Frequently Asked Questions
We receive hundreds of course inquiries every day from people who are excited about the possibility of working on superyachts. Here are the most commonly asked questions about the Superyacht Diploma. If your question is not answered here then please open a support ticket and we’d be delighted to help you.
Q. Can I use the diploma for any Superyacht interview?
A. The diploma is recognized on a worldwide basis. Along with the course certificate you will gain a greater understanding of the superyacht industry and a deep understanding of the role of a crewmember and this will benefit you when applying for a job on any superyacht worldwide.
Q. By completing the course how will it make it easier for me to find a position working on board a superyacht?
A. You will immediately become more marketable and a more desirable candidate. It shows industry recruiters and Captains your commitment and dedication to gaining a job on a superyacht and as a result they are much more likely to want to interview you. In addition applicants who have completed the Superyacht Diploma are attractive to superyacht employers as they are more knowledgeable and unlikely to fail the training courses.
After completing all 18-modules you will also receive automatic access to our Advanced Superyacht Job Training Area which gives you the inside tools, tips, strategies and mechanics of how to go out and actually secure a position on board a superyacht the moment you have completed your course.
Q. Can I use the diploma for any Superyacht position?
A. Yes. The Superyacht Diploma course will support your application for any type of yacht jobs. Whether you’re applying for deckhand jobs, stewardess jobs, chef jobs, engineer jobs, it doesn’t matter because the modules give you the essential training that any new crew member entering the industry needs to know and understand before working on board. The diploma certificate you will receive at the end of the course details the modules that you have studied.
Q. Does the Superyacht Diploma replace the STCW-95 Certificate?
A. No. The Superyacht Diploma does not replace the STCW-95 course because the STCW-95 is a physical safety at sea training course that must be obtained by all seafarers, regardless of which sector of the shipping industry they are working in.
However, several of the modules have been designed by our training team to complement the STCW-95 perfectly and prepare applicants for much of the safety training you will receive, helping you pass the course much easier than had you attended with zero knowledge.
What’s more, the Superyacht Diploma training course is 100% specific to the Superyacht Industry and covers all aspects of working on superyachts from safety and emergency procedures, drills and equipment to living and working on board, duties and responsibilities of crew, hospitality at sea, industry terminology and much more. You can view the training modules you will study here.
Q. What age do Superyachts normally recruit crewmembers from?
A. For most positions on board, the minimum recruitment age is 18 years.
Q. What is the maximum age Superyachts recruit crewmembers to?
There is no upper age limit to enroll on this course. However when it comes to working on superyachts, it’s important that that you’re in a good state of health and have high levels of energy and enthusiasm for the position. If you can demonstrate this you can be asset to any superyacht.
Q. Do you have to have a good knowledge of English to complete the course?
A. Yes. The universal language of the seas is English and in fact all employers require a good standard of English from applicants. If your level of English is not reasonable you may have some difficulty. However, the course is easy to follow and understand.
Q. What are the specific modules I will study?
A. The Superyacht Diploma consists of 18 in-depth training modules. You can find out about the specific superyacht training modules you will study here.
Q. Can I study the modules in any order?
A. No, the course has been laid out in a very logical step-by-step format, with test questions at the end of each module to ensure that you have fully understood and absorbed the information. It is important that you study the modules in numerical order as the course has been structured with this in mind and it will be much easier to complete.
Q. Can you tell me more about the tests I have to take at the end of each module?
A. There are 18 multiple-choice tests in total; one test per module. Each test has a minimum passing score which you must obtain before you can move onto the next module in the course. You can take each module test as many times as you like until you pass, however, once you pass a test your score is logged in the system and counts towards your final grade. You cannot retake a test to improve your score once it has been passed and logged in the test database.
Your overall score is calculated as you move through the course and complete each test. Your final score is an overall percentage grade of all 18 tests and is printed on to your final pass certificate. There are no time-limits for completing individual modules and no time limits for taking the tests. However, once you decide to start a test it must be completed in one go; you cannot stop a test midway through and return to it later.
You can view your course history and your current overall grade at anytime during the course.
Q. How long will it take to complete the course?
A. There are no set number of hours it takes to complete this course. It is an 18 module course that can be studied in your spare time. Typical students take between 25 – 35 hours to complete the course, which can be studied in your spare time, during hours convenient to you.
There are no time limits for when you must start or complete the course and you do not have to complete all the modules in one go. In fact, we strongly recommend against doing this. It is important to study the course at a pace that is comfortable for you. It might take you a week, a month or a year to complete the course. One of the great benefits of Distance Learning is the ability to choose to study at times and places convenient to you.
Q. How do I know the course information is current and up to date?
A. Our own superyacht training instructors, who have a lot of experience in training and recruitment of superyacht personnel, have produced the course. Updates are constantly carried out in line with changes to best practice and regulatory authority guidelines and requirements.
Q. Will I still have access to the course after I have completed it?
A. Yes. You get full life-time access to the course content, test questions, materials, downloads and updates. Best of all, we are committed to continually improving the course and the support we provide to our students to assist them with obtaining placements in the superyacht industry. You will find regular additions to the course, including unadvertised bonuses and advanced training modules.
Q. Can you tell me more about the certificate I will receive?
A. You will receive an attractive pass certificate when you have completed the course which details all of the modules you have completed. A hard-copy of your certificate is dispatched to you from our UK training center approximately 24 hours after you have completed the course. You will also receive a PDF version of your certificate which you can which you use when applying for positions online or by email.
Q. Does everyone who completes the course receive a certificate?
A. Yes, however each certificate indicates a % grade to show how well each applicant has completed the test questions. It is important for you to take your time to complete each module to ensure you answer as many questions as possible accurately.
Q. Do I have to log in for training at specific times?
A. No, the course is very flexible for you to study at times convenient to you.
Q. Are any books or manuals sent to me?
A. No, all learning is carried out via our secure E-Learn website, all the course content is online for you to access at any time 24hrs a day.
For further information about the Superyacht Diploma course then click here to download our free information pack.
If you’re ready to start an exciting career at sea then click here to enroll and begin your diploma course today!
