Wellness & Guest Services
Spa & Massage Therapy Afloat
- Modules
- 4
- Lessons
- 14
- Questions
- 70
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.
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). The spa-stew dual role, in context.
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-1.1.1The Stew/Masseuse Dual Role: What the Job Actually IsIntroduces 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.PreviewSPA-MT-1.1.2Qualifications, Insurance and the Right to TreatExplains 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.Locked
SPA-MT-1.2 The Onboard Treatment Environment
Practice in examiner ↗SPA-MT-1.2.1Treatment Spaces, Equipment and Setting Up AfloatCovers 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.LockedSPA-MT-1.2.2Scheduling, Pricing and the Charter Spa OfferingShows 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.Locked
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-2.2 Systems, Science and Honest Claims
Practice in examiner ↗SPA-MT-3 · Modalities, Products and Treatment Delivery
4 lessons
SPA-MT-3.1 Massage Modalities
Practice in examiner ↗SPA-MT-3.1.1Swedish Massage and the Five Classic StrokesIntroduces 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.LockedSPA-MT-3.1.2Deep Tissue, Sports, Hot Stone, Reflexology and Indian HeadCompares 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.Locked
SPA-MT-3.2 Products, Consultation and the Charter Menu
Practice in examiner ↗SPA-MT-3.2.1Aromatherapy, Essential Oils and Carrier OilsCovers 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.LockedSPA-MT-3.2.2Consultation, Draping, Facials and the Charter MenuCovers 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.Locked
SPA-MT-4 · Safety, Ethics and the Guest Relationship
4 lessons
SPA-MT-4.1 Contraindications and Safe Practice
Practice in examiner ↗SPA-MT-4.1.1Contraindications: Absolute, Relative and the Rule of ReferralSets 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.LockedSPA-MT-4.1.2Hygiene, Infection Control and Treating in a SeawayCovers 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.Locked
SPA-MT-4.2 Boundaries, Consent and Career Longevity
Practice in examiner ↗SPA-MT-4.2.1Professional Boundaries and Guest MisconductThe 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.LockedSPA-MT-4.2.2Consent, Confidentiality, Your Body and Where to QualifyCovers 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.Locked