Introducing kelp: Redefining Professional Development in Yachting

A groundbreaking new learning platform, kelp, is set to transform professional development in the yachting industry.

For too long, professional growth in yachting has been reduced to a tick-box exercise, with crew simply completing mandatory training and certificates. But this approach leaves large parts of the job untaught. Core yacht skills like service, housekeeping, and deck work, as well as vital soft skills such as accounting, human resources, leadership, and project management, are often left to chance. As a result, professionals at every stage of their career find themselves learning on the job, leading to mistakes, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.

kelp offers a new way forward. By teaching the skills no one else does, it transforms professional development into an ongoing journey and equips yacht crew with the tools they need to truly thrive.

What is kelp?

kelp platform

Home to more than 1,500 courses and 10,000 hours of learning under a single subscription, kelp provides access to the world’s largest collection of skills training for yachting professionals—at a fraction of the cost of traditional schools.

All content is recognised and delivered by leading international accreditation bodies and training schools, including IAMI, GUEST, CPD, MCA, SYBAss, The Crew Academy, and Whitehorse Maritime Group. This ensures every course meets the highest standards of training.

The ever-growing library covers three main types of learning:

  • eLearning Modules
    Self-paced courses that fit around busy working lives. Study anytime, anywhere, and on any device, with topics ranging from MCA Oral Prep, AI and Machine Learning, and Food Hygiene to Communication and Project Management.
  • Live Programs
    Fully accredited, online, and interactive programs designed to deepen expertise. Options include everything from STCW for new crew to specialised pathways such as the Purser Program, Leadership & Command courses, and the Yacht Owner’s Representative Program.
  • Resource Library
    A vast collection of tools included with every subscription: editable checklists, templates, job aids, itineraries, videos, podcasts, career resources, and industry news.

How does it work?

kelp offers four subscription levels, tailored to every stage of a yachting career. From Explorer for new crew through to Leader for senior professionals, each level provides structured training mapped across a three-year learning journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience—deckhand to captain, galley hand to head chef, stewardess to purser, yacht manager to broker—kelp helps you progress with confidence.

For captains, managers, and companies, kelp also offers multi-user subscriptions. These include real-time dashboards to track compliance, set KPIs, and monitor progress across a single vessel or an entire fleet.

Learning is fully flexible, accessible on phone, tablet, or desktop in 44 languages, making kelp truly global.

A new standard for professional growth

Andrew Roch

“We are incredibly excited to introduce kelp to the yachting world,” says Andrew Roch, founder of kelp. 

“This platform is the result of 16 years of developing and delivering courses for yachting professionals. After more than a decade and a half of teaching, I’m thrilled to finally provide crew with a smarter way to learn—offering more opportunities, greater flexibility, and better value than ever before.

“Our goal is to empower every yachting professional to reach their full potential, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this dynamic industry.”

kelp is more than just training. It’s a global community of yacht crew learning together, building confidence, and advancing their careers—all with a simple monthly subscription.

👉 To find out more and explore your training options, visit kelp.yachts.