Covering vessels up to 24m and yachts of up to 300 tonnes, the course marks the latest collaboration between the UK's National Sea Training Centre and leading training provider Lloyd's Maritime Academy.

It derives from their marine surveying diploma course - launched in 1998 as a world first - that has attracted more than 1,000 international students from 700 companies.

"Small craft surveying is the most popular of six optional modules in the general marine surveying syllabus, " said course director Bill Tate of the NSTC. "It was a logical step to devise a specialist spin-off, particularly in the light of latest safety requirements under regulations such as the EU's Small Craft Directive."

Anyone gaining this diploma will be well placed to provide an expert service within an increasingly significant market, he added.

The course meets Royal Institution of Naval Architects requirements for continuing professional development and is also supported by The Marine Society and the Yacht Brokers, Designers and Surveyors' Association.

The initial intake includes personnel from a wide crosssection of maritime organisations - ranging from Lloyd's Register, Serco Denholm and Stena Line to the Royal Navy and the UK Ministry of Defence.

They will be studying 10 compulsory core topics including marine survey practice, running a surveying business, report writing and IT, occupational health and safety, safety surveys, stability criteria, law, insurance, construction and engineering.

At least one specialist module must be chosen from options including inland waterways craft, power and sail leisure vessels, fishing vessels and small commercial craft.

Course assignments are worth up to 33% of final marks.

The other two-thirds will be decided by a three-hour written examination in August 2006, either in London or in other locations by special arrangement.

The fee for diploma candidates is £2200, which includes two optional seminars in London. The core modules can also be studied for interest only - excluding assignments and examination - at a fee of £1600.

Further information is available on www.lloydsmaritimeacademy.com/sc