What is the GUEST programme?

The GUEST program is accredited by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI).

The program provides the interior crew with a clearly defined training route. The steward(ess) program is comprised of three levels of assessment (Introduction, Advanced & Management Level) as well as specialist modules for specific duties.

This includes a clear career path for crew & to raise the standards of training, so that the level of service being provided by crew would match the expectation of the guests & owners that come onboard.

The mission of the program is to provide assured standards of exceptional quality training in luxury hospitality services worldwide, meeting both maritime regulatory requirements & related industries ashore.

GUEST training offers ongoing support & training as you climb your career ladder, giving you confidence engaging as a professional, accredited crew member.

This creates job satisfaction for yourself as you will know how to identify your dream job, have the confidence through your training to what standards are required & the support of how to get there.

It also reduces the costs, time & workload for employers & recruiters by placing knowledgeable, trained crew into the right yacht environment.

Unfortunately, many crew who have only completed their basic mandatory courses, often leave positions as they are either not prepared for the expectations required within the role or cannot reach that expectation due to no training.

Whilst the programme is aimed at interior crew only, we are proud to announce our new introductory online course for anyone in any department (deck, galley, engineering, interior) wishing to join the industry giving you the confidence & foundations to start your new career.

Who is involved?

The GUEST programme is accredited by IAMI, (International Association of Maritime Institutions). GUEST has additionally been endorsed by SYBAss (Superyacht Builders Association), MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association), the ISS (International Superyacht Society) with support from MCA (Maritime Coastguard Agency).

How did I become an accredited trainer for IAMI GUEST?

To become a GUEST Trainer, I had to submit course content to be approved & was audited to ensure I uphold the standards of GUEST, this included learning outcomes through student assessment & feedback.

To be an accredited instructor you must have at least 10 years’ experience in the industry & provide your own content, guided by the standards of GUEST.

I work freelance for accredited maritime training centre’s providing classroom-based courses, onboard superyachts & have accredited online courses.

Why do we need GUEST?

The yachting industry is growing each year, growing in both size, stature & service expectations of crew.

Owners of yachts spend millions to have them designed to their standards & personal touches creating their ultimate dream yacht. Crew are carefully selected to continue this level of standard & are expected to be able to deliver service to the highest level.

As interior crew, we are the closest to the guests daily, so only the pinnacle of excellence should be expected. Being trained in this exclusive sector is so important to benefit everyone.

Having confidence in your abilities within your role not only provide you with an empowerment in yourself but resonates to the guests.

Providing a level of professionalism requires training, this programme offers this as a ‘standard’ where interior crew can gain valuable certifications as they climb the ranks, offering confidence to the crew member & an industry standard to the employer.

Following the GUEST Program after certification

After completing your course, you will be able you to apply for your Certificate of Competence (CoC) as a Yacht Junior Steward/ess. 

For steward/ess’s already with experience & training you can obtain your CoC by registering as a PYA member & applying with a letter of assessment. All details are online via the PYA.

You can complete any of the GUEST modules at any time if you meet the prerequisite requirements.

Becoming a PYA Member

If you wish to become a PYA Associate Member at junior level, the fee is €50 for a GUEST entry level Graduate and provides you with a crew workbook and a training record book (TRB).

To follow the GUEST Program at a senior level you need to have your sea service verified. You can either apply for membership or gain verification for each testimonial as a non-member.

Go to https://www.pya.org/plans for full details of their memberships & the benefits.

What are the advantages to you?

With an accredited training certification for yourself it’s the confidence in what you know you can offer within your workplace; you will be trained in all relevant areas & have a sense of empowerment in yourself to know you can meet industry standards.

For crew agents or anyone recommending you via your networking or daywork, knowing you have invested in your own training gives you leverage in being a competent, confident, professional crew member.

By following the programme, you not only give yourself valuable accredited qualifications that you can take with you shoreside after ‘life on yachts’, but you have the confidence you have been trained meeting industry standards & therefore making you far more appealing to employ.