Become a certified yacht broker and unlock a world of opportunities in yacht sales, charter management and marine consultancy. Our flexible, online Brokerage Diplomas & Certificates are designed to suit both aspiring brokers or experienced professionals and are recognised globally across the Marine Industry.
Online Course: Study from from anywhere
Cost: Diploma: £3,195 Certificate: £2,295
Become a Certified Yacht Broker – Professional, Global Qualification
Maritime Training Academy’s Yacht Broker Course opens the door to a world of opportunity in the marine industry. Whether you’re pursuing a career in luxury yacht sales, exotic charter management, or high-value yacht brokerage, this recognised qualification can set you apart in this competitive but lucrative field.
Our Yacht Brokerage Diploma and Certificate programs are developed by industry experts, and trusted by employers worldwide. Recognised globally through our partnership with the University of Portsmouth – a leader in maritime education.
With flexible, online learning, you can study at your own pace from anywhere in the world, building practical skills in yacht valuation, legal frameworks, client relations, and operational procedures – the essential foundations for a successful career in yacht brokerage.
Whether you’re already an experienced broker or you’re looking to make the transition to this vibrant industry in a junior capacity, the Diploma in Yacht Brokerage is applicable to anyone working within a yacht or charter brokerage environment.
Comprehensive Training: Master every aspect of yacht brokerage, from yacht valuation and contracts, to client management and operational procedures.
Flexible 12 – 18 month program, study online at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
Long-Term Career Impact: Build the skills and knowledge needed for broker leadership roles and high-value sales transactions.
Recognised globally by the Maritime Industry & University of Portsmouth
Ideal for anyone looking to gain a prestigious qualification & recognised certification for a rewarding career in yacht brokerage.
Yacht Broker Certificate: £2,295
Focused Expertise: Develop the essential skills for yacht valuation, contracts & client management.
Flexible 6 – 12 month program, study online at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
Career Development: Gain a globally respected qualification without the full diploma commitment.
Recognised globally by the Maritime Industry & University of Portsmouth
Perfect for marine industry professionals, & those looking to transition into Yacht Brokerage roles.
Yacht Brokerage Curriculum: Core Modules & Career Skills
The yacht brokerage industry is a dynamic, high-value sector, with global demand for skilled professionals who can value assets, negotiate complex deals, and manage client relationships. As the luxury yacht market continues to expand, the need for qualified brokers is stronger than ever.
Maritime Training Academy’s Yacht Broker Course covers everything from valuation and contracts to client management and maritime law, equipping you with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed for a successful career in yacht brokerage.
1. An Introduction to the Yacht Brokerage Industry
Yachting safety
The purchase of a yacht
The law and yachts
Health and safety for the yacht broker
Customer relations & common courtesy
Brokerage companies and organisations
The essential resources for a yacht broker
2. Types of Vessels & Technical Descriptions
Basics of design
Definitions of the principal dimension
Multihulls
The shape of hulls
Types of vessels
Sailing boats
Sails and rigging
Motorsailers
Powerboats
Inland waterways vessels
Mechanical propulsion devices
Materials & their construction
Internal equipment
Electronic & navigation equipment
Technical standards
Basic operational knowledge
Weather and tides
3. Registration, Title Rules and Regulations
The role and function of registration
Registration and the certification of registry
Admiralty law and jurisdiction
International maritime law
Documentation
National and international standards
The Royal Yachting Association Training & Qualifications
Schedules
4. Boat Brokers and the Law
Legal concepts
English Law and the National Legal System
The law of contract
The law of tort (negligence)
Liability in contract and tort
Sale of goods
UK legislation
Trade descriptions
Business practice
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)
Title & registration
Marine insurance
5. Business Management
Starting a boat brokerage business
Chosen product
Money
Risks
Advice
Mechanics
Obtaining listings, photography, advertising and publicity
Go and see the vessel and crawl over it yourself
Responsibilities of the different brokerages (listings and selling)
Getting the vessel on your books
Marketing and selling
The sale process
Communications, ethics and client relations
The five big thoughts
6. The Surveyor in Practice
The surveyor
Organising and completing the survey
Types of surveyors
What makes a good surveyor?
