Superyacht Operations Course
Diploma in Superyacht Operations
Superyacht Operations
This internationally recognised Superyacht Operations Diploma from the MTA delivers professional training in onboard procedures, technical compliance and large yacht administration. Designed for those working with or managing superyachts, this course supports career development in vessel operations, documentation, crew logistics and shore-based support.
Professional Superyacht Operations Certification
Gain the expertise required to oversee onboard yacht procedures, manage crew logistics and ensure compliance with global superyacht regulations.
Contact us below to enrol today, or get in touch with our friendly course advisors.
Duration:
12 - 18 months
Learn at your own pace
Online Course:
Study from anywhere
Cost:
Diploma: £3,195
Certificate: £2,295
Recognised by: 
Superyacht Operations Diploma vs Certification
Choose the right path for your career:
Diploma - £3,195
A globally recognised qualification for careers in superyacht operations, yacht logistics and compliance roles aboard 24m+ vessels.
Certificate - £2,295
Specialist Yacht Operations Training without formal assessments, for those who do not require a recognised diploma.
Superyacht Operations Curriculum: 12 Modules & Career Skills
Develop the knowledge and judgement required to manage large yacht operations, crew logistics and onboard compliance. This course covers vessel documentation, reporting procedures, flag state requirements and operational safety standards for private and commercial superyachts.
1. An Introduction to the Superyacht Industry
- Historical development
- Different types and styles of yacht
- The industry today – designers, builders, crews, insurers, brokers
- The owners and their requirements
- The role of the yacht manager
- Where can the superyacht be found?
- Future trends
2. Personnel
- Crew structures and sizes
- The role of the Captain
- Crew character and qualification requirements including STCW 95
- Recruitment, training and retention
- Career progression
- Contracts of employment, terms and conditions, ships articles
- MCA and qualification requirements
- International Labour Organisation (ILO)
- The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
3. Operational Management
- Why do we need Management Systems?
- Authority, policies and standing orders
- Safety management
- Documentation and record keeping
- Personnel
- Risk assessment
4. Interior Management and Catering
- Hospitality management review
- Operating procedures and policies
- Quality management
- Health and safety
- Food and drinks service
- Housekeeping
- Specialist guest service
5. Accounting
- Financial policy
- Bookkeeping
- Accounting
- Budgeting
- Costing
- Cash management
- Internal controls
- Charter accounting
- Auditing
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Corporate ownership
- Anti money laundering
- Bribery Act
6. Chartering
- Superyacht chartering
- The Charter Broker Network
- Forms of charter agreement – what is included
- Chartering seasons and shows
- Commercial chartering or to defray costs
- Customer relations and fixing a charter
- Managing the charter – crew and guests
7. Repairs and Maintenance
- Health & safety
- Routine maintenance v condition monitoring
- Proper planning
- The owner and the budget
- Enlisting outside help
- Repair/refit facilities and periodic maintenance
- Yard tenders and tender evaluation
- Paint maintenance and paint system repairs
8. Legal Aspects of Superyacht Management
- Introduction to English Law and the National legal system
- The Law of Contract
- The Law of Tort (negligence)
- Liability in Contract & Tort
- Responsibilities
- Admiralty Law and Jurisdiction
- International Maritime Law
- Governmental control of shipping
- Shipboard documentation
- Codes of practice for commercially operated yachts
- The Flag State
- Pollution
- Chartering commercially operated yachts
- Health and safety on board ship
- Marine Insurance
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Recreational craft directive
- Finance
- Employment of seamen in UK flag yachts
- Conduct and discipline
9. Insurance
- Introduction
- The legal side of marine insurance
- The practical side of marine insurance
10. New Building Project Management
- Defining requirements and obtaining viable tenders for building the vessel
- Analysing tenders, contract negotiations and signing
- Design development, project management, plan approval, inspection, trials and delivery
11. Security and ISPS
- Yacht security
- The ISPS Code and how it affects superyachts
- Security personnel and duties
- Searching and search procedures
- Yacht Security systems
- Owner and guest security ashore
- Superyacht crews
- Piracy and armed robbery
12. The International Safety Management Code (ISM)
- Introduction
- Key players
- Legal and insurance implications
- Practical aspects of the code
Hear from our Students
The knowledge and work invested into the course material is astonishing
By the course completion, one does not only hold a certificate, but a library of references and tools to master upcoming industry questions.
Kenny
Student (Marine Engineering)
Meet the Course Director
Jonathan Beckett
Chief Executive at Burgess
Jonathan is Chief Executive of Burgess and one of the most successful, experienced, and popular yacht brokers in the industry, orchestrating the sale of many of the world’s most famous yachts.
He joined Burgess at the age of 23, working in Monaco with the company’s founder Nigel Burgess from 1981 to 1983, before moving to the UK to launch the London operation. Under Jonathan’s guidance, the company has developed from a ‘one man band’ into an all-service company, with specialist divisions in all aspects of the superyacht industry and multiple offices around the globe.
Jonathan has served on the Board of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA), was President of MYBA from 2000 to 2002 and has also chaired the MYBA Sales Committee. He is a founding member and former President of the Large Yacht Brokers’ Association (LYBRA). In 2016 he received the Leadership Award from the International Superyacht Society.
Jonathan graduated from Durham University with a BA Hons in Sociology and represented England Universities at rugby. He divides his time between the Monaco, London and New York offices, but when he is not travelling he enjoys spending time at home with his family, sailing and watching all sports – especially rugby.
Superyacht Operations Course FAQs
Find out more about the course with our FAQs below.
How do I start a career in superyacht operations?
Begin with a recognised diploma that covers onboard procedures, compliance and administrative duties.Such as this one from the MTA, our course supports career progression into Superyacht & Fleet operations, as well as shore-based support roles.
What qualification will I receive from this yacht operations course?
You’ll earn a Diploma in Superyacht Operations from the Maritime Training Academy, recognised across the global superyacht and yachting sectors.
Does the course cover both private and charter yacht procedures?
Absolutely. The training is relevant to both commercial and private vessels over 24 metres, including compliance and logistics for charter operations.
How much does a yacht operations manager earn?
Salaries typically range from £45,000 to £85,000 depending on vessel size, experience and employer. Larger fleets and global charters may pay significantly more.
Can this course help crew members transition to shore-based roles?
Absolutely. It’s ideal for senior crew looking to move into yacht operations, administration or compliance positions ashore.
Is the course suitable for professionals new to the yachting industry?
Yes. The diploma provides structured, technical training that supports entry into large yacht support, operations or compliance roles.
See our FAQ page for more questions answered about MTA courses.
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Why Choose The Maritime Training Academy?
Flexible
Online learning allows you to study in your own time, at your own pace from anywhere in the world. This saves on travel and classroom costs and allows you to fit your studies around your job and progress your career.
Supportive
While the nature of distance learning is independent study, we recognise the importance of support. Students can contact us at any time during their course for assistance and our team of industry experts are always on hand for advice.
Expertise
We have over 50 industry experts writing, developing and advising on our course material. We truly believe that allowing students to tap into their expertise and knowledge is of the utmost importance to fulfil your dream career.
If you would prefer to complete this as a classroom-based course, please contact us.