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Yacht Purser Course
Confidently Manage Yacht Administration and Logistics
--in 8 weeks--
(Without having to leave the comfort of your cabin or home while still being a part of a supportive community)
If you’re an aspiring yacht purser, newly qualified yacht officer, chief stewardess or a busy captain looking to gain valuable yacht administration skills to give your career a boost, you probably already know that you need to complete a yacht purser course.
Gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage the vessel administration and logistics from the first truly online virtual learning provider. Our purser course has been tried, tested and perfected by over 30 students in the last year.
By completing the IAMI GUEST Accredited purser course, you will add vital skills to your CV in a difficult job market, and equip yourself with the tools you need to excel in your role.
The purser is integral to the smooth operation of the vessel from both a logistical and operational aspect. It is imperative that crew who have never held this position understand the complexities involved in this challenging yet highly rewarding career.
Delivery of Course
Complete the course from wherever you are in the world. It is 100% delivered online on our virtual learning platform which is constantly updated. Join a community of students online and leverage your own network in the process.
Our first-of-it's kind online learning platform is one of the best online course platforms in the world and is used by thousands of teaching professionals. There are videos to accompany the theory and delve deeper into some of the topics. Depending on your chosen delivery method, you will either complete the course as part of a group (where you will be able to join group calls) or on your own.
Benefit from a 1:1 call for each module with your trainer.
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, as well as common sense, are the essential skills needed to perform a Purser function on board. If you are not somewhat computer literate it is recommended to take an Excel course before commencing this training.
As a minimum, we recommend the following experience to provide you with the best possible chance of achieving a purser position after the completion of your purser certificate:
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Two-years experience working onboard yachts over 60m
OR
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One-year of experience working on cruise ships as a purser
Because there are no 'one-size-fits-all' criteria, we conduct extensive interviews with potential students to ensure that the course is a good fit and will meet your training needs.
Certificate
All assignments and assessments must be completed and passed as well as on oral examination passed via Zoom for a certificate to be issued by The Yacht Purser.
Once you have met all the requirements for certifications, you will also receive the internationally accredited IAMI GUEST Purser Certificate.
Course Dates
We pride quality over quantity and there will always be a maximum of 7 students per class to ensure you get the most out of the course.
9 January 2023
13 February 2023
20 March 2023
8 May 2023
17 July 2023
Calls will take place on a Monday and Wednesday at 12:00 UTC +2 or 14:00 SAST for 2.5 -3 hours each. There are 8 group calls over 4 weeks.
Please note that you are able to join any live group calls within a 1-year period of your course.
Enrol
Kindly click on ENROL below, enter your details, upload your CV.
Role of the Yacht Purser

On completion of these two modules, students will understand:
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the yacht purser's role in managing crew and vessel logistics
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how the purser fits into the yacht's hierarchy, as well as reporting structures
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how the purser supports each department on board
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how the purser supports shore-based management, suppliers, agents and other stakeholders
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crew and guests familiarisations
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purser muster duties
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scribe/narrative duties
Foundational Leadership

On completion of these two modules, students will understand:
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what motivates people and teams
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how to set SMART goals
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effective communication
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leadership styles
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how to identify and manage stress and fatigue
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salary expectations of a new purser
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personality profiling
Yachting Legal & Regulatory Environment

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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international and maritime/admiralty law
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sources of law on board
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the role of the ILO and IMO
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the Four Pillars of maritime law
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Flag States
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the role of the Classification Society
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maritime treaties, conventions and codes
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Port State Control
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private vs commercial registration
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industry associations and bodies to support crew
Crew Management

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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crew embarkation and disembarkation procedures
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crew onboarding and management
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crew certificate management
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Certificates of Competencies
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Flag State Endorsements and CECs
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crew leave and training tracking
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payroll processing
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crew insurance
Port Clearances

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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the role of the yacht agent
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maintaining the crew list
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the FAL convention
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customs procedures
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importation of the vessel
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immigration procedures
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agricultural and health requirements
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customs inspections
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certificates versus declarations
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shore leave
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USA cruising
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Mediterranean cruising
Charter Management

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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yacht ownership vs charters
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the different roles of charter brokers
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factors for charter success
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charter marketing
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charter associations and agreements
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charter costs
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MYBA charter contract
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VAT and charter
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preference sheets
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APA Accounting
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guest management and reporting
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daily duties on charter
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crew gratuity calculation
Destination Management

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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destination research
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itinerary creation
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guest activity tracking and management
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weather considerations
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legalities, taxes and import considerations for world cruising
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visas and vaccinations for crew and guests
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shipping logistics for ship stores in transit
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planning for an expedition
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managing a trip
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software used to manage trips
Budgeting and Accounting

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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accounting definitions
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accounting practices
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purchase order system
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book-keeping and double-entry practices
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petty cash and multiple currency management
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credit and debit card procedures
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managing budgets and variances
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cost code allocation
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invoice and supplier management
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audits
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VAT and the vessel
Software

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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how to effectively use MS Office to streamline admin on board the yacht
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MS Word
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MS Excel
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MS PowerPoint
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MS Outlook
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how to manage folders on the server
Voly Yacht Accounting Software

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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how to use Voly Yacht Accounting to manage budgets, purchase orders, suppliers, HODs, trips, APA accounting on board
Deep Blue Soft

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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how to effectively use Deep Blue Soft to streamline admin on board the yacht
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Core
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HRM
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PMS
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Finance
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Charter
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Fleet
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Inventory
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EU VAT and Customs, Importation

On completion of this module, students will understand:
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what is VAT and how does it work
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who pays VAT
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VAT on goods and services
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VAT on hull
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VAT on sale or purchase
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VAT and importation
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VAT and chartering
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VAT reporting
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fiscal representative vs agent
Assignments

Assignments have been created for each module that simulate 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).