA has a genuine family feel. Within days, everyone knows your name – and our doors are always open for a confidential chat.”

Gemma Maskell – Senior Welfare Officer 

With a background in teaching and in the health and wellbeing industry, Gemma brings a holistic approach to student support. She helps students and parents alike with practical advice and emotional guidance. Gemma is also a qualified Mental Health First Aid England Instructor. Gemma is the Welfare Lead for our Education Students.

Rae Sherman – Welfare Officer
 
Rae’s background is in commercial shipping, and they worked on board cargo vessels as an Officer Cadet for 3 years, which means they are the more sailorly one out of the welfare team. Rae works with both the Cadets and the Education students and helps with presenting the Mental Health for Seafarers course.

We take a whole-person approach, supporting your emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing alongside your career development. This ensures you not only train successfully – but thrive long after you leave UKSA. 

We also offer support with developing a personalised Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), helping you take control of your wellbeing:

  • Daily Maintenance Plan – Build healthy daily habits to maintain your wellness
  • Wellness Toolbox – Identify what lifts you up and makes you feel better
  • Triggers – Recognise which events or circumstances cause stress
  • Early Warning Signs – Know when to take action
  • Crisis Plan – Even with the best self-care, things can sometimes feel overwhelming. WRAP helps you plan for these moments, offering clear, step-by-step actions to reduce distress and regain stability.

Championing Crew Welfare Across the Maritime Industry

Our commitment to wellbeing goes beyond our programmes. Through our leadership of the Changing Tack working group – a coalition of key maritime industry leaders – we’re driving meaningful change across the sector too.

Together we’ve raised awareness of crew wellbeing, improved onboard working conditions and ensured that seafarers have access to the support they need. We are committed to working with industry partners to turn these recommendations into real, lasting change.

Support Helplines:

  • Immediate Crisis Support (UK-wide, 24/7)
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 for a free, confidential listening service any time of the day or night.
  • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support.
  • NHS 111: If it’s not a life-threatening emergency but you need urgent help, call 111 (in England and Wales) and select option 2 to access a 24/7 mental health support line.
  • Emergency Services: If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.
  • 111 Option 2 for Mental Health Support.
  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • Seafarer-Specific Helplines
  • For seafarers, specialized support is available:
  • Mind Call at Sea: A free, confidential emotional support helpline for seafarers on NorthStandard entered vessels, available 24/7. They offer support via telephone, email, live chat, or WhatsApp and in multiple languages.
  • ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp: Provides support for crew worldwide. Their Yacht Crew Help service is specifically for professional yacht crew. https://www.seafarerswelfare.org/our-work/seafarers-mental-health-and-wellbeing
  • https://saferwaves.org/after-sexual-assault-on-board/ https://www.befrienders.org/
  • Sailine: https://sailine.org.uk/
  • Other UK Specialist Helplines
  • Mind Infoline: Offers general information and support on mental health issues. Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). Call 0300 123 3393. · SANEline: Offers support if you’re experiencing a mental health problem. Call 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10pm every day).
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): For anyone identifying as male. Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat.
  • Switchboard: The national LGBTQIA+ support line. Call 0800 0119 100 (10am–10pm, 7 days a week).
  • The Mix: Provides support for young people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 (3pm–12am, 7 days a week) or use their webchat service.

Our commitment to wellbeing goes beyond our programmes. Through our leadership of the Changing Tack working group – a coalition of key maritime industry leaders – we’re driving meaningful change across the sector too.

Together we’ve raised awareness of crew wellbeing, improved onboard working conditions and ensured that seafarers have access to the support they need. We are committed to working with industry partners to turn these recommendations into real, lasting change. 

Find Out More