Course
The Charter Professional
This fully online course provides a comprehensive look into the midsized (40-70ft) yacht charter industry. It emphasizes career progression, and essential everyday skills for all roles including chefs, skippers, and third crew members. These skills include how to plan and execute charters, vessel maintenance, and how to succeed in small teams. The Charter Professional prepares crew for the real challenges they will face, by teaching them how to adapt to their circumstances. This provides the independence and versatility essential to success in this dynamic and rewarding field. See full syllabus below.
Course Description
This fully online course covers all you need to know to become proficient in the world of crewed yacht charters on midsized vessels. Starting with early career management and communication skills, the course then covers everything from how to plan and conduct actual charters, to how to maintain your vessel to a professional standard. The Charter Professional highlights the people-centric nature of the industry, and addresses the many interactions with various stakeholders crew will have, including guests, vessel owners, brokers, technical staff, and team members. It aims to equip learners with the essential planning, service and technical skills needed to navigate the complexities of actual charters, emphasizing the importance of cross-training for versatility and independence. The overarching goal is to ensure success by instilling a strong sense of teamwork, personal flexibility, and professional confidence.
Curriculum
Full syllabus
17 modules · 63 sections · 17 final assessments
Before The Charters
1Building your Resume2 Sections · 3 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Effectively communicate your applicable experience and skills via a resume.
- Format your resume to marine yacht charter industry standards.
- Correctly select and present your references.
- Strategize how to build reputation and work toward your next position while staying in your current job.
2Contracts: Knowing your Role5 Sections · 6 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Effectively read and understand a standard crew contract.
- Identify and employ key terms in a standard charter yacht crew contract negotiation.
- Correctly research employment opportunities and identify expectations on crew.
- Understand how to effectively advocate for yourself and make compromises by identifying your experience, marketability, and the benefits of employment.
3Communication Skills: The Basics6 Sections · 7 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Professionally communicate with owners, brokers, guests, vessel management, team members, and shore support staff.
- Use different communication strategies effectively to achieve your goals with all stakeholders.
- Understand the benefits of employing an empathetic approach in your professional communications.
4Marketing Your Vessel3 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Market your vessel through your performance and social media platforms.
- Take effective photographs that highlight the vessel and overall charter experience.
- Prepare and present your vessel for boat shows.
5Preference Sheets3 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Read, critically review, and apply the information in guest preference sheets to your charter plan.
- Liaise with primaries and guests to ensure the accuracy and scope of information provided in preference sheets.
- Use preference sheets as a communication tool and guide to create a successful charter experience for guests.
6Planning the Charter4 Sections · 5 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Plan a customized charter route using your research skills, information found in the preference sheet, and guest communications.
- Plan a complete charter menu and provision for it accordingly.
- Optimize your route, guest excursions, and provisioning strategy.
During The Charters
7Expecting the Unexpected4 Sections · 5 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Predict, identify, and prevent common challenges on board during charters.
- Strategize and engage in safe decision-making on vessels.
- Know when to ask for help.
8Inside and Out: The Vessel on Charter3 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Understand the expectations involved with maintenance of an orderly deck.
- Understand the expectations on maintaining the interior of the vessel while on charter.
- Identify safety hazards and work as a team to do what needs to be done on board.
- Know how and when to provide guests with daily briefings.
9Chartering Is For Guests3 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Understand the expectations of personal and professional flexibility while on charter.
- Know what it means to read the room and why it is important.
- Recognize common bad habits that can negatively affect the guest experience.
10Everything Food Service7 Sections · 8 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Set the table, mood, ambiance, and decor to provide a high-end dining experience.
- Work in tight spaces in a team environment to achieve common goals in an efficient way.
- Pair wines, understand the basics of plating, and maximize galley space
11The Guest Experience5 Sections · 6 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Create memorable guest experiences on charter.
- Facilitate the guest experience using vessel capabilities.
- Use local knowledge to fully access off-vessel activities and events.
12Social Expectations3 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Navigate the social expectations placed on crew in the midsize yacht context.
- Properly identify and manage guest requests that “ask too much.”
- Deal with guests who want to use drugs onboard.
13Environmental Stewardship2 Sections · 3 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Understand the role of crew as stewards of the marine environment.
- Use best practices to minimize the human footprint on the marine environment.
- Promote a culture of environmental responsibility on your vessel and in your charter area.
Off Charter
14Off-Charter Expectations3 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Turnaround a vessel
- Care for the vessel while-off charter
- Leave a vessel correctly at the end of a work or contract term.
15Vessel Administration3 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Conduct basic vessel administration.
- Work within, and effectively manage, vessel budgets and account for all vessel spending.
- Maximize crew’s fiscal success by assisting with the marketing of a vessel and its crew.
16Vessel Systems: The Basics5 Sections · 5 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Conceptualize how sea water cooling, electrical, fresh water, black water, and fuel systems function on board midsized vessels, and how to perform basic troubleshooting tasks on those systems.
17Vessel Care and Maintenance4 Sections · 4 Assessments
By the end of this module, you will be able to…
- Know the minimum vessel care and maintenance standards expected of crew by stakeholders.
- Recognize why crew are expected to be proactive and perform preventive maintenance.
- Know how to interact with parts on the vessel, and properly manage them.
- Know how to conduct a basic engine service, install a pump, and perform basic diagnostics with a multimeter.
- Know how to develop a Vessel Care and Maintenance Schedule, and a Maintenance Log.