Engineering career progression on superyachts is highly structured, and early decisions can have long-term consequences. Recent clarifications from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Professional Yachting Association have reinforced how sea time, shipyard service, and dual roles are assessed on the Small Vessel engineering pathway.

For engineering crew at the start of their careers, or those planning their next step toward certification, understanding these updates is essential to avoid delays, rejected sea time, or stalled progression.

Why correct sea time records matter from day one

From a recruitment perspective, poorly documented sea service is one of the most common issues we see when reviewing engineering CVs. Sea time must be clearly recorded in a Seaman’s Book or supported by official testimonials that can be verified. Informal confirmations or incomplete records often raise questions for captains, management companies, and training authorities.

Early consistency matters. Sea time that cannot be verified later can slow certification timelines and, in some cases, make candidates less competitive for engineering roles.

Entry routes to the Small Vessel engineering pathway

There are two recognised routes of entry to the Small Vessel programme:

• The Alternative Route is designed for candidates who already hold relevant marine engineering qualifications and are transitioning into the yachting sector.

• The Experienced Seafarer Route is intended for candidates with a minimum of two years’ experience working within an engineering department.

Choosing the correct route at the outset is important. We regularly see candidates commit to a pathway without fully understanding how their existing experience will be assessed, which can result in unnecessary rework or delays later.

Shipyard service in 2026: what counts and what does not

Shipyard time can be counted toward a Certificate of Competency, but it is capped. A maximum of 180 days of shipyard service may be used in total.

Up to 90 days may be counted initially, with a further 90 days potentially approved, provided the work carried out was directly relevant to engineering duties. From 2026, the PYA is able to approve additional shipyard days within this limit, alongside the MCA.

From a recruitment standpoint, shipyard-heavy CVs are not a negative in themselves, but clarity is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate exactly what engineering work was performed during shipyard periods, rather than listing time alongside refits without detail.

Once the 180-day limit has been reached, no further shipyard service can be counted toward certification, either before or after registration.

Working in a dual role: timing is critical

Before registering on the Small Vessel programme, sea time gained while working in a dual role, such as deck and engineer, may be counted in full.

Once registered, however, this changes. After registration, the MCA will only accept sea time completed entirely within the engineering department. Dual-role sea time gained after registration will not be accepted toward the SV EOOW Certificate of Competency.

This distinction is particularly important for crew working on smaller yachts, where dual roles are common. Registering too early can result in months of sea time that no longer counts toward certification.

What captains and recruiters look for in SV-track engineers

When reviewing engineering candidates, recruiters and captains look for alignment between role history, registration status, and logged sea time. Inconsistencies raise questions and can delay shortlisting.

Common red flags include:

• Sea time logged after SV registration in non-engineering roles

• Shipyard periods listed without engineering detail

• Registration dates that conflict with recorded duties

Clear planning and accurate documentation make candidates easier to place and reduce the risk of last-minute issues during certification reviews.

Planning your next move strategically

Progression on the SV pathway is not just about meeting minimum requirements. Timing matters. In many cases, delaying registration until you are consistently working in an engineering-only role can be the difference between smooth progression and rejected sea time.

Before committing to registration, it is worth reviewing your current role, expected yacht size, and likely duties over the coming months. Strategic planning early on can save significant time later.

Official guidance and sources

The definitive reference for Small Vessel engineering requirements is MSN 1904, issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This document sets out eligibility, sea service requirements, shipyard allowances, and certification pathways.

Guidance and verification support are also provided by the Professional Yachting Association and Nautilus International, particularly in relation to sea service validation.

Engineering career progression is not just about ticking boxes. It is about making informed decisions that align with how the industry actually operates and hires. Understanding the regulatory framework, documenting experience correctly, and timing key steps carefully can make a measurable difference to long-term career outcomes.