Master the Seas. Rise to Officer in 5 years
UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship is a unique, structured training programme designed to take you from aspiring seafarer to qualified Officer of the Watch (Yachts <3000GT) in just five years.
Blending academic study, practical seamanship, and paid industry placements, the cadetship offers an unparalleled entry route into professional yachting – especially for those aiming for officer-level roles on some of the world’s most prestigious vessels.
This 22-week academic phase is just the first step in the journey. On completion, cadets will need to progress through additional phases to complete their training, with ongoing support from UKSA every step of the way.
We are now able to offer 0% finance through Cherry Godfrey. Please speak to our Careers Team through WhatsApp for more information about this funding route. Subject to status.
Find the Right Course for You at UKSA
Choosing the right course is a big decision, and nothing compares to visiting in person.
At our Open Days, you’ll meet current students, talk to tutors, and tour the facilities where your training will take place.
We’ll answer all your questions and help you feel confident that UKSA is the right fit for your goals, whether you’re interested in watersports, superyacht careers, or maritime training.
Accelerate your career
Graduates secure a job within a year
Phases to become an Officer
Qualifications gained
Weeks academic training
Need help funding your training?
UKSA offers bursary support for UK passport holders aged 18-25 who may face financial barriers to accessing training. Eligible applicants may receive up to 50% towards selected career training course fees, helping more young people take the first step into a maritime career.
We also offer finance and payment options for those who would benefit from spreading the cost of training. Speak to our course advisers to find out more about the support available and discuss the options best suited to you.
The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship is designed to guide aspiring seafarers from entry-level deckhand roles to fully qualified Officer of the Watch (Yachts <3000GT), combining training, sea time, and real-world experience. This is not a classroom-only course – cadets split their time between intensive shore-based training at UKSA and extended periods of paid work on board superyachts around the world.
Starting with the fundamentals of seamanship, navigation, and safety, cadets gain the skills needed to join superyachts as junior deck crew. Through a phased structure, they return to UKSA at key intervals for advanced training, but the majority of their learning takes place at sea. During sea phases, cadets are employed in paid positions, building essential experience while logging sea time required for certification.
By the end of the programme, cadets are prepared to sit their Officer of the Watch oral exam and take the next step in their maritime careers. This structured, earn-while-you-train model is ideal for those who are serious about progressing in the superyacht industry and want a clear, supported route from deckhand to officer.
Your Cadetship journey
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.
Qualifications gained
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.
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.
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.
This will also be Year 2 of the Foundation Degree if you chose to complete this.
Qualifications gained
12 – 18 months in industry
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.
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:
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Superyacht Cadetship have pursued successful careers in various sectors, including:
Superyacht Industry
Roles such as deckhand, first mate, and captain on luxury yachts.
Flotilla and Charter Operations
Skippering charter yachts in popular sailing destinations.
Training and Instruction
Becoming sailing instructors or working with youth sail training programs.
Maritime Services
Positions in yacht delivery, brokerage, and marina management.
Merchant Navy
Progressing to roles within commercial shipping operations.
Holly Barnard turned her love for the ocean into a dynamic maritime career through UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship. Now working as Second Mate aboard the 72ft explorer vessel SV Sea Dragon, she travels through some of the world’s most remote and stunning seascapes, including the wild coastlines of British Columbia.
Her journey is a testament to how hands-on experience and the right training can launch a life of adventure at sea.
“I’ve always loved being on and in the ocean, so living and working on it is a dream come true.”
Holly Barnard
About the Course
The Superyacht Cadetship is UKSA’s flagship officer training programme, tailored to young adults aged 18+ seeking a long-term career at sea.
Designed in line with Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements, the course combines shore-based training with structured sea phases to ensure cadets meet the criteria for their Officer of the Watch (Yachts <3000GT) certification.
Delivered over five distinct phases, cadets benefit from an all-inclusive experience at UKSA’s world-class waterfront campus, which includes accommodation, meals, and access to cutting-edge simulators and equipment. Instructors with real-world experience guide cadets through essential modules in navigation, safety, vessel operations, leadership, and engineering.
Throughout this process, UKSA’s dedicated Careers Team will provide ongoing guidance and support, helping Cadets secure placements and navigate each step of their development, ensuring they stay on track to reach their goal of becoming qualified officers on some of the world’s most prestigious superyachts.
From day one, you’ll have access to two dedicated Welfare Mentors who provide personalised support throughout your training journey. This support is delivered through a combination of structured programs and flexible initiatives, all designed to promote personal growth and professional development within a supportive, inclusive, and non-judgemental environment.
Cadets take part in three mandatory one-on-one Welfare Meetings, offering a confidential space to reflect on their wellbeing and progress. These sessions encourage open dialogue about their experience on the course, both personally and professionally. When needed, additional support sessions can be arranged to implement changes or offer further guidance.
Beyond these core meetings, Cadets are invited to attend two scheduled welfare drop-in sessions, either individually or as part of a crew. These sessions are designed to be accessible, responsive, and tailored to the evolving needs of each Cadet.
Welfare support at UKSA extends beyond scheduled appointments. Cadets are encouraged to reach out at any time for further discussion or advice. These conversations may focus on building confidence and resilience, enhancing mental and physical wellbeing, preparing for interviews, responding to skipper feedback, or working toward personal and professional goals.
UKSA also provides comprehensive Mental Health Training and ensures that support continues beyond training, throughout each Cadet’s career in the industry.
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.
Cadets will also be required to pass an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea 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.
All maritime employers will expect some type of experience to show that you can demonstrate a strong work ethic, practical application of skills and are a motivated individual. We would recommend any student booking onto our careers courses to have a minimum of one year prior experience in a work place, whether this is volunteering or paid work.
UKSA is not a recruitment agency and cannot guarantee work placements after completion of the course, but we work closely with a large number of recruitment agencies and companies that employ our graduates. During all courses, we provide industry and career guidance to prepare for seeking employment post-graduation, and offer continual support once you have left UKSA.
Apply Today
To apply, simply complete the form below and one of our course advisers will provide you with an application form to complete and discuss your suitability.
The next step is to book a cadet selection at UKSA. Our selections are usually run over two days. On the selection you will be required to deliver a detailed presentation on a superyacht of your choice and sit an interview with UKSA’s cadetship selection panel, where you will be required to demonstrate a proven interest in a long-term career within the superyacht industry.
Why Train with UKSA?
When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.
From surf boards to superyachts... our courses suit every ambition
Whatever your career aspirations, we have all the support and facilities to help you achieve your goals
Purpose built classrooms
Guidance with interview techniques and CV preparation
Continued career guidance throughout your career
Network with people working in the industry throughout your time at UKSA
Joy Cameron – Superyacht Deckhand Training Graduate
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