Expert Insight: How Superyacht Captains Can Master Growing Yacht Sizes

In the past, few superyachts ever exceeded a gross tonnage (GT) of 3,000. Today, there are over 150 yachts in operation exceeding this monumental volume, and with an additional five to eight yachts in this category also being delivered each year, the need for captains qualified for vessels over 3,000 GT is growing. 

‘Owners want their captains to grow with them,’ commented Patrick Bachofner, Worldwide Director, Yachts and Director of the Geneva Office for IRI. ‘The relationship between a yacht captain and owner is unique and often long-term. We recognised the need for a pathway to shatter that 3,000 GT ceiling for captains since owners are purchasing larger and larger yachts.’

Providing administrative and technical support to the RMI Maritime Registry, IRI is arguably the world’s most experienced privately held maritime and corporate registry service provider. 

Administering maritime and corporate programs as well as being involved in flag State administration since 1948, IRI understands and caters to the specialised needs of the maritime industry.

Recognising the capped 3,000 GT limit of the standard Master License, the RMI Yacht Registry developed a new certification for superyacht captains looking to expand their professional skill set, which was previously only available to those captains who had also obtained commercial sea time. 

This new certification, an STCW II/2 Certificate of Competency (CoC) Master (Yachts) Unlimited tonnage license, is only available through the RMI Maritime Administrator and the Maritime Professional Training (MPT). Thanks to the Master of Yachts Unlimited Tonnage – Marshall Islands Capstone Course, which includes coursework and exams, successful candidates receive the new license, which was previously only available to captains who had obtained commercial sea time. The license is also endorsed by the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry.

Marc Verburg, Director of Yacht Operations at IRI, shared how crewing a yacht over 3,000 GT requires a different skillset and knowledge of yacht operations: ‘Yachts of this size are often designed to emphasise luxurious comfort, speed, or even expedition capabilities, each of which requires additional knowledge for safe yacht operations.’

Launched in 2016, the Capstone Course builds upon the tradition of the United States Coast Guard’s Master-Unlimited License, which includes 15-course prerequisites, required sea time, stringent application requirements, and five days of exams and simulator assessment. 

‘Yachting is truly separate from the commercial maritime industry,’ shared John Hafner, Vice President Seafarers’ Manning & Training, who developed the course with MPT. ‘Unlike the commercial side of the business, many yacht deck officers have never attended a maritime academy and most have not worked on vessels that would qualify them to sit for the commercial unlimited tonnage Master’s license. The Administrator, working with MPT, created this pathway for yacht captains to advance their yacht CoCs and work on these larger yachts.’

‘Prior to the development of this course, owners of yachts over 3,000 GT often looked to the commercial maritime industry to crew their vessels,’  added Patrick, ‘there was no option for a yacht captain to grow.’

Despite being a fairly new addition to the superyacht industry certifications, the program is growing. Five superyacht captains successfully completed the rigorous Capstone Course during the last exam period in November 2022.  Although the course is meticulous, captains do not have to give up their current positions to complete it.

‘The Capstone Course, launched in 2016, builds upon the tradition of the United States Coast Guard’s Master-Unlimited License, which includes 15 course prerequisites, required sea time, stringent application requirements, and five days of exams and simulator assessment.

“We have a number of Masters in various stages of the process,’ explained Patrick. ‘Many are completing the coursework while still employed on their current command, or during refit or building. Courses are set about a year in advance, so it is essential that a captain plan ahead.’

So, what’s on the horizon? Regulatory change from the RMI will require captains to have a license for private yachts over 3,000 GT as of September 2024.

‘This segment continues to grow,’ added Marc, ‘the RMI Master of Yachts Unlimited Tonnage creates a new professional growth opportunity in one of the strongest areas of the yacht industry. Captains should take the time now to prepare and become certified so they can continue to advance their careers.’

To discover more about the licenses available for captains, get in touch with IRI today.