Purser Course - Residential

Whether you’re looking to progress into the Purser role or you already occupy the position and would like to formalise your existing experience, our GUEST-accredited Purser Program is for you.

Our Purser Program was the first of its kind when we created it 15 years ago, and it continues to lead the industry with more than 700 graduates having passed through the courses. Whether you choose residential, online intensive or fully flexible, the program has been designed to fit around your current work and life schedule.

The program provides an understanding of a vast range of practical skills that may be required of pursers in their role on board including yacht operations, destination management, VAT, accounting, crew management, HR and more.

The Details

Our Residential Purser Course is held at Tilton House, our training facility in the UK on the South Downs in Sussex.

Training takes place on-site and there are all the facilities for your stay to be wonderfully comfortable with multiple living and working areas, plus a stunning kitchen and dining room, acres of private gardens, and 10.000 acres of the Firle Estate to explore.

Luxury accommodation is also provided throughout the 12-day stay along with healthy chef-prepared meals, for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays.

For more information about the course, refer to the course format below or check out our Purser brochure here.

For any enquiries or to book your spot, contact info@yachtcrew.uk.

 Monday to Friday - held over 2 weeks

• 6 hours of daily lectures with regular breaks

• 2  to 3 hours of group and self-study each evening

• 3 written assessments 

• Maximum of 8 students on the residential course

Hear from our trainer Julia all about the different course options here.

The Purser course is broken down into eight modules over 2 weeks which cover the core GUEST / IAMI learning outcomes. 

Our program contains Units 18 - 21 GUEST Purser Program.  

1. The Role of the Purser

Administration, Port Bookings, Port Agents, Yacht and Crew File Management, Software Systems, Introduction to Checklists/Templates.

2. Destination Management

Research & Reconnaissance, Itinerary Planning, Event Planning, Safety & Security considerations, Guest logistics.

3. Maritime Organisations

MARPOL, STCW, MLC 2006, SOLAS: (ISPS & ISM), Crew: (POEA, Visas, Discharge Books), Medical.

4. Port Clearances

Certificates/Documentation, Immigration & Customs, Sanitation, Port State Control.

5. Charter & VAT

Types of Charter Contracts, Responsibilities of owner and client, APA Management, European VAT legislation.

6. Legal Framework

United Nations, IMO, ILO, Flag States, Port States.

7. Muster duties & Ops

Destinations (Culture, Safety, Provisions), Muster Duties, Guest Safety Inductions, Pre-Departure Checks, PWC Operations, Diving Operations.

8. Accounting & Budgeting

Terminology, Management/Owner Expectations, Bookkeeping & Payroll, Purchase Procedure Systems, CC, Cash, Float and Receipt Management

You will leave the course with all the knowledge and tools to launch or progress your career as a Purser.

After completing the course, you will officially be part of our Alumni community and will have free access to our Mental Health courses as well as discounts on other courses such as Management & Leadership for Crew.

If you would like to obtain your GUEST Purser Certificate of Competence, we recommend also taking our Advanced Leadership Program to fulfill the IAMI GUEST requirements for this certification.

"I would absolutely recommend the course to a friend! I have left with such a good foundation of knowledge and resources to make the transition into the purser role and that the learning environment was perfect. Being surrounded by other people in the yachting industry who are looking to go down the same path, all in different stages and positions also was really helpful."

- Lola, Residential Purser Graduate

 

"Being in residence was really fun and beneficial, we studied together, and had the chance to ask Julia questions outside of the live sessions. Dining with our lovely hosts, trainer, (and hounds), and sharing stories was also really lovely."

- Kate, Residential Purser Graduate 

 

"What are you waiting for! Sign up - This course is well worth it! BUT it does require 100% commitment - you can't just show up and wing it. I would strongly advise stews to put in the hours of work ahead of the start of the course."

- Geraldine, Residential Purser Graduate

 

This program is aimed at existing or aspiring HODs.