A commonly uttered phrase among those in the know, is that the yachting industry is growing up and becoming ‘increasingly professionalised.’ Consequently, the days when newbies could simply smile in the right direction and hop on board a boat without any qualifications, training or experience, are long gone. 

As a minimum, all crew must comply with international maritime regulations and safety standards (meaning that all crew must at least have STCW Basic Safety Training under their belts), and over the past two decades we’ve seen the  emergence of numerous training providers. However, many courses do not meet professional standards, so it’s little wonder that crew sometimes feel confused or even mislead. 

As the market for superyacht crew training becoming increasingly crowded, how can you be sure that the courses you sign up for meet professional standards and are worth the paper they are written on? 

Meeting industry standards in crew training 

Whether you’re new to the industry or you want to upskill and progress in your career, it’s important to be sure that any training you undertake is fit for purpose. For example, when you sign up with Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) accredited training providers, you can be assured that the training meets required standards and your qualifications will be recognised and welcomed by prospective employers. 

For non-mandatory training too, a number of courses are now widely recognised and highly regarded, and the (GUEST) Program launched in 2013 is a prime example. The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) is the governing body for the (GUEST) Program, and formally accredits training providers who meet the IAMI GUEST Qualifications Standards. Course content is constantly reviewed, updated and redesigned to ensure that it equips crew to perform to a professional standard, meeting - or exceeding - the expectations of owners and guests. 

Upskilling to progress your seafaring career 

In a busy job market too, demonstrating that you have the right qualifications from an accredited training provider gives employers the confidence to trust that you have the required knowledge and technical skills to perform the role.

For those keen to stand out from the crowd and ward off competition, additional non-mandatory training and/or relevant work experience can also increase your chances of employment, particularly on vessels with a particular focus, such as diving, water sports, wellness, or those catering to families with young children. 

As in most sectors, training does require an initial financial outlay, but undertaking professional training is a worthwhile investment for the long term, suggesting to employers that you are committed and that you take your career seriously.