4 things I wish I knew before becoming a Yacht Purser

Hi I’m Julia, former Yacht Purser, and now Course Director and Purser Trainer at The Crew Academy.

It’s been a number of years since I occupied the Purser position onboard. And, in this ever-changing and constantly evolving industy, the role looks quite different now to what I experienced. That being said, within my role I get to spend a lot of time with existing and aspiring Pursers, and a real insight into the role of a Purser today.

If I could go back and chat with my younger self, these are the core things I would say before stepping into the role.

Experience is the ultimate qualification

As you may already know, a Purser should have extensive experience within the yachting industry, and they are expected to have a concrete understanding of how each department operates, the roles and responsibilities of management and shore-side support, as well as the unique needs and requirements of the yacht owner and any guests on board.

You will be expected to understand at the very least – the basics of maritime legislation, operating budgets and how to manage money on and off board. Alongside this, you must be organised, and able to articulate confidently in your communications. 

My advice is not to rush into the role, work your way up and truly learn the ins and outs of the industry so you can efficiently and confidently support your team and owner. Spend time understanding the intricate systems used by a Purser before you’re in charge of them.

As preparation for your first official purser’s role, it might benefit you to shadow or volunteer to assist the Purser, Officer, or Captain on board your vessel, this may need to be in your down time so as to not interfere with usual duties. 

Use this time to familiarise with administrative SOPs, checklists and templates, you can even start to create your own templates and checklists, whilst working on building your network, keeping records of destinations you visit, which agents you used, any marinas/shipyards visited, and in general any notes of what is available locally for future use.

Organisation and self-motivation

The Purser’s role is highly demanding. You play the role of the ultimate task-master, constantly juggling multiple priorities to ensure deadlines are met, and everything on board runs smoothly and efficiently.

This means, in order to succeed in the Purser’s role, you MUST possess the ability to effectively assess a situation in the moment it arises, and know exactly what actions to take to resolve the situation.

Checklists and templates are also highly beneficial to a Purser as they help to ensure nothing is missed, any mistakes are minimised. You should be very familiar with these, the different types of templates, as well as knowing exactly where they are kept, and that they are constantly up to date.

Training is an investment

The honest truth is that the best Purser’s aren’t just winging it, they are trained, confident and competent professionals who thoroughly understand the complexities of the role.

As yachts have grown larger and more intricate, so has the Purser role. We are now seeing more specialised Purser roles appearing, such as Financial Controller, Purser Assistant / Secretary, Land-Based, and so on. These specialist roles require a deep knowledge of their particular area, highlighting why professional training is so important today.

Set some time aside for yourself to research the different accredited training programs for a Purser, and make sure to study with an industry approved training provider, as unfortunately there is a rise in unverified training providers and false certifications going around.

Accredited Purser training programs, like those offered by The Crew Academy are accredited by IAMI GUEST, and guarantee you receiving the highest quality training, and you’ll come away with a globally-recognised qualification that is valued across the industry.  

These programs are specifically designed to give aspiring and current Pursers the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this complex and rewarding role.

Be patient and persistent

Purser roles are few and far between. Be patient, persistent, and confident in your abilities as a Purser. You will also need to be able to sell yourself, and explain why you are right for this role – This doesn’t always come easy to everyone, so practice and really work on your pitch as to why you are the right candidate for the role. 

And while you wait, as the industry is competitive and more crew are becoming interested in the role this can mean that landing your first role will take some time initially, continue working on and expanding your skillset, taking any extra training programs that could be beneficial to you especially if you’re seeking a specialised Purser role.

As I mentioned earlier, offer to assist the HoDs on your vessel, ask where you can offer a hand, and continue to show your keen interest in upskilling and learning about the roles and responsibilities of the Purser role.

It will also benefit you to find a recruitment partner you can trust to help you search for that role. This is where our sister-company The Crew Hunter comes into play, with our Head of Recruitment playing a crucial role in nurturing crew throughout their entire career.

Interested in becoming a qualified Purser?

Our leading and IAMI GUEST-accredited Purser Program gives crew a deep understanding of the many practical skills required of a purser on board. This includes modules on yacht operations, destination management, VAT, accounting, crew management, HR, and more. 

To join one of our upcoming cohorts of the Purser program, check out our 3 different learning options: Residential, Live-Out and Online Flexible.

Join onto any 2 week cohort, and you will receive access to your course content for up to 12 months with the option to revisit any of your modules any time.

To view full details on the Purser Program and upcoming dates, visit yachtcrew.uk/purser.

For any questions, contact info@yachtcrew.uk.