uksa superyacht cadetship

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UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Course

About this programme.

Are you between 18-25 and looking for an exciting career on superyachts? The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Course is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry. A great alternative to university, we have created an additional start date in March for 2024 due to increased demand from the maritime industry.

Date & Time

5 months | Ongoing

Paid-for training

Programme type

Applications Open

Applications Close

Isle of Wight

Facilitated By

About the Programme

From cadet to officer on superyachts.

Are you between 18-25 and looking for an exciting career on superyachts? The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Course is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry.

A great alternative to university, we have created an additional start date in March for 2024 due to increased demand from the maritime industry.

Find out more and apply>>

Testimonials

Lewis coppinger.

"Sailing to St. Malo France on my first Cadetship is a particular fond memory of mine. I've gone from not really knowing what I wanted to do to being launched into a career which I love. My life really is unrecognisable from before I came to UKSA."

Programme FAQs

All your questions should be answered here.

What is a cadetship?

The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship is a structured four-year programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry.

Do you get paid for a cadetship?

The 12-18 month paid placement can be with a number of different providers. It is not possible to give a figure of the actual amount that a cadet would earn. If you’d like to know more details about what to expect, please contact us and we’ll be able to give you a more accurate figure based on upcoming placements.

What is a cadetship program?

The unique cadetship program at UKSA is aimed at those wanting a career in the maritime industry, specifically at full progression to be a superyacht captain. The 5-phase structure builds technical knowledge and experience, gains industry qualifications, and real industry experience, travelling around the world.

How to get a cadetship?

See the apply now section to find out more. There are some cadetship requirements to make sure you quality for acceptance, and there are funding opportunities available for candidates that qualify.

What are the benefits of a cadetship?

The cadetship programme at UKSA is unique, we’re the only ones that offer this type of structured pathway. It’s a fantastic alternative to university and provides an entry to the amazing world of working on board a superyacht. You’ll get industry qualifications alongside real world experience, providing you with all the skills you need in your future career.

Why train with UKSA?

From our unique waterfront campus in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, we have a wide range of facilities and fleet to ensure that our students have the very best learning experience. This course is all-inclusive, meaning everything is on site and all of your food and accommodation is included, so you can focus on your training.

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Record number of cadets graduate from UKSA's Superyacht Cadetship

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Superyacht Cadetship

We don't just offer certification and training, as a youth maritime charity, we can offer that something extra. We really look after our young people. Our careers students benefit from mentoring, access to our careers network, realistic careers advice and help with CVs. We have a fantastic fleet, a waterfront 4-acre campus, inspirational instructors, and great facilities.

a typical day on this gap project

The Superyacht Cadetship is a structured four year programme which allows you to earn while you learn to train for a long-term career in superyachting. Developed in close consultation with the MCA and their approved training guidelines, the cadetship course combines phases of training at UKSA with paid work placements in the superyacht industry.

It is also possible to compete a FdSc (Foundation Degree) in Operational Yacht Science during phase 1 and 3 of the Superyacht Cadetship, awarded by Plymouth University.

UKSA offers two start dates a year - March and August.

the requirements for this course

*You must be aged 18-25 when you start the Superyacht Cadetship, but can apply when you are 17 if you wish. *Cadets should ideally have GCSEs grades 9-4 (or equivalent) in English, Maths & Science. If applying for the Foundation Degree alongside the Superyacht Cadetship 48 UCAS points are required. *To apply for the training, you need to attend a 2 day Selection Event consisting of an aptitude test, team building exercises, delivery of a presentation on a superyacht and an interview. *You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement.

why choose us for your gap year

Training at UKSA is all-inclusive with no hidden extras. Course fees include all training, food and accommodation, examinations, certification, logbooks and internet access for the training phases of your programme. Our careers students benefit from mentoring, access to our careers network, realistic careers advice and help with CVs. While on site you can take advantage of our indoor heated swimming pool, bar and study areas. As a charity we have funding opportunities available for many of our students.

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Show contact information....

01983 203038 | [email protected]

Find out more about Superyacht Cadetship

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Superyacht Cadetship

We don't just offer certification and training, as a youth maritime charity, we can offer that something extra. We really look after our young people. Our careers students benefit from mentoring, access to our careers network, realistic careers advice and help with CVs. We have a fantastic fleet, a waterfront 4-acre campus, inspirational instructors, and great facilities.

a typical day on this course

The Superyacht Cadetship is a structured four year programme which allows you to earn while you learn to train for a long-term career in superyachting. Developed in close consultation with the MCA and their approved training guidelines, the cadetship course combines phases of training at UKSA with paid work placements in the superyacht industry.

