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.

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.

View more information about the course format below or check out the full course brochure here.

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

Course Format

 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.

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

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 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.

Testimonials

"I'm really glad that I chose the residential over the online option. Julia's great! She's an absolute wealth of knowledge. The setting's great and the people are so nice! "

- Beth, Residential Purser Graduate

"It's lovely. I think the content is really interesting and it's presented well. The activities are engaging, and they actually really help to take in the information, which is nice. The group of girls is really nice to be around and to actually bounce ideas off of, so it's been really positive."

- Danielle, Residential Purser Graduate

" Great ! The food is amazing. We've been looked after very well. The house and the facilities are also exceptional. It's a very unique location, and I think it's a great setting to bring a group of industry professionals together and do such a course. It's great. Julia is an exceptional facilitator. Emma is just wonderful. So it's been good. Overall, It's a great setting ! "

 - Kiyra, Residential Purser Graduate

"It's really good, and although it's been so long since I've been taking notes and doing assignments, it's presented itself really well. Nevertheless, It is a lot of work, and then you just get a grasp of how much actually goes into moving the boat from point A to point B and dealing with all of the crew visas, passports, port clearance etc. So it's been great so far!"

- Catherine, 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 cant 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. I didn't realise the load of work content, assignments and activities not to mention the studying that was gonna be cramped into 2 weeks."

- Geraldine, Residential Purser Graduate