Training for a life on deck

Start your yachting career with UKSA’s yacht training courses

Is a working life spent on the deck of a yacht your ultimate dream? Our yacht training courses help you realise your ambitions for a yachting career that can take you around the world.

UKSA graduates are highly respected in the industry and our extensive list of industry contacts looking to employ UKSA graduates is testament to that. Whether you choose to work as a flotilla skipper, race crew, an instructor or as a deckhand on the world’s luxury superyachts we have a course that will be right for you.

Entry-level deckhand salaries are around $2000/month, plus generous tips, rising rapidly with further experience. Don’t forget that living on a yacht your food and accommodation expenses will already be covered.

Which course is right for me?

• Superyacht Crew Training is an ideal entry route into the yachting industry for 18 – 25 year olds. Ideal if you’re exploring your options without wanting to commit to a long-term career in the industry at this stage.
• Professional Yachtmaster Offshore / Ocean is ideal for those who are able to invest a little more time and money in their training leading to a long term career with clear progression routes.
• Professional Yacht Cadetship is a structured 3-year apprenticeship with the option of completing a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science with Falmouth Marine School. Our flagship course is a perfect alternative to university.

Alternatively, if you are interested in the hospitality side of the yachting industry please see our Superyacht Hospitality Training pages.

Why UKSA?

Our yacht training courses offer structured learning, with plenty of on-the-water experience. You’ll gain soft skills as well as in-depth technical training. Our focus is on getting you ready for your first job in the industry, focusing on all the skills you need to get there. We believe in offering more than the syllabus and exam passes; we aim to ensure that you achieve your personal best.

Our teachers are industry experts, with a wide range of experience. You’ll live on site in Cowes, with access to all our facilities, enabling you to build strong relationships and concentrate on your course.

As a charity we are driven by the aim of making sailing accessible to everyone with the ambition for a career at sea. Many of our graduates who are now embarking on long-term careers in the industry would not have had the chance to train without access to the funding support we can offer. Please talk to a course advisor to discuss your eligibility for the funding opportunities and bursaries that we have available.

This year we have added to the funding opportunities available with a new partnership with Neilson: apply to train on our 13 week training course and gain RYA Yachtmaster and Cruising Instructor qualifications. This will prepare you to work as a flotilla skipper or yacht trainer at one of Neilson’s stunning resorts. You will also receive a minimum of 70% funding and a job after graduating. To find out more visit the page Professional Yachtmaster – Neilson.