An exciting alternative to university, the UKSA Superyacht Cadetship launches maritime careers and lets you earn (and travel) as you progress
Finlay Scull completed his A levels in Maths, Physics and Product Design and was ready for a change from classroom-based education. He knew a standard university pathway wasn’t going to be right for him.
He already loved the water and had spent around a decade sailing as a hobby, mostly on dinghies – even acquiring a dinghy instructor qualification and teaching at his local sailing club. Then a sailing buddy told him about the Superyacht Cadetship programme offered by UKSA – the sailing charity and long-established maritime education provider – and based at its four-acre waterfront campus in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
He was accepted for the Superyacht Cadetship, even securing a funding package from Trinity House. Living on site, with all food and accommodation included, gave him time to focus on his active learning schedule. One day firefighting training, another sailing overnight passages along the south coast and other days spent absorbing all the theory for this professional programme.
One element of the course that appeals to many students such as Finlay is that theory and exams are combined with practical training – giving variety and opportunities to absorb the technical knowledge in a hands-on way. For students who want additional qualifications under their belt alongside the Superyacht Cadetship, there are opportunities to take a University of Plymouth Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science or study for a full BSc.
There are also great opportunities to earn as you learn by acquiring paid industry experience on superyachts. Since completing the initial Yachtmaster exams, Finlay has been sailing the world on a 55m sailing yacht, visiting extraordinary locations and clocking up over 20,000 nautical miles so far. He’s returned to UKSA twice to complete further modules, and he’s now on the path to achieving the Officer of the Watch (Yachts) Certificate of Competence – a qualification recognised worldwide and commonly known as OOW. From there, there are opportunities to progress in seniority, all the way up to captain.
One of the most attractive things about the UKSA for aspiring maritime professionals is the breadth of opportunities in a growth sector – from water sports trainer to maritime engineer and senior officer roles – and the structured learning pathways. These can be self-funded by gaining paid experience at sea. Even an average Deckhand salary is now between €2,800-€3,500 a month, and with living costs pretty much covered.
“Alongside the Superyacht Cadetship, there are options to take a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science or study for a full BSc”
UKSA in-house teams provide extensive mentoring, careers and placement advice and have connections across the global maritime industries. Cadets trained at Cowes are employed in all areas of the sector – from private performance racing superyachts to the largest and most prestigious and high-profile motor vessels sailing the world’s oceans today.
To be eligible for the Superyacht Cadetship with UKSA, you need to be between 18-25 and with an interest in building a long-term career. You will need 48 UCAS points if you apply for the Foundation Degree alongside the Cadetship.
* To find out more about the Superyacht Cadetship and other training routes or attend an open day, visit uksa.org
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