At the end of last year, we had an exclusive meeting with the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Co. Cork to hear about its Professional Yachting Association (PYA) approved courses for the yachting sector. Here is what we learned.
Run together with the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) Tourism & Hospitality Studies Department, the NMCI courses range from introductory level to management level. They fall under the Guidelines for Unified Excellence in Service Training (GUEST) and the college is the only GUEST approved training centre in Ireland.
All GUEST approved trainers at NMCI have extensive yachting and high-end hospitality backgrounds and are based at the NMCI or CIT.
Jim O’Byrne, Head of NMCI Services, said, “Working onboard a superyacht offers you a unique lifestyle and the opportunity to travel the world. These courses will give students all the theoretical and practical skills necessary to be an active crew member onboard a superyacht, ensuring that every yacht owner receives the highest levels of service and presentation.”
In the coming year, the NMCI will be running entry-level deck and engine courses, OOW levels, right up to chief engineer and master level. The NMCI’s superyacht courses are open to anyone above the age of 18.
For more information on the National Maritime College of Ireland’s Superyacht Division email superyachts@nmci.ie
