Licensing & Education

Naval Veteran Transitioning to superyacht Engineering

invalid@example.com (M Zubair) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:46:30 +0000

Hi Everyone,
I’m a Naval Veteran (20 years service) transitioning into the superyacht industry at 45.

I am starting my AEC1 & AEC2 shortly and would value any advice from current Chiefs on the most effective pathway for a mature entrant. Specifically:

How is naval sea-time generally viewed for MCA Small Vessel (SV) exemptions?

Which technical "extras" (AV/IT, Refrigeration, etc.) should I prioritize to be an asset in a yacht engine room?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Which License and Quickest School?

invalid@example.com (DOCKMASTER) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:22:33 +0000

I’m thinking about getting my Master’s License just to make insurance easier. Which license level is recommended and what are the quickest online schools? My boat is registered as 60 GRT. I’ve been operating it for over 13 years now so I have hundreds of logged hours. I don’t need anything commercial. I’m also not expecting to learn anything new, although that would be a plus . Just looking to have the document to make things easier for insurance or other similar purposes. Should I get a 50...

Which License and Quickest School?

Charter captain license for <24m yacht in EUROPE?

invalid@example.com (MountainGuy) — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 07:53:43 +0000

Did my fair share of sailing over the last 20 years incl trans atlantic and many regattas. Now thinking of working as a charter captain on smaller yachts. As far as I understand the limit is 24m. What kind of license is necessary and who is a recommended agency for licensing/training IN EUROPE? May thanks!

Seaman's book options

invalid@example.com (gnilias) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:43:51 +0000

I'm about to complete my STCW Basic Safety Training (5 days) in the UK and have my seaman's medical (ENG1), also from the UK. I don't have a job yet. I'm a dual British and Australian citizen and my understanding is that in both these countries, I need to get a job first before I can apply for my Seaman's Book.

It is my perception that I will have a better chance of getting a job if I already have a Seaman's book (and start logging sea time straight away, even if on a voluntary / unpaid...

Seaman's book options

up to 500GRT license

invalid@example.com (Red.Cap) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:53:27 +0000

Hey guys!
What kind of papers do I have to hold as a 500GRT captain?
500 GRT license/STCW/GMDSS

What else?

thanks!

Training for a noob.

invalid@example.com (Syf350) — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:42:41 +0000

Who would one look to hire to get training on their personal boat? Not looking for a license, just to be comfortable and efficient running a 50-60 footer. Preferably get enough training to single hand.

And how much time do you think would be necessary to safely operate a boat that size without a captain?

TIA.

How to become a deckhand?

invalid@example.com (Fransisco) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:13:22 +0000

Hello everyone this is my first post so hopefully it isn't in the wrong place...
I have become really interested in becoming a deckhand for private yachts and would like some guidance on how to do so. After I graduate from high school later this december I plan on moving to Ft.Lauderdale with my grandfather to get my STCW Basic Safety Training. I happen to know a couple of Chefs who work on private yatchs and they say I will need a agent to get out there (Work on a boat)? Do I need to do...

How to become a deckhand?

NVIC Assessor in SoFla Area?

invalid@example.com (Whitney Irons) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:05:23 +0000

I have searched here and spent some time on the NMC website and can't find an answer.

I need to find an Assessor that can review and sign off my NVIC assessment for STCW 500 ton. I understand that before the end of this year any captain holding a 200T or greater National and 500T or greater STCW ticket can perform the eval and sign off.

Any direction or suggestion is greatly appreciated.

Sea time documentation over the 100 and 200GT

invalid@example.com (Pascal) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 01:40:15 +0000

The more I try to read the CFRs and various forms, the more confused I get…

From this USCG document
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/professional_qualifications/crediting_sea_service.pdf

———
What counts as a “day”?
• A “day,” as defined by the regulations, is 8 hours of watch-standing or day-working, not to include overtime.
• Only on vessels of less than 100 gross registered tons (GRT): Credit for a full day will only be given for service of 4 hours or more (See 46...

Sea time documentation over the 100 and 200GT

OUPV/Six-pack Captain’s License Online

invalid@example.com (Letbetterp) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 00:17:23 +0000

There are so many online six-pack Captains training courses.
Can someone recommend some of the best online training classes?

My brother and his wife got a 2004 65 Carver Voyager.
Brother and I hired a captain to teach / ferried from Kuttawa, Kentucky to Kema Texas.
This was a great learning experience, our second trip was from Kema Texas to Destin Florida.
On Destin trip we traveled over night in the gulf, we both stayed up watching radar, garmin and looking for lights on pump stations and...