Types of surveys
The role of the surveyor and the sale process
The broker/surveyor relationship
7. Sea Trials
Sea trial and the broker
The purpose of the sea trial
Engine tests
Steering tests
Other system trials
Information recording and reporting
8. Valuation
Valuations
Valuation methodology
9. Insurance
The legal side of marine insurance
The practical side of marine insurance
The marine trades policy
10. Finance
Sources of finance available to the broker and the decision criteria
Title registration and the influence on options for finance
Liens and encumbrances
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Corporate ownership and the rationale
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Client funds, trust, deposits and escrow accounts
Miscellaneous finance topics
11. Charter Yacht Brokerage
Why get into the charter yacht industry
Different types of charter
Structure of the yachting industry
Getting started
Finding yachts for your clients
Different types of charter yachts, toys, amenities and crew members
International chartering areas and their respective seasons
Itineraries
Finding clients
Sales training & closing the deal
Contracts
Financial transactions
Preference sheets
Clients & customer care
Niche marketing
Charter yacht booking
12. Yacht Sales
Sales and brokerage
Franchise / dealership
Introduction to superyacht brokerage
Role of the broker
Campaign – be prepared
Location
Purchasers profile & preferences
Whether you’re already an experienced broker or you’re looking to make the transition to this vibrant industry in a junior capacity, the Diploma in Yacht Brokerage is applicable to anyone working within a yacht or charter brokerage environment.
“Studying the Yacht Brokerage diploma with the Maritime Training Academy has been a game-changer for me. It was challenging, but the knowledge I gained and the confidence it gave me, especially as a woman in the yachting industry, is priceless. I’m now pursuing the Superyacht Operations diploma to keep pushing myself forward. Learning never stops, and it’s what sets you apart.”
Full Q&A
What is your current role and how have you progressed to it?
Initially my role was Head of Sales; I’ve been in sales and marketing for so long now – always in the luxury industry – from Automotive, working with Bentley & McLaren, to real estate. I have also worked with Gulf Craft, Majesty and Sunreef Yachts. In my current role, as time has progressed I have been involved with pretty much all aspects of the business, from hiring to production.
Why did you choose to study the Yacht Brokerage diploma?
It just made sense. I have really wanted to do this course for a long time. For many reasons – one which I must say was my ego! I just felt good doing it and it just gave me so much more knowledge and understanding of what a Yacht Broker does. Not everyone has this diploma and I always like to stand out and be different and this definitely did that for me. I just wanted that Diploma under my belt; I think especially as a women, it made me feel great! Plus it’s not just any diploma , it’s from MTA where there’s a prestige to it.
What were your course highlights?
This was a challenging course! There’s a whole lot of information and different aspects to learn so don’t think it will be a breeze just because you’re paying for it! It will push you – I wasn’t quite sure I’d pass the exam, but I did! You have to be committed and dedicated. The whole thing for me was a highlight really. And telling people I was studying it was also a great feeling- knowledge is everything.
How do you feel this course has helped your career and progression?
It has definitely helped! It has given me a step up as I said not many have this and I feel that especially being a women in this industry, it gives you an element of respect and shows you know what you’re talking about. Learning always helps and I’m already staring my new course with MTA, keep learning, that’s what will make you stand out from the crowd. Primarily, respect.
Why have you chosen to enrol on the Superyacht Operations course?
I just love learning and I love the industry. I’m like a sponge and this is what I need and want to progress, plus how many can say they have done this Diploma??? I want to better myself and what better way.
What top tips would you give to future students?
Be committed and dedicated. Don’t assume you’ll pass with little effort. Be ready to study, the exam was tough, it’s not a simple yes or no, but an essay. But when you do pass, what an amazing feeling! And you can add initials to your business card!
