Boatyard & Marina Operations Course
Diploma in Boatyard & Marina Operations
Boatyard & Marina Operations
This MTA Boatyard and Marina Operations Diploma equips you with the knowledge and operational frameworks to manage modern marina facilities, boatyards and small port environments with confidence.
Study online and gain the technical, commercial and compliance skills needed to oversee vessel handling, berth management, customer service, yard safety and facility maintenance. This diploma is ideal for professionals working in marinas, yacht harbours, small ports or boatyards seeking to formalise their operational management credentials.
Professional Marina Management Certification
Learn how to run safe, efficient and commercially successful marina and boatyard operations while meeting customer expectations and regulatory standards.
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: 
Boatyard & Marina Operations Diploma vs Certification
Choose the right path for your career:
Diploma - £3,195
A recognised qualification for individuals managing or progressing into marina or boatyard operational roles, including those working in technical, administrative or customer-facing capacities.
Certificate - £2,295
Professional skills training for those seeking industry knowledge without formal assessments - suitable for yard crew, service staff or junior marina employees.
Boatyard & Marina Operations curriculum: 10 Modules & Career Skills
This comprehensive online course provides the operational, logistical and regulatory understanding required to run a marina or boatyard effectively.
Course content covers full lifecycle facility operations, berth and vessel coordination, slipway and lift management, waste control, service scheduling, technical workflows and compliance with industry regulations. You’ll also explore customer service delivery, staffing responsibilities and health and safety procedures specific to marina and boatyard environments.
Whether you’re aiming to become a marina manager or formalise existing yard experience, this qualification provides the practical grounding and leadership perspective needed in today’s marine operations sector.
1. Introduction to Boatyard and Marina Operations
- Types of Boatyards and Marinas
- Boatyard Operations
- Base Marina Operations
- Managing Risks in a Boatyard and Marina
- Processes and Procedures
- Surveying a Boatyard or Marina
- Marinas and Boatyards around the World
2. Types and Descriptions of Vessels
- Basics of Design
- Definitions of The Principal Dimensions
- Merchant Ship Types
- Multihulls
- Why Boats are Designed the Way They Are
- Types of Vessel
- Sailing Boats
- Sails and Rigging
- Motorsailers
- Power Boats
- Inland Waterways Vessels
- Mechanical Propulsion Devices
- Materials and their use in Construction
- Additional Equipment – The Inventory
- Technical Standards
- Basic Operational Knowledge
3. Yacht Boatyard and Marina Operations
- Lifting and Slipping Yachts
- Storage Ashore
- Mast Movements
- General Repairs to Yachts & Superyachts
- Storage and use of Hazardous Materials
- Electricity Supply
- Water Supply
- Boat Movements and Sea Trials
4. Commercial Vessel Boatyard Operations
- Lifting/Slipping Vessels
- Health and Safety
- Storage Ashore
- Hot works
- Storage and Care/Hazardous Materials
- Water Supply/Waste Water
- Boat Movements and Sea Trails
5. Project Managing Refits and Builds
- Project Planning
- Preparing Quotations
- Financial Management
- Management of the Project
- Quality Assurance and Control
- Change Orders
- Use of Subcontractors
6. Legal Aspects Associated With a Boatyard or Marina
- Introduction To English Law And The National Legal System
- The Law of Contract
- The Law of Tort (Negligence)
- Liability in Contract and Tort
- Responsibilities
- Maritime Law
- International Marine Law
- Government Control of Shipping
- Yacht/Boat Refit or Repair
- Sale And Supply of Goods
- Trade Descriptions
- Marine Insurance
- Pollution
7. Policies and Procedures
- Safety Management System
- Permit to Work Systems
- Emergency Procedures
- Health and Safety
- General Security
- ISPS Code
- Environmental Threats
- Risk Assessments
- Fire prevention
- Housekeeping
8. Boatyard and Marina Development
- Understanding the Requirements
- Boatyard Design
- Marina Design
- High Risk Areas
- Infrastructure Development
- Weather and Climate Considerations
9. Running A Successful Boatyard or Marina
- The Business Plan
- Business Set-Up
- Accounts and Finance
- Financial Planning Tools
- Sales and Marketing
- Business Analysis – Swot Analysis
- Business Risks
- Personnel
- Customer Communications, Ethics And Client Relations
10. Accidents and Incidents – Prevention and Cure
- Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
- Legalities and Responsibilities
- Risk Assessment
- Safety Management Systems
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Accidents, Health Hazards and First Aid
- Yacht and Small Craft Hazards
- Working Together
Hear from our Students
Meet the Course Director
Richard Cray
BEng (Hons), MRINA, MIIMS, DipMarSur – Marine Surveyor
Richard has travelled the world as a marine surveyor working across the industry from small sail boats, superyachts to large commercial vessels. Surveyors are a fundamental part of an insurance claims as they are the eyes and ears of their clients and they work across a wide cross section of claims.
Having dealt with a variety of claims, whether cargo, hull and machinery claims to personal accident he has attained insight into this.
Boatyard & Marina Operations Course FAQs
Find out more about the course with our FAQs below.
How do I become a Marina Manager?
Start by completing a recognised marina operations course such as this one from the MTA. This diploma equips you with the skills and certification required to take on leadership roles across marina and boatyard facilities.
What qualification will I receive?
You’ll receive a Diploma in Boatyard and Marina Operations from the Maritime Training Academy, suitable for marina professionals, boatyard personnel and port staff.
What does a marina management course entail?
You’ll study berth planning, vessel handling, yard logistics, staff responsibilities, fuel and waste protocols, customer service procedures and health and safety compliance in small port environments.
How much does a marina or boatyard manager earn?
Salaries typically range from £30,000 to £60,000 depending on the size of the facility, location, responsibilities and experience level.
Is this course suitable for new marina staff?
Absolutely, it’s designed for both new entrants and experienced professionals looking to advance into more senior operational or supervisory roles.
Can I take this course if I already work in a boatyard?
Absolutely. This course is ideal for formalising experience with a recognised qualification and expanding your operational management capabilities.
Is this training recognised within the marine industry?
Yes. The diploma is recognised across marinas, harbours, small ports and boatyard service providers globally.
See our FAQ page for more questions answered about MTA courses.
Supported by:
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.