Staying ahead of the job market is a constant struggle in any field. As a captain or crewmember, how do you make yourself stand out from the hundreds of others applying for the same position? One way is to earn certifications like the ones offered through the Maritime Training Academy (MTA), a partnership of The MPI Group and Maritime Services International. Although the program is based in the United Kingdom and associated with the University of Portsmouth, you do not have to move to England to attend. MTA offers distance-learning programs in several areas, including Superyacht Operations Management (designed for captains and senior crew) as well as its Interior Course. The programs, designed in modules, can be completed at your own pace. For the Superyacht Operations Management program, enrollment is open until March 31st, 2013.

For more information, visit mpigroup.co.uk/education-training/home/

For the Superyacht Operations diploma, module subjects include:

• An Introduction to the Superyacht Industry

• Personnel

• Operational Management

• Interior Management and Catering

• Accounting

• Chartering

• Repairs and Maintenance

• Legal Aspects of Yacht Management

• Superyacht Insurance

• New Building Project Management

• Security and ISPS

• International Safety Management Code

A brochure can be download here.

For the interior crew certification, the online modules include:

Hospitality on board

Steward/Stewardess

The realities of the job and what it entails

General standing orders

General cleaning principles in all areas

Cleaning equipment

Hard and soft furnishings

Cleaning tips

Food and drinks

General information

Service areas and equipment

Preparing the table

Service

General etiquette and manners

Dress code

Language