Superyacht Purser Course
Become a Certified Superyacht Purser
This Superyacht Pursers Diploma is particularly aimed at all interior crew members. It is designed to provide a clear career path progression route, with the ultimate goal to move ashore with a recognised professional personnel management qualification.
The Superyacht Pursers Diploma will teach you the essential elements of the role of a superyacht purser on a day to day basis. With this Diploma you will develop a much wider knowledge of the superyacht industry as well as the more detailed aspects of what a Purser needs to do in order to be outstanding as part of the management team on a larger superyacht. The learning you will gain should enable you to fulfil your job role as a Superyacht Purser to its maximum potential with greatest efficiency.
Duration:
12 – 18 months
Modules:
10 in total
Cost:
Diploma: £3,195
Certificate: £2,295
Recognised by: 
If you’re ready to enrol, download the application form below.
Superyacht Pursers Diploma vs Certification
Choose the right path for your career:
Diploma - £3,195
Ideal for anyone looking to gain a prestigious qualification & recognised certification for a rewarding career in xxx.
Certificate - £2,295
Ideal for anyone looking to learn more about the course materical and learn more about the industry.
Training in Financial Management, Crew Coordination & Hospitality Operations
Module subjects include the role of the purser, superyacht operations both routine and emergency, crew management, accounting and budgeting, the regulatory environment in which you work, port clearance, charter operations, destination management and travel and logistics.
The course consists of 10 modules. All students are required to successfully complete and pass the module assignments. Diploma students will also be required to sit and pass a final examination.
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
Student Success Story
Studying with MTA has been a game-changer for me
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.
Bianca Balfour
Yacht Brokerage, Superyacht Operations
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.
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.