Superyacht Refit & Building Course
Diploma in Superyacht Project Management – Refit & Newbuilding
Superyacht Project Management – Refit & Newbuilding
Superyacht Refit and Newbuilding Qualifications from the MTA deliver expert training in managing large-scale yacht construction, complex refits and lifecycle project planning for luxury vessels.
Study online from anywhere in the world and develop the practical and commercial skills needed to oversee newbuild planning, refit logistics, yard operations and contractor coordination. This specialist qualification is ideal for individuals working in yacht management, owner representation or shipyard roles related to superyacht construction and maintenance.
Professional Superyacht Refit & Newbuild Certification
Gain the credentials to manage refit projects, coordinate newbuild schedules and oversee superyacht construction with confidence.
Contact us below to enrol today, or speak with 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 Project Management – Refit and Newbuilding Diploma vs Certification
Choose the right path for your career:
Diploma - £3,195
A recognised qualification for professionals managing superyacht refits, newbuild schedules or project teams across shipyards, owner’s reps and fleet management companies.
Certificate - £2,295
Focused training for those seeking practical insight into superyacht build and refit projects without the requirement for assessments or formal grading.
Superyacht Pursers curriculum: 10 Modules & Career Skills
This comprehensive Superyacht Refit and Newbuilding course provides the knowledge and frameworks required to lead projects across all stages of a vessel’s lifecycle.
Course content covers full lifecycle project planning, refit yard selection, technical workflows, survey reporting, structural works and compliance with classification societies. You’ll also explore flag state requirements, build contract stages and learn owner-side stakeholder coordination.
Whether you’re managing a 50m refit or coordinating a full newbuild programme, this course prepares you for high-value responsibilities in the luxury yacht sector.
1. An Introduction to Superyacht Project Management – Refit & Newbuilding
- Introduction
- General background to the superyacht industry – a little bit of history
- International regulation of shipping (which includes superyachts)
- Flag states
- Classification societies and the role of class
- Different levels of regulation
- Routine maintenance or planned maintenance and refit
- Refit preparation
- The refit tender process and contract award
- The refit yard period
- Design, contract and tender
- Construction new building
- Builders and yards
- Superyacht builders
2. Accountancy and Payments
- Financial policy
- Bookkeeping
- Accountancy
- Budgeting
- Costing
- Cash management
- Internal controls and risk assessment
- Auditing
- Value Added Tax (VAT) and The European Union
- Corporate ownership
- Anti-money laundering
- Payment terms and stage payments
- Disagreements
3. Project Management
- Basics of project management
- Starting – beginning and controlling a project
- Understanding the four phases of a project
- General management of a project
- The basic mechanisms involved in project management
- Creating and maintaining schedules
- Managing the team
- Project manager – health & safety responsibilities
- Agile Project Management (APM)
- Why successful projects can fail
4. Project Completion and Acceptance
- Introduction
- Main project activities
- Activities related to acceptance and completion
- Acceptance
- ‘Completion’
- Warranty & guarantee period
- Issues, configuration and quality management
- Change control
- Project library
- Reading list
5. Change Orders
- Introduction
- Common causes of change orders
- Change orders and PC sums
- Dealing with PC sums and subcontractors
- Time and material change orders
- Change orders in the refit or new build
- The modifications and changes clause further explained
- The change order form further explained
- The making of the actual change order
- Record keeping of the change orders
- Change orders that do not have consequences
- Communication with the owner
- Payments of the agreed change orders
- After a change order is approved
- In case a change order is not agreed
- Documentation/reference list
6. Build Process & Building the Yacht
- Introduction
- Planning & pre-project work
- The hull, deck & superstructure
- Engineering & systems
- Superyacht interiors
- Painting & coatings
- Toys & recreational equipment
- Masts, spars, rigging & sails
- Safety equipment & safety systems
- Completion
- The build to cruising transition
7. Re-fit Process and Refitting the Yacht
- Introduction
- Initial requirements
- Refitting the hull & superstructure
- Engines & engineering
- On-board systems
- Refitting the interior
- Masts, spars, rigging & sails
- Painting, coatings & varnishing
- Toys & recreational equipment
- Audio visual & safety equipment
- Safety management systems & completion
8. Managing Expectations
- Introduction
- Roles and responsibilities
- Managing expectations
- Communication
- Reporting
- Meetings and feedback
- Quality control and assurance
- Preparation guidelines
9. Contracts
Legal concepts
- Introduction to English law
- The Law of Contract
- The Law of Tort (Negligence)
- Liability in Contract and Yort
- Responsibilities
Maritime Law and the flag state
- Admiralty Law and jurisdiction
- International Maritime Law
- Governmental control of shipping (UK)
The yacht repair/refit contract
- Pre-contract considerations
- Contract standard forms
- Ship conversion contract
Health and safety and employment
- Employment
- Major yacht refit yards
- Table of cases
10. Documentation
New Build and Refit
- Introduction
New Build Phase
- New Build documentation
- Build process documentation
- The importance of a paper trail
- The role of the class and flag surveyors in the process
- Documentation of disagreements
- Quality control
- Stage payment
Refit
- Overview
- The list of works
- Who needs it?
- Pre Refit
- During the Refit
- The next Refit
Hear from our Students
Professionals or students who want to improve their knowledge in manageing superyacht projects can attend the Superyacht Project Management – Refit and New-building course
One of the great benefit of this course is that it is instructed by industry professionals with extensive experience working in the superyacht industry. Therefore, the students are receiving relevant informations and the fact that the course is pertinent to the reality of the superyacht industry right now is anther advantage.
Chritinel
Captain
Meet the Course Director
Nick Dean
Managing Partner, OCEAN Independence
With over 42 years’ in the yachting industry Nick has amassed an extensive level of experience in sale and purchase, yacht charter, management and new build supervision. In 2005, Nick co-founded OCEAN Independence as joint Managing Partner and is also a founder member of the recently formed Large Yacht Brokers Association (LYBRA).
Superyacht Project Management –Refit and Newbuilding Course FAQs
Find out more about the course with our FAQs below.
How do I become a Superyacht Project Manager?
Start by gaining specialist training in yacht construction and refit operations. This diploma equips you with the skills and knowledge required to manage large-scale projects across the superyacht sector.
What does a Superyacht Project Manager course entail?
This Superyacht Refit and Newbuilding course covers all phases of yacht project management, from early-stage planning through to delivery and post-refit evaluation. You’ll study technical workflows, project lifecycle strategies, compliance requirements, contractor coordination and cost controls — all within the context of managing newbuilds or major refits for luxury yachts. The training also includes modules on working with classification societies, flag states and owner-side stakeholders.
How much does a Superyacht Project Manager earn?
Salaries typically range from £45,000 to over £100,000 depending on vessel size, seniority and experience. Project leads overseeing major refits or newbuilds for 60m+ yachts can command six-figure packages.
What topics are covered in this yacht refit course?
You’ll study refit and newbuild project phases, contract and compliance obligations, contractor coordination, class approval processes and cost control frameworks.
Does this course include yacht construction project management?
Yes — the course includes detailed training in managing superyacht builds from planning to delivery, including specification setting, quality assurance and site supervision.
Is this training suitable for working professionals?
Absolutely. The flexible online format means you can study around existing commitments from anywhere in the world.
Do I need superyacht project management experience to enrol?
No prior technical background is required — the course is suitable for both experienced professionals and those transitioning into project-focused roles within the superyacht industry.
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.