The leisure boating industry is very diverse and there is a huge range of opportunities available.  The industry covers everything from large luxury powerboats through sailing boats, narrowboats and personal watercraft (such as Jet Skis) to small wooden dinghies. There’s also all the associated equipment and services that go with these, such as engines, electronics, equipment, marinas and watersports centres.  Whilst much of the industry is located in coastal areas there’s also a thriving waterways industry based around the country’s extensive network of canals, rivers and lakes.  

There is no set career pattern in the industry.  People tend to specialise in particular areas and expand their experience, qualifications and ability as time goes on.  Some people develop their careers in one company whilst others move from firm to firm.  The boating industry values people with a wide range of skills and practical experience and those who are prepared to work hard and use their initiative.  People skills are especially important for some jobs.

If you are looking at a career in the leisure boating industry there are several entry routes available.  School leavers can look at doing one of the college courses available, such as BTEC Nationals and City & Guilds courses.  You can also do higher qualifications such as HNDs and degrees.   There are a number of colleges, universities and training providers around the country that offer boatbuilding, marine technology and related courses.  Alternatively you might want to consider doing a Modern Apprenticeship with a company; then you’ll get paid while gaining valuable on-the-job experience and qualifications.  Once you’ve completed your Modern Apprenticeship you can choose to stay in work or use it as a stepping-stone to college or university.

Weather you have considered crewing on a charter boat or skippering a super yacht an RYA/MCA qualification will open many doors for you.  A high percentage, nearly 50%, of yachts working commercially around the world are Red Ensign vessels i.e. they are registered as British flagged vessels and this means that you will need to have RYA/MCA qualifications.  If you are looking to work onboard a non-Red Ensign vessel the regulations vary considerably depending on the country of registry so you need to check with the relevant countries Maritime Authority.  However, many countries do recognise the standards represented by the RYA qualifications and hence wish to employ crew that have this certification.

Some examples of career opportunities available worldwide:-

• Sail and/or Power Cruising Instructor
• Yachtmaster Instructor
• Yachtmaster Examiner
• Dinghy Instructor
• Windsurf Instructor
• Skippers, Mates, Hostesses, Engineers – for the large commercial yachts, super yachts and Flotilla yachts
• Watersports Manager or Assistant
• Delivery Skippers
• Delivery Crew
• Safety Boat Crew
• Work Boat Crew & Pilot Launches
• MCA Inland Shipping Operators
• MCA Coxswain i.e. Port Authority & River Users.

Click here to view a list of all job vacancies currently available with MLA Members. Some positions are voluntary but enable you to accumulate valuable sea miles, giving the opportunity to fulfil required log mileage.