It is also possible to compete a FdSc (Foundation Degree) in Operational Yacht Science during phase 1 and 3 of the Superyacht Cadetship, awarded by Plymouth University.

UKSA offers two start dates a year - March and August.

the requirements for this course

*You must be aged 18-25 when you start the Superyacht Cadetship, but can apply when you are 17 if you wish. *Cadets should ideally have GCSEs grades 9-4 (or equivalent) in English, Maths & Science. If applying for the Foundation Degree alongside the Superyacht Cadetship 48 UCAS points are required. *To apply for the training, you need to attend a 2 day Selection Event consisting of an aptitude test, team building exercises, delivery of a presentation on a superyacht and an interview. *You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea and to enable you to apply for your RYA Commercial Endorsement.

why choose us for your adventure training

Training at UKSA is all-inclusive with no hidden extras. Course fees include all training, food and accommodation, examinations, certification, logbooks and internet access for the training phases of your programme. Our careers students benefit from mentoring, access to our careers network, realistic careers advice and help with CVs. While on site you can take advantage of our indoor heated swimming pool, bar and study areas. As a charity we have funding opportunities available for many of our students.

View Contact Information..

01983 203038 | [email protected]

Click to Apply!

Click the button above to apply, or do you need more information, ask a question about this vacancy, submit question.

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Watersports instructors and trainee instructors

Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

Superyacht Cadetship study options

The cadet will develop skills and knowledge of seamanship and safety as well as industry qualifications and fitness, combining your cadetship with a foundation degree.

Cadets also have the opportunity to undertake a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science during phase 1 and 3 of the cadetship, awarded by Plymouth University. This option provides additional career and training pathways into different sectors of the maritime industry.

Pre-requisite experience

• Applicants should be between 18 and 25 with a commitment to a long-term career within the superyacht industry.
• Excellent communication, oral and written skills, are essential, as is a good understanding of mathematics.
• Cadets should ideally have GCSEs grades 9-4 (or equivalent) in English, Maths & Science.
• If applying for the Foundation Degree alongside the Superyacht Cadetship 48 UCAS points are required.

How to apply in 3 easy steps

• To apply, you will need to contact a course adviser who will provide you with an application form to complete and discuss your suitability.
• The next step is to attend a 2-day cadet selection at UKSA.
• On selection days you will take part in team building exercises, complete aptitude tests, deliver a presentation on a superyacht of your choice and sit an interview where you will be required to demonstrate a proven interest in a long-term career within the superyacht industry. A £1,730 refundable deposit is required to secure your place on your preferred selection date.

Please call us on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email [email protected] for further information and how to apply.

Funding – we are here to support you

As a charity, we have funding opportunities available for many of our students.

UKSA can help with assisted funding of up to £11,000 towards the Superyacht Cadetship Programme. Please follow the link for further information on UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship Funding, initiative. Alternatively please talk to one of our course advisers who will be able to provide you with the details, assess your eligibility.

A great Alternative to University, our cadets can graduate debt-free!

Please note, even if you are not eligible for financial support, most of our cadets earn enough during the work phases to more than cover the next phases of training. You really could graduate debt free, with all your required qualifications and work experience to work in the industry.

The Superyacht Cadetship training programme in detail

Phase 1 – essential cadetship training: to launch your superyacht career – 19 weeks (academic study).

The cadet will develop skills and knowledge of seamanship and safety as well as industry qualifications and fitness. Mentoring and guidance will help the cadet obtain entry-level deck positions on superyachts, progressing into long-term opportunities within the sector.

Qualification gained

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
• STCW Basic Safety Training
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Tender Operator Course
• Superyacht Deck Maintenance Training
• RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency (Jet-Ski)
• MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)
• RYA Radar and Simulator training
• Industry Guidance
• Personal Mentoring
• Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science, Year One course

Phase 2 – Cadetship Industry Phase: Working onboard superyachts – the world as your classroom – 12-18 months (paid employment)

The cadet will be employed on a 24m+ yacht as an entry-level deckhand, following the guidance of the MCA Training Record Book with mentor support from UKSA.

Phase 3 – Yacht Operations and Management: Stepping up the ranks & taking on more serious roles – 3 weeks (academic study)

This is the link to progression from junior deckhand to lead deckhand. Training builds on the cadet’s working experience. Completion of Foundation Degree. (Additional time-based at Falmouth University)

Qualification gained:

• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean (Shore based)
• MCA Efficient Deck Hand
• Superyacht Business skills
• UKSA Phase Five Officer of the Watch (OOW) preparation
• Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science, Year Two completion

Phase 4 – Cadetship Industry Phase: 12-18 months (paid employment)

During this phase the cadet will gain watch keeping experience, in line with the MCA Training Record Book, practically applying and honing the techniques and practices learned.