OUPV/Six-pack Captain’s License Online

Personal Liability Insurance

invalid@example.com (clivesail) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:49:37 +0000

I have USCG/MMC with Aux Sail endorsement for vessels<50 GRT.
Thinking of helping out a friend who wants to charter his 40' sailboat for 'sunset cruises' on a Great Lakes Port.
What kind of Insurance does one need and other 'contractual issues' should one consider, before embarking on such a scheme? Many Thanks!

Where to take the STCW

invalid@example.com (sabmagnus) — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:28:42 +0000

Hi! I'm planning on taking my STCW course in April/May, I'm so overwhelmed with all of the different options and would love some advice!

Are courses offered in the US, UK, Europe and the Bahamas all considered equal and how do you know that they are properly accredited? Are there schools that are considered superior?

Also is it worth taking the extra course that covers all things interior/stewardess related?

Thanks guys!

Running in the Med

invalid@example.com (Mike Schloss) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:29:16 +0000

My boss is thinking of shipping his boat to the med for the summer, (no specifics yet), We do not charter. Will my USCG license be all I need? I don't have the new STCW done yet, I am working on it. Will that have to be completed to go? Any Idea who to call that could help me (without calling each country)? Thank you.

Advice on changing careers to captain for an old guy.

invalid@example.com (Navy Ken) — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 20:56:28 +0000

I have been looking at the forums here, lot of nice folks, and I have seen several threads on how to become a captain for hire. Most of these were by or directed towards younger people. I'm 45 and I want a career change. I am tired of repairing ships and submarines and want to drive yachts (the shipyard is going to be the death of me.) I was an electrician in the US Navy for 20 years, of that 13 was sea time, but I never stood bridge watch so the USCG told me none of my sea time counts. What...

Advice on changing careers to captain for an old guy.

ETO AV/IT Career Advice

invalid@example.com (T_A) — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:35:23 +0000

Hi,

I am currently looking into ETO/AVIT positions on Super yachts and the career paths.

I am located in Australia. My background is as a qualified electrician within the industrial automation sector. I have also done another certification based on industrial electronics and digital control.

- What positions are entry level that verge into a career path of an ETO
- Am I able to get into the role of ETO/AVIT officer without an engineering degree specifically or a marine cadetship
- I am...

ETO AV/IT Career Advice

Crossover to USCG license

invalid@example.com (Hasan32) — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 20:28:46 +0000

Is it possible to crossover my foreign license to USCG license

at what point do you need a captains lic?

invalid@example.com (Packinair) — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 21:40:55 +0000

on a family owned boat is there point where you need one? for length? or just if you are being hired one? or is it if you have a large boat you can just drive it??

Question: Captains license required?

invalid@example.com (purpleK) — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 04:25:49 +0000

At what length and or diplacement is a captains license required?
Specifically owner operation of private not for charter liveaboard in 70-85 ft
range? U.S. west coast/Canada/Alaska operation area.
The real question is where do I go to get that information?

Thanks

ENG1 locations USA

invalid@example.com (JeffD487) — Mon, 14 May 2018 01:12:54 +0000

Hello, I was looking to conduct the ENG1 1 Seafarer Medical Examination, but seem to only find two specific doctors to perform the examination.

1. Concentra - Dr. S Green

290 Branch Avenue Providence 290 Branch Avenue Providence Rhode Island 02904

2. Health Medical Centers - Dr. E Grenet

1489 SE 17 Suite 2 2nd Floor Southport Shopping Centre Fort Lauderdale Florida 33316

I've checked multiple locations and this seems to be the case. If anyone knows...

ENG1 locations USA

Get ENG1 in USA? Seattle Portland ideally

invalid@example.com (celtdancer) — Fri, 11 May 2018 19:23:45 +0000

Hi! Any advice is much appreciated. Trying to get my ENG1 medical/ physical exam done in the USA. I live in Portland. Can I just go to my own doctor, with some special form? Or does the doctor have to be approved/affiliated with yachting or maritime governing bodies etc? It’s too expensive to fly all the way to Fort Lauderdale Florida just for this exam.

Or, do I wait until I arrive in Antibes, and then get the medical exam done there - even though I won’t be “registered” with any...

