Operational Yacht Science Higher National Certificate - HNC

This programme is designed for those people who aspire to be the future superyacht crew, bosuns officers and captains of the superyacht sector. It is designed to run alongside relevant Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) awards, to give deeper knowledge and understanding of the topics, and to give you more choice and an edge for your future career choices. It is run in partnership with UKSA in Cowes, Isle of Wight, as part of their Professional Yacht Cadetship.

The cadetship requires a minimum of three years commitment to training, with phases of study on the Isle of Wight as well as periods of working onboard superyachts around the world. You will be required to make a Professional Yacht Cadetship application to UKSA, followed by a two day selection in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

On successful completion of the one year HNC, you will gain direct entry onto the second year of the programme, allowing you to gain an FdSc Operational Yacht Science qualification.

This programme does not follow the traditional academic year as it is designed around the superyacht season. It is studied in intensive blocks of time at UKSA and supported through Moodle (our virtual learning platform). There are additional costs for this programme to cover the cost of the Cadetship. You may be able to get help with this, contact us for more information. Time spent working on board yachts in between phases of study at UKSA are fully paid periods of employment. Earning on average €2,000 a month (Deckhand).

Assessment
You will be assessed using a range of methods. Some are practical, although the majority of assessment consists of reports and critical analysis of the yachting environment. The yachtmaster elements of the cadetship are practical assessments.

Progression
Possible Progression (subject to availability and successful completion of the FdSc)

– BSc (Hons) Navigation & Maritime Science final year at University of Plymouth

Possible Careers:
Enter the superyacht industry after phase 1 of study at UKSA in Cowes as a Deckhand. Through industry experience and continued phases of certification and training at UKSA progress to:


• Lead Deck- hand



• Bosun



• Officer



• Captain After a life at sea/shoreside roles:



• Superyacht brokerage



• Yacht management



• Yacht build project management



• Superyacht recruitment



• Superyacht insurance



Cornwall College University Centre offers a unique and fulfilling university experience with small class sizes, allowing for personal attention from tutors and a strong sense of community among students. The wrap-around support provided ensures that students receive the necessary guidance and resources to excel in their studies, while studying alongside likeminded individuals who share their passion for vocational technical skills. Located in one of the most beautiful and natural parts of the country, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings while developing practical skills that set them apart in the job market.