Leading maritime bodies call on global superyacht sector to fund essential officers’ training

Oct. 12, 2011 - PRLog -- The partners are campaigning to raise awareness for the need to invest in a new generation of captains, officers and deckhands who can take the rapidly evolving sector forward.

The move comes after the success of Trinity House’s award-winning Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme (PYBS) which was developed to address the needs of a fast expanding maritime sector and growing demand from owners and yacht management companies for well qualified officers and senior crew.  

Commodore David Squire, Director of Maritime Training at Trinity House, said: “Every yacht requires a professional crew of varying size and qualifications, with the larger yachts needing a full SCTW qualified bridge and engine room complement. This is a large industry by any standard and it is only recently that its scale has begun to be appreciated and some attempts made collectively to address training and manning problems."

Through the PYBS, Trinity House, funds up to 75% of a Yacht Cadet’s college fees and pays a monthly allowance to the Cadet during his or her first college phase.  

“The PYBS is an inspired scheme that is not only making wide and significant impact to individual young people, but is also attracting accolade, comment and debate that will result in the establishment of this style of training becoming the standard accepted formal training pathway for officers aboard large yachts,” said Commodore Squire.

“The expected ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention in 2012, may well force the issue given that the requirements of the Convention will apply to the crews of large yachts (and their associated manning agencies), not least to comply with Regulation 1.3 of the Convention ‘to ensure that seafarers are trained or qualified to carry out their duties on board ship’.”

One example partnership is the Yachting Cadetship, established by UKSA, Trinity House and Plymouth University. The three year programme, which leads to the MCA Officer of the Watch 3000gt qualification, is designed in consultation with the MCA. It is structured around a robust syllabus that combines academic study, statutory qualifications and practical paid work with the opportunity to undertake a University Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science.

There are currently 60 Cadets on the programme, all of whom are now making successful inroads into the industry.

http://www.uksa.org/career/yachting/sailing/yachting-cade...

Superyacht owners and managers are now invited to enter into partnership with Trinity House or to invest similar schemes to ensure that the superyacht officers of the future are properly trained.

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About Trinity House

Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England and Wales, with responsibility for nearly 600 Aids to Navigation, from traditional aids such as lighthouses, buoys and beacons to the latest satellite navigation technology. In addition it inspects over 10,000 local Aids to Navigation provided by port and harbour authorities, and those positioned on offshore structures.

Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1514, the Corporation is also a major maritime charity, wholly funded by its endowments. The Corporation spends around £4m each year on its charitable activities including welfare of mariners, education and training, and the promotion of safety at sea. It is also a Deep Sea Pilotage Authority.

About UKSA

UKSA is a leading youth maritime charity, working to change lives and develop future leaders through maritime education and personal development. 7,222 individuals benefited from UKSA’s charitable activity in 2010, of which 17.6 per cent received assisted funding from UKSA.

As a globally recognised professional training provider in yachting careers and watersports, UKSA has a strong alumni network in the global maritime industry. Its graduates include the world-renowned sailor Dee Caffari and record-breaking quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister.

Based in Cowes, UKSA’s 3.5 acre on shore campus and fleet offers a comprehensive range of industry accredited yachting and watersports careers programmes, leisure training and multi activity watersports activities for schools and youth groups.
UKSA was founded by the retail entrepreneur Noel Lister.  The charity celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012.

http://www.uksa.org

About The Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme

The PYBS was established in 2008 in response to the increasing number and size of superyachts and a growing requirement for competent and qualified crew. Trinity House trialled the scheme with RYA and MCA-approved qualification providers UKSA and the University of Plymouth. The charity provides successful applicants with payment of 75% of their tuition fees and a monthly allowance whilst they are under tuition.

The PYBS runs in parallel with another Trinity House bursary, the Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme, which has successfully delivered competent Merchant Navy Officers since its establishment two decades ago.

Last year, the PYBS was recognised by the International Superyacht Society(ISS) at its annual Awards of Distinction winning Trinity House the 2010 Business of the Year for "demonstrating excellence in their area of superyacht expertise".

Commodore David Squire, Director of Maritime Training at the Corporation, said: "To have our fledgling scheme recognised by the International Superyacht Society is very special. I speak for the whole of the Corporation when I say it really is an honour to be given this award. The Corporation does so much to support mariners past, present and future and develops ideas to keep pace with the rate of change within the diverse maritime industry."

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As a youth maritime charity, UKSA uses maritime education and on-the-water activities to inspire individuals and transform lives. Personal development, improved self esteem, broadened horizons and fulfilling maritime careers are just some of the outcomes.