Professional Superyacht Engineer Higher National Certificate - HNC

This industry led programme has been designed for those who aspire to be the future Engineers and Chief Engineers of the superyacht sector working onboard vessels both power and sail.

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) Professional Superyacht Engineer allows for progression onto Year 2 of the FdSc, and has been developed through collaboration and feedback with the super yacht industry. The program represents a hybrid approach based on traditional marine engineering expertise that is combined with a strong focus on the current and future skills needed to support the technological and sustainable development of the sector.

The program blends practical MCA/RYA maritime training with HNC/FdSc academic study and engineering workshop skills, alongside occupational and professional competencies, to give deeper knowledge and understanding of the topics and an edge for employment for your future career choices. It follows the guidance of the MCA MIN 1904 (M+F) UK Requirements for Engineer Officers Small Vessel Certificate of Competency. Leading to qualification as Engineer Officer of the Watch, EOOW unlimited less than 9,000 kW, less than 3000 GT Certificate of Competency.

Falmouth Marine School will also support learners with time spent on developing a personal career plan, focusing on personal goals, and the importance of their own professionalism, resilience, mental health, and wellbeing. Our learners will have access to a personal industry mentor, extensive industry tutorials, industry speakers, independent careers advice and support throughout their time at sea and ashore.

Academic & Maritime Training

The Superyacht Engineer career program requires an overall minimum of three years commitment to education, training and paid employment as crew, onboard superyachts. This programme does not follow the traditional academic year. as it is designed around the superyacht season. It is initially studied in intensive blocks of sea-going training with our RYA/MCA training partner, and formal delivery and practical workshop experience at Falmouth Marine School, which is delivered over five full days a week.

Year One and Two comprise an overall 18 months spent at Falmouth Marine School completing the HNC and FdSc elements, together with RYA/MCA classroom and on the water training. On completion of this stage of the program learners will be ready to commence employment and will be given support to achieve their first fully paid position as crew onboard a superyacht, power or sail.

This is followed by a year to 18 months minimum, working as fully paid crew onboard superyachts, based worldwide, where learners will gain experience and prerequisite sea-time towards their certificate of competency.