Superyacht Purser Course
Diploma for Superyacht Pursers
Superyacht Pursers
Maritime Training Academy’s specialist Yacht Purser Diploma provides the professional training required to manage luxury yacht administration, guest logistics and financial operations at sea.
Study online from anywhere in the world and gain the knowledge and credentials needed to perform the purser role on board superyachts. From crew documentation to budgeting, itinerary coordination to customs declarations — this course prepares you for one of the most trusted roles in the professional yacht crew hierarchy.
Professional Superyacht Purser Certification
Develop your skills in yacht hospitality, guest liaison, financial planning and onboard operations. This globally recognised course supports your progression into senior purser roles across the superyacht industry.
Contact us below to enrol today, or speak with our our friendly course specialists.
Duration:
12 - 18 months
Learn at your own pace
Online Course:
Study from anywhere
Cost:
Diploma: £3,195
Certificate: £2,295
Recognised by: 
Superyacht Pursers Diploma vs Certification
Choose the right path for your career:
Diploma - £3,195
A recognised qualification for those pursuing superyacht purser roles, or experienced yacht crew stepping into senior administrative and hospitality positions.
Certificate - £2,295
Focused yacht purser training without formal assessments — ideal for those seeking professional development without exam requirements.
Superyacht Pursers Curriculum: 10 Modules & Career Skills
This online Yacht Purser Course equips you with the operational and administrative skills required for the modern purser role onboard large yachts.
Course content covers full lifecycle voyage planning, document control, financial administration, guest logistics and compliance with flag state and port requirements. You’ll also explore crew management, supplier coordination and luxury hospitality protocols in a superyacht setting.
Whether you’re preparing for your first purser position or formalising your experience, this training ensures you’re ready to support captains, owners and guests with efficiency and professionalism.
1. History of the Superyacht Industry and where we are today
- An Introduction to the Industry
- History and background to the Superyacht Industry
- Regulations and Flag States
- Superyacht Standards
- Classification societies and the role of Class
- Different levels of regulation
- The role of the yacht manager
- Industry Associations
2. The Role of the Purser
- Where does the purser fit in the yacht’s crew structure?
- What are the main heads of department responsibilities on a day-to-day basis?
- Typical duties of the purser
- What role does the purser play within the yacht’s emergency organisation?
- What role does the purser play in dealing with guests?
- Time management
- Record keeping
- Effective Communication
- Leadership
3. Budgets and Accounting
- Financial Policy
- Bookkeeping
- Accounting
- Budgeting
- Costing
- Cash Management
- Internal Controls
- Charter Accounting
- Auditing
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Brexit and VAT
- Corporate Ownership
- Anti Money Laundering
- Bribery Act
4. Crew Management
- Superyacht crew and shore support
- How superyacht sizes and use impact the crew
- Typical crew day in a charter yacht
- Maritime Labour Convention
- Crew contracts
- Disciplinary procedures
- Recruitment
- Crew induction
- Crew development
- Qualifications
- Crew Management
5. Essential Law and the Superyacht Regulatory Environment
- Legal Concepts
- Maritime Law
6. Charter
- 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. Destination Management
- Know your stuff
- Destination research
- Sources of information and the importance of being correct
- Creating an Itinerary: understanding the client, giving that something extra
- Guest activity management
- The influence of weather
- The importance of planning
- Visas, vaccinations and permissions
- Managing media both social and the paparazzi for either privacy or promotion
- Environmental concerns
8. Travel and Logistics
- Corporate travel policies
- Itinerary
- Booking travel with an agent
- Travel finance and accounts
- Travel profile form
9. Port Clearance
- Yacht Agents
- Crew List
- Customs and Immigration
- Mediterranean Cruising
- USA and Caribbean Cruising
- ISPS
10. The Pursers Role in Superyacht Operations
- Routine Operations
- In harbour
- At sea
- Refit and lay-up periods
- Emergency drills
Hear from our Students
I am proud of having attended the Superyacht Purser Diploma
I am proud of having attended the Superyacht Purser Diploma and thank all the staff of Maritime Academy for helping me to reach it. Great job from the ones who prepared the modules to the ones that carry everyday work to help students.
Emilia
Meet the Course Director
Ian Biles
Managing Director at Maritime Services International
Ian has led MSI to become one of the world’s leading surveying companies. Ian’s qualifications include: Master Mariner, RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Naval Architect (BEng Ship Science) and Business Management (MA Business Management).
In has worked within the superyacht industry since 1995 and has personally surveyed more than 200 different superyachts as well as working as the Owners Representative on a 115m explorer for two years.
Superyacht Pursers Course FAQs
Find out more about the course with our FAQs below.
How do I become a Superyacht Purser?
Start by enrolling in a recognised training programme such as this one. This diploma equips you with the knowledge and certification needed to take on purser responsibilities in the superyacht industry.
What qualification will I receive?
You’ll gain a Diploma in Superyacht Pursers from the Maritime Training Academy, which is a globally recognised qualification for professional yacht crew roles.
What does a superyacht purser course entail?
You’ll study guest logistics, budgeting, customs procedures, document control and onboard administration. The course includes technical workflows, voyage planning, flag compliance and hospitality operations at sea.
How much does a superyacht purser earn?
Luxury Yacht purser salaries typically range from £36,000 to over £80,000 per year depending on yacht size, itinerary, experience and whether the vessel is charter or private.
Is this course suitable for experienced stewardesses or deck crew?
Yes it’s ideal for interior or deck crew progressing into senior support roles, especially those looking to take on more administrative and operational responsibilities.
Can I take this course without prior purser experience?
Absolutely. The course is suitable for both entry-level candidates and those currently in yachting looking to specialise in purser duties.
Is this a hospitality-focused course?
Partially while hospitality is a key component, the course is equally focused on financial planning, logistics, compliance and administration relevant to superyacht operations.
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.