Phase 5 – Cadetship completion training: from Cadet to Officer of the Watch (OOW) – 8 weeks (academic study)

This is the final stage of Officer of the Watch 3000gt training. Building on training and experience gained over the period of the course, cadets will study senior modules towards final examination and qualification competencies MCA Officer of the Watch Modules:

• General Ship Knowledge (GOC)
• Navigation and Radar (OOW Yacht)
• Human Element, Leadership and Management (Operational Level)
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (Restricted)
• Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
• GMDSS General Operators Certificate (GOC)
• Oral Preparation Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt)

Find out about this stage from a graduate Annabel Fairlie

1. ENG 1 Medical – You must have an ENG 1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea if you are a seafarer, in charge of a ship or are serving on a merchant ship or yacht. The maximum fee for an ENG 1 medical examination is £80, must be issued by a doctor approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ( MCA ). Please follow the link below to see a list of all MCA approved doctors based in the UK.

MCA approved doctors: UK-based

2. Commercial Endorsement – to commercially endorse your RYA Yachtmaster Certification you will need to apply to the RYA directly, enclosing relevant documents and pay a £33 fee. See the RYA Commercial Endorsement page for information.

*An optional qualification, requires academic pre-requisites. Please budget for an extra £300 for accommodation in Falmouth if opting for the Foundation Degree.

Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme

The Trinity House Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme (MNSS) provides financial support for young people seeking careers as officers in the Merchant Navy

Trinity House Yeomen

The Yeomen scheme enables former cadets to retain a link with Trinity House and support with their career development

Charities we support

As the UK's largest endowed maritime charity the Trinity House Maritime Charity supports a number of other maritime charities

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UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship class of 2021 graduate

Thursday, April 29th, 2021

Written by: Marine Industry News

Maritime training and education charity, UKSA, says that 30 of its students, aged 18-25, have graduated from its flagship Superyacht Cadetship course.

With the support of UKSA, over 40 per cent of the course’s graduates have already secured employment, with the remaining students actively seeking new opportunities across the superyacht industry.

The four-year programme offers a career path to Officer of the Watch (Yacht <3000GT) and onward to Master (Yacht <3000GT) qualifications, and combines academic studies with periods of paid work on superyachts. Cadets can also complete an HNC in Operational Yacht Science through Falmouth Marine School.

UKSA’s charitable partners made the professional course possible for 37% of this year’s cohort, with sponsorship funding for the cadets coming from The Seafarers Charity and Trinity House, with others receiving support from the Steven Thomas Bursary, and the Michael (Milo) Hanlon Bursary.

UKSA’s CEO, Ben Willows, says: “Once again we are celebrating the achievements of our cadetship students as they go on to forge exciting and rewarding careers in the superyacht industry. The class of 2021 experienced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and demonstrated a huge amount of dedication, perseverance and resilience.”

The funding options that are available to UKSA students are crucial for many in securing their places on the course.

“For some students, the difference between starting their journey and not is the funding options we have available at UKSA. We are continually working to grow the number of funded students,” says Willows.

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UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship Class of 2021 Graduate

Leading maritime training and education charity, UKSA, is delighted to announce that 30 of its students, aged 18-25, have graduated from its flagship Superyacht Cadetship course . A virtual graduation ceremony was held over the weekend, attended by the students and their families, friends of UKSA, staff and funding partners.

With the support of UKSA, over 40 per cent of the course’s graduates have already secured employment, with the remaining students actively seeking new opportunities across the superyacht industry.

The  four-year programme  offers a career path to  Officer of the Watch (Yacht <3000GT)  and onward to  Master (Yacht <3000GT) qualification s and combines academic studies with periods of paid work on superyachts. Cadets can also complete an HNC in Operational Yacht Science through  Falmouth Marine School .

UKSA’s charitable partners made the professional course possible for 37% of this year’s cohort, with sponsorship funding for the cadets coming from The Seafarers Charity and  Trinity House , with others receiving support from the Steven Thomas Bursary, and the Michael (Milo) Hanlon Bursary.

UKSA’s CEO Ben Willows comments: “Once again we are celebrating the achievements of our cadetship students as they go on to forge exciting and rewarding careers in the superyacht industry. The class of 2021 experienced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and demonstrated a huge amount of dedication, perseverance and resilience.”

Cadet Callum McConaghy, added: “I would like to show my appreciation for the sponsorship provided as it enables me to pursue my dream career in the superyacht industry. The support that has been shown to me is invaluable. To achieve this quantity of qualifications in such a short amount of time is very satisfying and shows the quality of training here at UKSA. I can’t wait to continue gaining more tickets as I grow in the superyacht industry.”