Get ENG1 in USA? Seattle Portland ideally

Boaters University Feedback

invalid@example.com (jayjay) — Fri, 11 May 2018 03:33:13 +0000

Anyone have a recommendation on taking these courses online?
I'd like to have some reviews to read before giving them a credit card.
Thanks.

STCW-95 Location/General Enquiry

invalid@example.com (cecilsmate) — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 23:38:56 +0000

First time poster, 23y/0 american male here looking to get a job as a deckhand. I am currently living in New Zealand until March/April 2018. After that I was looking to go off an get my STCW-95/10 ASAP. Maybe a few other certs as well such as Powerboat 1, other recommendations appreciated. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on who to go through. Was looking at Super Yacht Crew Academy in Sydney as I have places to stay there and its close. But would it be cheaper to head...

STCW-95 Location/General Enquiry

yacht engineer vs. cargo ship engineer

invalid@example.com (dalm) — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 20:05:24 +0000

So I am from Romania and I have Chief Engineer licence on ship powered by me of 3000 kw or more.I have 26 month experience as 3rd engineer and 25 months experience as 2nd engineer on cargo ships.There is a possibility to sail on the yacht?What I have to do to obtain yacht engineer license?

OUPV(6 pack) and a 100ft m/y legal?

invalid@example.com (tc123) — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 20:53:01 +0000

I currently have a OUPV 6 pack can I legally be the captain of the boat for the owner and take more than six quests?

USCG- Sea time

invalid@example.com (ychtcptn) — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 09:57:39 +0000

I've always been a stickler on the sea time for my crew members and for myself. I always used 8 hours or more underway as a day at sea, as this is what the CFR's when I got my original license (1990).
Then at some point they started taking 4-8 hrs, as relayed to me during a renewal when I did not have enough sea time for recency, still "underway"
Lately I have been doing research on the subject and can not find any where in the CFR''s that say you have to be underway, even under the...

USCG- Sea time

Captain quals in the Caribbean

invalid@example.com (JeffG) — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 22:14:44 +0000

Can anyone tell me any, or hopefully all, of the islands, will accept a USCG Master Captions License is accepted to work in the Caribbean? I have searched a ton of websites with no luck getting any information. I'm wanting to move down to the islands and look for a job as a boat captain.

Thanks,

Jobcorps

invalid@example.com (TimK) — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 03:01:53 +0000

Has anybody here done jobcorps for seamanship or worked with anybody that has done it? I want to begin a career on the high seas and I'm thinking I'll do jobcorps for 8 months to be better than useless on my first voyage.

Starting a Sailing Career...

invalid@example.com (CuriousGuy) — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 21:29:53 +0000

(*English is not my mother-language,I'm sorry for grammar mistakes,I'll try my best*)

Hi, I'm 18 years old, just finished high-school and I'm a little indecisive.
I live in Porto, Portugal.I don't have any history with sailing and boats, but I do surf and love the sea, I think I'm capable of good leadership, I wish to travel a lot by sea and I have passion for ships (Although I haven't been in many).
Since I was a kid I've always been interested in the sailing world, so this time...

Starting a Sailing Career...

USN to Yacht Engineering pathing

invalid@example.com (JayW) — Mon, 22 May 2017 12:18:42 +0000

Hi,

Currently serving in the USN and I am 6 months from the end of my contract (6 years). I would like to go into Yachting with a focus on the engineering side. Background wise I started in the Navy as a Machinist Mate Auxiliary (non-nuke) on Submarines, I was force converted to the Intel field. I am in my mid 30's.

So far from what I have read on hear there are a few paths I could take though at my age how many are truly viable remains to be seen. So I have a few questions...

I...

USN to Yacht Engineering pathing

Y4 training For Lauderdale

invalid@example.com (Norman Teskey) — Wed, 03 May 2017 01:36:56 +0000

Hey Everyone, does anyone know what schools offer the Y4 other than MPT if there are any? If so, which one will prepare me the best for the oral. Thx

Merchant Navy to Yachting Path and Sailing Yachts

invalid@example.com (dogus) — Mon, 01 May 2017 13:03:11 +0000

I have been searching on this topic for quite a while on our forum.

I have few questions please pick any of them you can help me with. This topic can be a great insight for all of us.

I have an Unlimited Chief Officer CoC from Turkey(White Flag). Not any bit tired of sea but want to see something else than containers terminals and heavy ISM documents.

I have two groups of questions divided into certification and job opportunities. Please pick as you like.

1)I have Malta OOW...

