Spa & Massage Therapy Afloat

Independent study. xplor is not an accredited training provider and awards no certificate. This course does NOT qualify you to treat anyone: massage therapy requires an accredited vocational qualification, practical assessment and professional insurance.

Free

SPA-MT-1 · The Dual Role and the Onboard Spa

4 lessons

SPA-MT-1.1 The Spa Stew Role Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-1.1.1

The Stew/Masseuse Dual Role: What the Job Actually Is

Introduces the stew/masseuse dual role, how spa work fits around interior duties, and which yachts carry a spa offering. Sets the non-negotiable requirements — accredited qualification, professional indemnity insurance and captain's approval — and states plainly that this course is preparatory study only.

SPA-MT-1.1.2

Qualifications, Insurance and the Right to Treat

Explains what counts as an accredited massage qualification, which awarding bodies are recognised in yachting, and how professional indemnity and public liability insurance work. Sets out the onboard chain of permission and why treating without cover ends careers.

SPA-MT-1.2 The Onboard Treatment Environment Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-1.2.1

Treatment Spaces, Equipment and Setting Up Afloat

Covers the treatment spaces available on yachts, choosing and securing a portable couch afloat, and the equipment needed — linens, heating, oils, lighting and sound. Includes safe orientation and stowage in a seaway and realistic turnaround time.

SPA-MT-1.2.2

Scheduling, Pricing and the Charter Spa Offering

Shows how to schedule treatments around guest routines, service blocks and vessel movement, and how spa work is priced and costed on charter — included, billed to APA, or covered by gratuity. Covers building a short, deliverable treatment menu and setting a realistic daily capacity.

SPA-MT-2 · Anatomy, Physiology and Honest Science

2 lessons

SPA-MT-2.1 The Body You Are Working On Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-2.1.1

Skeleton, Muscle and Fascia

Covers the skeletal landmarks a therapist uses to navigate and the no-go areas, the major muscle groups massage addresses, and what fascia actually is. Warns against over-claiming language such as breaking down adhesions.

SPA-MT-2.2 Systems, Science and Honest Claims Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-2.2.1

Circulation, Lymph, the Nervous System and What Massage Really Does

Explains the circulatory and lymphatic systems and the nervous system relaxation response that underpins massage. Sets out honestly what the evidence supports and rejects detox and toxin-flushing claims as unprofessional and a liability.

SPA-MT-3 · Modalities, Products and Treatment Delivery

4 lessons

SPA-MT-3.1 Massage Modalities Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-3.1.1

Swedish Massage and the Five Classic Strokes

Introduces Swedish massage and the five classic strokes — effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration — and how they build into a treatment sequence. Covers reading pressure through the guest's breathing and body rather than their words.

SPA-MT-3.1.2

Deep Tissue, Sports, Hot Stone, Reflexology and Indian Head

Compares deep tissue, sports, remedial, hot stone, reflexology and Indian head massage, and the separate training each requires. Covers hot stone burn safety and why deep tissue means slower rather than harder.

SPA-MT-3.2 Products, Consultation and the Charter Menu Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-3.2.1

Aromatherapy, Essential Oils and Carrier Oils

Covers carrier oils, correct dilution ratios and essential oil safety — photosensitivity from citrus oils, pregnancy cautions, allergies and epilepsy. Emphasises defaulting to plain carrier oil whenever there is any doubt.

SPA-MT-3.2.2

Consultation, Draping, Facials and the Charter Menu

Covers the consultation and record card, reading the client, and the draping and modesty rules that protect both guest and therapist. Outlines facials and body treatments and how to build a short, deliverable charter treatment menu.

SPA-MT-4 · Safety, Ethics and the Guest Relationship

4 lessons

SPA-MT-4.1 Contraindications and Safe Practice Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-4.1.1

Contraindications: Absolute, Relative and the Rule of Referral

Sets out absolute and relative contraindications to massage, including DVT, infection, cancer, pregnancy, anticoagulants and diabetes. Establishes the rule of referral: when in doubt, refer to a doctor, do not treat, and document.

SPA-MT-4.1.2

Hygiene, Infection Control and Treating in a Seaway

Covers hygiene and infection control in a closed shipboard environment, and how to treat safely in a seaway — choosing a stable location, adjusting your stance and knowing when to stop. Includes recognising and managing guest motion sickness on the couch.

SPA-MT-4.2 Boundaries, Consent and Career Longevity Practice in examiner →

SPA-MT-4.2.1

Professional Boundaries and Guest Misconduct

The most important lesson in the course: professional and sexual boundaries, protecting yourself in advance, and exactly how to end a treatment and report guest misconduct. States clearly that the crew member is never at fault and the yacht must support them.

SPA-MT-4.2.2

Consent, Confidentiality, Your Body and Where to Qualify

Covers consent, confidentiality and health data handling, and how to protect your own body from the postural and repetitive strain injuries that end therapist careers. Closes by restating that this course is preparatory only and that accredited qualification and insurance are required to treat.

Aligned to the IAMI GUEST Program framework. Preparatory study only — assessment and certification are carried out by an approved GUEST Training Provider. Official source (GUEST Program).

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