About Purser Trainer

Who is Purser Trainer For?

At Purser Trainer, we work with people who wish to advance their careers aboard a superyacht or larger vessel to—you guessed it—the purser position.

An autonomous position, the purser reports directly to the captain and ensures the smooth operation of the administrative aspects in running a yacht. 

The typical progression to the role is from a chief steward/ess; however, other senior roles may be considered. Consideration is also given to those who wish to switch from a land-based role in villa management, crew recruitment, luxury hospitality management and crew training. If you believe you meet the criteria, you are welcome to apply.

Upon completion of the entire course, students will receive an International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) GUEST Certificate of Completion from Purser Trainer.

what is a purser on a yacht?

One of only three IAMI GUEST-approved purser program training providers, Purser Trainer teaches you everything you need to know to successfully become a purser aboard a superyacht or larger vessel.

Purser Training At Your Fingertips

Knowing you’re busy with guests, charter turnarounds and maintenance periods, we’ve created an easy-to-use online platform that brings the training to you. Through our innovative e-learning system, the Purser Trainer courses can be completed at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. 

Course topics include the role of the purser, crew administration and logistics, port clearances, financial administration and budgeting, maritime legislation and legalities, guest logistics and much more! 

We were honoured to receive a ACREW Superyacht Business Award for Crew Training in 2021 for our interactive program.

Flexible course structure

One year to complete the program

Ongoing support + one-on-one calls

Coaching, mentoring + CV review available

what does a purser on a yacht do

About our founder

Originally trained in hair and beauty, Purser Trainer founder Angela Wallace moved to Florida to open a salon. Upon returning to the UK, she continued working in the hair and beauty industry until travel called her name.

She spent the next several years exploring the world as a divemaster in New York; activities coordinator in Roatan, Honduras; and backpacker through Central America. Upon her arrival in Panama, she embarked on a journey across the Pacific Ocean on an 11-metre sailboat—and a new love was born.

After spending six months in New Zealand, she took on a position on a 20-metre sailing yacht to Fiji, where she was introduced to motor yachts.

Back then, it was easy to knock on the hull and ask for a job. I was given the chance to stand in as a temporary stewardess, where I finished the rest of their charter season. That’s when I realized I could have a job that not only paid well, but also came second nature to me—plus, I loved it!

A series of career advancements culminated in her role as purser on a prestigious 85-metre motor yacht. With 10 years at sea—four as purser—Angela moved back to land and became a GUEST-accredited trainer, leading her to put her extensive knowledge to use and help future generations of pursers pursue their dream careers.

Enter: Purser Trainer.

  • GUEST-accredited trainer
  • Winner of the ACREW Superyacht Business Awards 2021 – Crew Training
  • Professional Yachting Association (PYA) director of interior training
  • Director and member of the PYA Welfare Group
  • Yacht Purser Course
  • Certificate in Superyacht Operations
  • HELM Operational Yacht Training Course
  • SSS Consultancy Management Training
  • RYA Powerboat levels I & II
  • Food Hygiene levels II & III
  • Mental Health First Aider

Frequently Asked Questions

A purser on a yacht serves as a vital member of the crew, responsible for managing administrative tasks and ensuring seamless operations onboard. This role is akin to that of a ship’s accountant and administrator. Duties typically include handling finances, maintaining inventory, coordinating guest services, and overseeing crew schedules. Pursers often act as a liaison between the yacht’s management, crew, and guests, ensuring excellent communication and organisation throughout the voyage. Their expertise contributes to the smooth functioning of the yacht, enhancing the overall experience for passengers and crew alike.
A purser plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a yacht. Their responsibilities typically revolve around administrative tasks and guest services. Some of the key duties of a purser include:
  • Financial Management: Handling monetary transactions, managing budgets, and keeping financial records.
  • Inventory Control: Overseeing the inventory of supplies, equipment, and provisions onboard.
  • Guest Services: Assisting guests with their needs and ensuring their comfort and satisfaction during their time on the yacht.
  • Crew Coordination: Managing crew schedules, duties, and assignments to ensure efficiency and proper functioning of the yacht.
  • Communication: Acting as a liaison between the yacht’s management, crew, and guests, maintaining clear and effective communication channels.
  • Documentation: Handling paperwork, including legal documents, permits, and any necessary paperwork for the yacht’s operation.
Overall, the purser plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the yacht, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable experience for all onboard.
A purser on a ship is a key member of the crew responsible for various administrative and financial tasks. Historically, the purser’s role originated in the navy, where they managed the ship’s finances, payrolls, and supplies. Today, in both naval and civilian contexts, the purser typically oversees financial matters, manages inventory, and coordinates guest services onboard a ship. Difference between a Yacht and Ship Purser While the responsibilities of a purser on both a yacht and a ship share similarities, there are distinctions primarily based on the size, purpose, and clientele of the vessel:
  1. Size and Scope: Ships are generally larger vessels designed for commercial or military purposes, accommodating a larger crew and often more extensive facilities. Yachts, on the other hand, are smaller, privately-owned vessels primarily used for leisure and recreation, often with a smaller crew and fewer passengers.
  2. Clientele and Services: Yachts typically cater to private clients or charter guests seeking luxury experiences, whereas ships may serve diverse populations, including passengers, cargo, or military personnel. Consequently, the purser on a yacht may focus more on personalized guest services, while a ship’s purser might handle a broader range of administrative tasks for a larger and more varied clientele.
  3. Operational Differences: Yachts tend to operate on a more flexible schedule, often cruising in coastal or leisure destinations, while ships may follow fixed itineraries for commercial routes or military missions. This can influence the purser’s duties, with yacht pursers potentially having more involvement in itinerary planning and guest activities.
In summary, while the fundamental role of a purser involves administrative and guest service duties, the specific responsibilities may vary depending on the type and purpose of the vessel, with yacht pursers often emphasizing luxury hospitality and ship pursers handling broader logistical challenges.