An OOW Licence can be obtained either from working your way up from Deckhand to OOW on a yacht, or by following an accredited University degree in Navigation. When following the university route, an aspiring Officer can be sponsored by a shipping company who not only help fund the degree, but also provide placements on their ships for the Cadet to achieve the necessary sea time.
The OOW is primarily responsible for navigation and safety, including watchkeeping, passage planning, crew training and drills. They also take an active role in all shipboard operations including anchoring, mooring, maintenance and cleaning to make sure the yacht looks spotless at all times.
The yachts travel to beautiful places all over the world. The scenery is always changing and the crew are able to explore and enjoy the amazing places they sail to when time allows. The crew are like a family as we live and work together onboard the yacht for months at a time.
Possible pathways into this role
UKSA, IOW: Superyacht Cadetship
Superyacht Cadetship Programme – Unique to UKSA
UKSA, IOW: Edmiston Superyacht Crew Training
Superyacht Crew Training – all-inclusive with UKSA
University of Plymouth: BSc(Hons) Navigation & Maritime Science
