The Ultimate Yacht Purser Course

Requirements

These are set to ensure you have the requisite experience and necessary skills to be successful in applying for Purser roles following the course. Basic Excel, MS Office, and mathematical ability ( If you are not somewhat computer literate, it is recommended to take an Excel course before commencing this training) Common sense, two-years experience working onboard yachts over 60m or One-year of experience working on cruise ships as a purser

All assignments must be completed and passed as well as on oral examination passed via Zoom for a certificate to be issued

MODULE 1 | The Role of the Purser | Leadership

  • the yacht purser's role in managing crew and vessel logistics

  • how the purser fits into the yacht's hierarchy, as well as reporting structures

  • how the purser supports each department on board

  • how the purser supports shore-based management, suppliers, agents and other stakeholders

  • what motivates people and teams

  • how to set SMART goals

  • effective communication

  • leadership styles

  • how to identify and manage stress and fatigue

  • salary expectations of a new purser

MODULE 2 | the Yachting Regulatory Environment

  • international and maritime/admiralty law

  • sources of law on board

  • the role of the ILO and IMO

  • the Four Pillars of maritime law

  • Flag States

  • the role of the Classification Society

  • maritime treaties, conventions and codes

  • Port State Control

  • private vs commercial registration

  • industry associations and bodies to support crew

MODULE 3 | Crew Management

  • crew embarkation and disembarkation procedures

  • crew onboarding and management

  • crew certificate management

  • Certificates of Competencies

  • Flag State Endorsements and CECs

  • crew leave and training tracking

  • payroll processing

  • crew insurance

MODULE 4 | Port Clearances

  • the role of the yacht agent

  • maintaining the crew list

  • customs procedures

  • immigration procedures

  • agricultural and health requirements

  • certificates versus declarations

  • shore leave

  • USA cruising

  • Mediterranean cruising

MODULE 5 | Charter Operations

  • yacht ownership vs charters

  • the different roles of charter brokers

  • factors for charter success

  • charter marketing

  • charter associations and agreements

  • charter costs

  • VAT and charter

  • preference sheets

  • APA Accounting

  • guest management and reporting

  • daily duties on charter

  • crew gratuity calculation

MODULE 6 | Destination Management

  • destination research

  • itinerary creation

  • guest activity tracking and management

  • weather considerations

  • legalities, taxes and import considerations for world cruising

  • visas and vaccinations for crew and guests

  • shipping logistics for ship stores in transit

MODULE 7 | Budgeting and Accounting

  • accounting definitions

  • accounting practices

  • purchase order system

  • book-keeping and double-entry practices

  • petty cash and multiple currency management

  • credit and debit card procedures

  • managing budgets and variances

  • cost code allocation

  • invoice and supplier management

  • audits

  • VAT and the vessel

MODULE 8 | Software

On completion of this module, students will understand:

  • how to effectively use MS Office to streamline admin on board the yacht

    • MS Word

    • MS Excel

    • MS PowerPoint

    • MS Outlook

  • accounting software (Voly)

  • how to manage folders on the server

ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments have been created for each module that simulates the day-to-day duties a Purser completes onboard. This provides you with the confidence to walk into your first Purser role, knowing exactly what is expected of you (and the ability to make mistakes 'in the classroom' first and learn from them).