Description

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.

To find out more about Purser course read our Purser brochure.

If you have any questions, contact info@yachtcrew.uk.

Course Format

Monday to Friday - held over 2 weeks

• 6 hours of daily online Live Lectures Monday-Friday

• 3 hours of self-study per day through the VLE

• 10 day course

• 3 written assessments

• Maximum 10 students per course

• Online format allows students to join from any time-zone and location

Here from our trainer Julia about the different course options here.

Email info@yachtcrew.uk for our full list of 2025 dates.

Key Takeaways

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 for free 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.

Modules

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

Testimonials

"This course is 100% worth the time and money. I feel so confident moving forward and progressing through my yachting career having invested in myself and taken The Crew Academy Purser course."

Rosie, Online Purser Graduate

"It is a fountain of knowledge and you will learn things that can be used in so many areas of life, not just in a purser role. If fast paced learning process is something you enjoy, go for the two week intensive course, but if you prefer having more time to absorb the immense amount of the information the training consists of, go for the flexi training option. Either way, I 100% recommend it! :)"

Martyna, Online Purser Graduate

" Doing the two week course is intense but it's the best way to learn to be fully immersed in learning the role of a purser. The communication and content available are fantastic and the support to get you through the course is great." 

Anna, Online Purser Graduate

"100% From booking the course through until the end the staff have been amazing and so supportive. I am so glad I picked you guys to do my course with. You have given us so many tools leaving and more courses for free that we are able to complete, which is fabulous - I will definitely be doing them."

Lauren - Online Purser Graduate

"I would say it is so valuable if you want to progress in your career, both as a Chief Stewardess and as a Purser. You gain such a great insight into the running of a yacht and what goes on behind the scenes. The course content is really interesting and will definitely enable you to progress within your role, and support HOD's if needed."

Charlotte, Online Purser Graduate

"It's a great course and so informative, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Julia and my other classmates. Julia is a great facilitator, highly knowledgeable and experienced, is great at giving constructive feedback and pushes you to do your best. I feel more confident as a seafarer and working on the interior. I look forward to using my new knowledge and skills in my next role!!

Haleigh, Online Purser Graduate