The  funding options that are available  to UKSA students are crucial for many in securing their places on the course, as Willows explains: “For some students, the difference between starting their journey and not, is the funding options we have available at UKSA. We are continually working to grow the number of funded students.”

Chris Frisby, UKSA’s Director of Training and Operations, concludes: “In 2022, we anticipate seeing numbers on the Superyacht Cadetship course increase, with 40 young people expected to graduate from the first phase of the course next time around. This means that UKSA will provide even more young people with a structured and supported pathway into a rewarding, long-term career.”

For more information, or imagery please contact Chloe Buchanan at the MTM Agency, via: [email protected] .

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By SuperyachtNews 06 Oct 2022

Cadetship funding applications skyrocket

United kingdom sailing academy (uksa) reports more than 50 per cent increase in students receiving superyacht cadetship funding….

UK maritime charity, UKSA , is reporting an increase of more than 50 per cent in the number of students receiving funding for its Superyacht Cadetship Course when compared to the average across the last five years. During a time in which families and young people struggle with the cost of living crisis, funding in the form of courses for professional career development is arguably more welcome than ever.

For its 2022 intake, the Isle of Wight based charity, which provides life-enhancing water-based adventures, education and world-leading maritime training, has seen 70 per cent of students receive an average of £8,000. This is nearly half of the funding required for the cadetship.

Available to those aged 18-25, the structured four-year programme, which this year sees 37 students start in September, is designed to train the future Officer of the superyacht industry and was created with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It equips graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge, alongside offering a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in a career in the superyacht industry.

The course comprises five phases, during which the cadets acquire industry qualifications, experience employment on a superyacht and, towards the end, receive a paid employment role. Cadets also have the opportunity to undertake a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science during phase one and three of the of the Superyacht Cadetship, which is awarded by the University of Plymouth.

SuperyachtNews   speaks to Ben Willows, CEO of UKSA . Talking about the various routes into a maritime career, Willows mentions the fully-funded courses offered by the charity: “it's all about opening up pathways for young people to access different parts of the maritime sector and that starts at 16 (years old) predominantly for us. We have full time education courses and traineeships operating just like a college, but they are specifically focused on maritime skills”.

Willows also mentioned the apprenticeships his charity launched last year during which the participants acquire invaluable transferable skills working on deck and on large vessels. When asked why choose to work in the superyacht industry over other careers at sea, Willows replied “I think the opportunity to travel and see the world and get paid for it is a remarkable and exciting career option for a young person but it does take hard work and discipline to really succeed in it.”

Inequality in opportunity was demonstrated and heightened during the pandemic in the UK and across the globe. This was acutely felt in education, meaning private schools fared better at riding the wave of disruption by keeping their students on track when compared to state schools, according to a survey by the Open Data Institute . When asked whether the charity had learned from those lessons during the pandemic, Willows replied in the affirmative: “towards the end of 2020 into 2021, we launched our OCR Sea Change Fund programme and it's all about reaching out and supporting the hardest to reach and most disadvantaged children and young people in the country.” The programme involves a residential trip that gives participants a chance to experience a variety of different water sports: “sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, really having an adventure on the water for the week”.

Willows pointed out the issue with children who don't get to experience the sea: “we have about 8,000 kids a year come through USKA and we have hundreds and hundreds of children come here for the first time… they've never even seen the sea, they didn't know it was salty.” Willows elaborates on the work the Sea Change Foundation programme is involved with. During the programme participants learn about the opportunities in maritime from how to get into the Royal Navy to what to do to train to be a Deck Officer or Watersports Instructor. Willows added “those that are interested then have an open door opportunity to come to us and apply for careers bursaries that could be training to be a superyacht cadet.”

Speaking about the current lack of diversity represented in the superyacht sector, Willows identified the issue with young people’s perception of the industry: “ many young people look at the superyacht sector and they don't see many people that look or sound like them.” Willows is hopeful that the absence of people from disadvantaged or diverse backgrounds working in the superyacht sector will become a relic of the past. 

Willows expressed he had received encouragement for such a change within the industry during his visit to the Monaco Yacht Show . He is confident that attitudes simply need to shift for a change to occur: “We just need to break down some of those old perceptions that have hung around over the last five or ten years.” However, Willows is realistic in his expectations of the enormous transformation that is required to change the perspective of both young job applicants and the industry itself: “it has to be something that we have to be doing consistently well over the next five, ten years to build that pipeline of young people and broaden the awareness of what's possible and have some great case studies of young people that have been out there and been successful.”

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