Merchant Navy to Yachting Path and Sailing Yachts

How do I become a Deckhand?

invalid@example.com (BobbyDeck) — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 00:13:33 +0000

I'm a senior in high school from Texas and lately have been thinking about taking a year off before college. I've been considering becoming a deckhand and working on a yacht in the Mediterranean or Australia. I recently started reading forums on how to become one, however I am struggling with the certifications and time they require as I only have a year before college. The STCW Basic Safety Training is what I believe is a must.

Can someone provide insight into what else I would need for...

How do I become a Deckhand?

Need suggestions about Yacht Engineering

invalid@example.com (Burcinyavru) — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 18:49:19 +0000

Hello guys.

In Turkey i graduated Maritime college in 2009 after 1 year had been working as an cadet i took 3000 kw engineer officer and with this i have 30 months sea service on many Cargoship until beginning of September and September i just started working 40 meter motoryacht as an chief (Turkish owner) Marshall flag but couple of people told me i need yacht engineering qualifications for better jobs and first one is AEC approved engineering certificate my question is really am I need...

Need suggestions about Yacht Engineering

What Education you really need to be competitive?

invalid@example.com (Allproyacht) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 23:31:52 +0000

I've been heavily researching and reaching out to agencies for help on what education I need.

I'm green to the industry so stcw 95 is a must I know. I've also been told Powerboat 2 is very helpful for a newbie.

However, I was watching a lot of interviews with captians who said they wouldn't hire deck help without a masteryacht offshore. Which is pretty expensive and has some pre-reqs.

So what do you honestly need to be somewhat competitive if you're green. Cause if I have to throw 3 grand...

What Education you really need to be competitive?

Transferring private yacht experience

invalid@example.com (lochte18) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:23:29 +0000

Hi! I'm a danish marine engineering student, looking to start my engineer career in commercial shipping and move on to the private yacht industry after gaining one or two years of experience.

I was wondering how transferable/thought after experience on private yachts is, suppose you want to move into the oil and gas industry or perhaps return to commercial shipping? I have heard rumors, saying that private yacht experience does not count for much outside the industry. Any view or past time...

Transferring private yacht experience

Yacht Engineer - The Role and the Path?

invalid@example.com (mmss1) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:12:21 +0000

Hello all!

In my post about Y4 study material some of us came a little bit off topic and started to discuss the actual contents in the Y4 syllabus and the situation with "fast track" engineers vs. traditionally trained engineers.

I invite everyone to freely share their thoughts on the "Yacht Engineer - The Role and the Path?".

Why is there a special yacht engineer? Why aren't all engineers on yachts merchant navy engineers? Is the yacht licensing system flawed? ...

Please, come...

Yacht Engineer - The Role and the Path?

Military Experience

invalid@example.com (cnkale80) — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 08:22:03 +0000

Does anyone know first hand if sea service in the military (NAVY and US Coast Guard) has any degree of credibility in the yachting industry? I have 3.5 years at sea doing navigation, search and rescue, etc. Is it possible that some crew agencies and/or captains would consider me entry-level during an interview or is military sea service desired? All advice is greatly appreciated.

How i get the yacht engineer licence?

invalid@example.com (JulieYang) — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 02:32:52 +0000

I have a friend working for a yacht company in China mainland as an engineer for 14 months, but he donot have a engineer licence just have low-vortage electrican certification. Now he want to get a yacht engineer licence, in China do not have this kind of licence,what he should do ?

How to make a cv with no experience?

invalid@example.com (kzpl23) — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 03:24:38 +0000

I just have a quick question what do you guys put on a cv with no yachting experience? I was thinking that maybe I should wait and get some day work in and then make a cv. What is the best way to do this? Thanks.

Leaving for florida August 5th and would like to get ready as much as possible. I have my ENG 1 set up and already registered for the stcw95 its just after I get that done, whats next? Dock walking, they say to pass out cvs but what should i put on it if i have no yachting...

How to make a cv with no experience?

Looking forward to apply for MCA Y4/ USCG DDE - CE AHP (III/2)

invalid@example.com (Saar) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:58:29 +0000

Hey everybody!

I would really appreciate if someone has the knowledge about engineer's licenses in the yacht industry.

As an american citizen who served in the navy for 3.5 years as an engineer on-board a boat and another 7 months as the engineer on board a private superyacht- which license should i apply to?

What are the advantages each one of these licenses bring?
Do all the flags accept the two licenses the same?
Which one would be the easier to get?...

Looking forward to apply for MCA Y4/ USCG DDE - CE AHP (III/2)