+27 68 510 0026 info@absoluteyachting.co.za

Superyacht Engineer

Powering maritime innovation as an engineer, maintaining peak performance and reliability for smooth sailing.

Your Path To success

Embarking on a career aboard a superyacht as an engineer offers an exhilarating and rewarding journey filled with opportunities to explore the vast, open seas and work on magnificent vessels. As an engineer, you will become an integral part of the crew, responsible for critical tasks such as maintaining and operating the vessel’s machinery, ensuring safety protocols are adhered to, and overseeing technical operations to keep the yacht running smoothly. This dynamic and adventurous career path allows you to develop a diverse skill set in maritime engineering, travel to breathtaking destinations, and form lifelong friendships with fellow seafarers.

The starting salary for an engineer aboard a superyacht varies depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the size of the yacht. However, it typically ranges from €3,000 to €5,000 per month, with the potential for additional bonuses and benefits. The superyacht industry values dedication, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills, welcoming talented individuals regardless of gender.

But wait, there’s more! Forget about rent, groceries, and even toiletries—everything’s sorted while you’re on board, giving you the chance to stack up some serious cash while exploring amazing destinations around the world. With accommodations, meals, and essentials provided, you can save a significant portion of your earnings. Imagine waking up in a new exotic location, working alongside a diverse and vibrant crew, and having the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and environments. A career as an engineer on a superyacht offers not just a job, but a lifestyle filled with adventure, financial benefits, and personal growth.

Whether you’re navigating the Mediterranean or sailing through the Caribbean, life as an engineer on a superyacht is your ticket to an extraordinary career and life experience. Join us and take the first step towards an unparalleled journey on the high seas.

The Approved Engine Course

Looking to kickstart your career in marine engineering? The MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC) is the perfect starting point. In just five days or 30 hours, this comprehensive course covers everything you need to know about diesel engines.

Throughout our course, you’ll delve into essential topics related to diesel engines, including compression ignition engines, fuel systems, cooling, lubrication, electrical systems, and more. From understanding the intricacies of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines to mastering fuel systems, electrical setups, and cooling mechanisms, you’ll emerge fully equipped to tackle the challenges of the job head-on. The exam process involves continuous assessment of your practical abilities alongside a one-hour written exam upon completion of the course.

Approved Engine Course

Duration: 5 days
Location: Cape Town
Cost: $950 / R17350 (exchange rate dependant)

Why Choose this course

The MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC) Certificate offers the fundamental entry-level training for individuals eyeing a career aboard commercially and privately operated yachts and sailing vessels. This certificate opens doors for those with minimal experience or non-maritime technical backgrounds, ensuring they meet the industry-specific standards set by the MCA.

Advantages of holding an AEC Certificate include enhanced job prospects, particularly amidst a growing demand for qualified yacht engineers. This certification is also a crucial prerequisite for progression to higher levels of engineering qualifications.

In terms of the MCA requirements for commercially and privately operated vessels, the progression for engineering qualifications is from the basic Approved Engine Course (AEC) to the Marine Engine Operators Licence (MEOL) and then the three levels of Chief Engineer: Y4, Y3, Y2 and Y1.

PRE-REQUITE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Students must be 18 years or older.
Must have completed:

  • Designated Security Duties (DSD)
  • Elementary First Aid (EFA)
  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
  • Personal Survival Techniques (PST)

On completion of each course you will receive a Certificate of Completion.

"Being an engineer on a yacht is like being the wizard behind the curtain, making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently."

Our Engineer Package

Our Engineering Deckhand Course serves as the initial step in your journey within the Superyacht industry. While it establishes the foundational knowledge, there are supplementary courses vital for your advancement.

Included in our Engineering Deckhand package are essential certifications tailored specifically for engineering roles. This includes the Approved Engine Course (AEC), conducted at a certified training centre in Hout Bay. Alongside the AEC, you’ll complete comprehensive STCW Safety and Security courses relevant to engineering, as well as the RYA Powerboat Level II course.

To support your journey, we provide you with our Smooth Sailing handbook and you get to attend our Navigating Your Success workshop.

To meet industry standards, we also facilitate your SAMSA medical certification, ensuring you’re fully compliant with mandatory requirements for employment in the industry.

Engineer package

Duration: 19 days
Location: Cape Town & Hermanus
Cost: R34357 (exchange rate dependant)

STCW Basic Safety Training

Approved Engine Course

Powerboat Level II

SMOOTH SAILING EBOOK

NAVIGATING YOUR SUCCESS WORKSHOP

samsa medical

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical duties and responsibilities of a yacht engineer?

Yacht engineers are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of all mechanical and electrical systems onboard, including engines, generators, HVAC systems, and more.

What is the work schedule like for a yacht engineer?

Work schedules can vary widely depending on the vessel’s itinerary and operational requirements. Engineers often work long hours, sometimes in shifts, and may be on call for emergencies.

What are the career progression opportunities for yacht engineers?

Career progression may involve gaining additional certifications, pursuing specialized training in areas like hybrid propulsion systems or environmental compliance, and seeking positions with larger or more prestigious vessels.

What advice do you have for someone considering a career as a yacht engineer?

Pursue a solid education in marine engineering, gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, and be prepared for a dynamic and challenging career that offers opportunities for travel and personal growth.

What our Students had to say

Jordan

I recently completed the Superyacht Deckhand Course at Absolute Yachting and it was great.

Matt is so knowledgeable and passionate about yachting. He makes all the content easy and fun to understand.

Completing this course has given me confidence and made me feel prepared to start in the yachting industry.

Kyle

I did my powerboat level 2 with Absolute Yachting and it was an amazing experience. Matt’s patience and knowledge is incredible!

It was a laugh but very focused on the task at hand at the same time. Matt gave me extra tips and was super encouraging throughout.

Leigh-Anne is a blessing as well, giving guidance and extra knowledge without hesitation. I look forward to doing more courses through you guys!

Thank you so much guys!!!

 

Beulah

 

I recently did my Powerboat level 2 with Absolute Yachting with Matt.

It was a 10/10 experience and would recommend to anyone looking to do any yachting courses.

Matt is extremely patient and has so much knowledge when it comes to yachting due to his past in yachting.

He is excited to teach others and enjoys helping others to learn. Absolute yachting is very organized, helpful and quick to assist.

Had the best time!

Rolf

I did my Powerboat Level 2 and Deckhand courses with Absolute Yachting and I cannot recommend them enough!

Starting off in the yachting industry is intimidating, but Absolute Yachting helped so much with their honesty and them truly wanting the best for all of their learners.

Matt and Leigh-Ann are a blessing and great guides to all those who want to learn the skills and ins and outs of yachting.

They are unbelievably professional, fun, helpful and have a wealth of experience and knowledge.

I have never found myself looking forward to each class so much and finding all the content presented in a way that made it so interesting.

I believe that I will always look back at my time with Absolute Yachting as the true start of the journey in this new industry.

I am so glad to have done my courses with them and would encourage anyone to do the same.

Tianne

I recently did my Powerboat Level II and Deckhand courses through Absolute Yachting and I honestly can’t recommend them enough.

Starting out in the yachting industry is a new challenge on its own but getting guidance and direction from them, on top of a very well designed course, shows that they care about accurately preparing their students for the job while helping them be successful in their search for suiting opportunities.

Matt and Leigh-Anne put a lot of effort into making the course educational, fun and interesting. I’d wake up each morning exited to get to class and learn more.

There are a lot of courses out there to choose from, but we found that they treat each student like another chick under their wing and honestly care about how you perform in your job one day and that you end up in a job best suited for you as an individual.

10+/10 review if that was possible!

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