Meet the Course Director
Toby Maclaurin
Director of Sales and Marketing at Ocean Independence
Toby is Ocean Independence Director of Sales in addition to being a Group Board Member and Shareholder of this leading superyacht group.
Toby’s role as Director is exceptionally varied and primarily involves him providing day to day business and troubleshooting support for the group’s 50+ sales and charter brokers across 13 international locations.
He has served on the council of ABYA (Association of British Yacht Agents) and was elected to the MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association) governing board in March 2008. He then completed 4 years as MYBA President followed by 4 years as Chairman of the association’s commercial company All Yachting SAS, that owns and operates yachtfolio.com and the MYBA Charter Show.
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.
Becoming a yacht broker typically involves gaining a recognised qualification in yacht brokerage, building industry knowledge, and developing the practical skills needed for yacht sales, valuations, and client management. The Maritime Training Academy’s Yacht Broker Diploma and Certificate programs provide the comprehensive training needed to start a successful career in this field.
What qualifications do I need to become a yacht broker?
While formal qualifications aren’t always required, a professional diploma or certificate in yacht brokerage from a globally recognised institution, like the Maritime Training Academy, can significantly improve your credibility and career prospects. These programs cover essential topics like valuation, contracts, client relations, and maritime law.
Which yacht brokerage jobs can I get with this course?
Graduates often pursue careers as Yacht Brokers, Charter Brokers, Client Relationship Managers, Marine Sales Executives, and Yacht Sales Managers, with opportunities to work globally in marinas, brokerages, and luxury yacht firms.
How much do yacht brokers earn?
Earnings in yacht brokerage can vary significantly depending on experience, location, and the type of yachts sold. However, many brokers earn a base salary plus commission, with experienced brokers often making £50,000 to £100,000+ per year.
Is Maritime Training Academy’s yacht brokerage qualification recognised internationally?
Yes, our Yacht Brokerage Diplomas and Certificates are recognised globally and are awarded in partnership with the University of Portsmouth, a leader in maritime education, giving you credibility with employers worldwide.
Is yacht brokerage a good career?
acht brokerage can be a highly rewarding and financially lucrative career for those with a passion for yachts, strong interpersonal skills, and a talent for negotiation. Successful yacht brokers often build long-term relationships with clients, work on high-value transactions, and have the opportunity to travel internationally.
With the right qualifications, like the Yacht Broker Diploma or Certificate from the Maritime Training Academy, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and industry credibility needed to thrive in this competitive but rewarding field.
What’s the difference between a yacht broker and a yacht surveyor?
A yacht broker helps clients buy and sell yachts, managing everything from valuations and negotiations to contracts and client relationships. A yacht surveyor, on the other hand, is a marine professional who inspects yachts to assess their condition, safety, and value—usually before a sale or insurance agreement.</p> <p>While both careers are essential to the yacht industry, they require different skill sets and qualifications. If you’re interested in a technical, inspection-based role, Maritime Training Academy also offers a Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Diploma, which may be better aligned with your goals.
Can I work internationally as a yacht broker?
Yes, yacht brokerage is a global career, and many brokers work in international markets, representing clients across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia. The Maritime Training Academy’s qualifications are globally recognised, giving you the flexibility to work anywhere in the world.
Do I need sales experience to become a yacht broker?
While sales experience can be beneficial, it’s not always required. What’s more important is a passion for yachting, strong communication skills, and the ability to build long-term client relationships. The Yacht Broker Diploma and Certificate programs at MTA are designed to equip you with the practical skills needed to succeed in this field, even if you’re new to the industry.
How will a yacht broker licence further my career?
Many brokers start as junior sales agents or broker assistants and can progress to senior roles like Lead Broker, Sales Manager, or Managing Partner. With the right experience, some brokers even establish their own brokerage firms or move into charter management and marine consultancy.
See our FAQ page for more questions answered about MTA courses.
