UKSA's Our three-year course is a ground-breaking, highly-respected and finely structured programme designed to train the future officers and captains of the superyacht industry and leads to MCA Officer of the Watch 3000gt qualification. The shore-based training part of this programme has recently been approved by the MCA to be counted as 'Yacht Time' towards the total 36 months time required.
This means UKSA's cadets can complete the whole programme within three years by combining academic study and practical paid work experience on a superyacht. The cadets will also have the opportunity to undertake a Plymouth University Foundation Degree in Marine Science leading to a full BSc if required. This degree course has joint qualifications with the merchant/commercial qualifications so there will be a greater chance for students to cross over into other sea-going pathways. Cadet graduates are now forging long term careers in the industry, so it is a great endorsement that our cadetship is being recognised and taken seriously within the industry.
Cadets pay to train but they can earn while they learn, on exciting and challenging work placements all over the world, helping to cover the cost of their course. Bursaries are available, however. Trinity House, through the Professional Yachtsmans Bursary Scheme (PYBS), supports four cadetship places each year, providing 75% funding to successful candidates. Leading maritime charity Seafarers UK has recently sponsored three places, providing 100% funding. The recognition and support from these highly respected maritime sector organisations is a fantastic endorsement of our UKSA course as a highly respected and viable alternative to commercial/merchant routes or university study.
Emma Baggett, UKSA industry and cadetship manager commented "For many, the journey they travel during the course of their training is a fundamental factor in gaining maturity and employability. Ultimately, these are crew with integrity, who are serious about wanting to learn, progress and make a positive contribution to their vessel and who are focussed on a long-term career within the industry."
UKSA
+44 1983 203034
www.uksa.org/