yacht crew training south africa

Yacht Crew Training

RYA & SAMSA Certified Training

Welcome to Yacht Crew Training

Yacht Crew Training South Africa , your leading training, exam and license provider situated in the heart of Cape Town. Our Powerboat and Jet Ski courses run from the V&A Waterfront , Cape Town as well as Simons Town.

Due to our certified courses and exams being of the highest quality instruction, we produce knowledgeable and safe water users  as well as instructors. We provide courses and exams for South African Skipper licenses , Radio licenses  as well as the International Super Yacht industry.

“We offer multiple career courses, from  Deckhand to Stewardess . Yacht Crew Training  have the knowledge and experience to give you the edge you need when joining your new yacht and crew.”

SAMSA Skippers License – South African waters – Sea – Dam – River.  The SAMSA Skippers license is required for powered vessels under 9 meters with an engine over 15hp. We are accredited by  SAMSA  for training and examiners for under 9m vessels.  Learn more..

The RYA Powerboat Certificates of Competence are used all over the world by skippers working around harbours and offshore. International, commercial (RYA/MCA) and recreational ICC certificates available. We are the leading yacht crew training academy in South Africa. Learn more..

Superyacht career  Courses. Are you interested in working as a deckhand or stewardess on luxury superyachts? Our Super yacht Crew Training courses is designed to meet the growing demand for well-trained professional crew on luxury yachts and superyachts. Learn more..

W e l c o m e  t o  S Y T A

Superyacht Training Academy

CHOOSE YOUR SUPERYACHT CAREER

Our comprehensive programmes for Superyacht Deckhand, Stewardess and Chef are world-class training programmes that equip Superyacht personnel to performing at their optimum. Our career packages focus on the primary qualifications needed to assure success in obtaining the best jobs and maintaining them as a chosen career path.

Advanced Deckhand Career Course

Deck/Sail Career Course

Stewardess Career Course

Advanced Stewardess Career Course

Stew/Masseuse Career Course

Deck/Stew Career Course

Chef/Stew Career Course

Superyacht Chef Career Course

A career aboard a Superyacht is unlike any other

Your passport to the world’s most luxurious superyachts.

The Superyacht Training Academy, Cape Town, is an elite maritime Institute providing Internationally recognised training for professional yacht crew. We pride ourselves in releasing crew into the Superyacht Industry who are confident, competent, and responsible.

View our Single-Skill Courses

Our courses can be tailored to suit your individual requirements or added to any career programme to bolster your chances of securing lucrative employment contracts worldwide.

Virtual Tour

Click below and explore our facilities.

The Superyacht Training Academy is a bespoke training facility that provides every aspect of training for you to obtain an illustrious career aboard a Superyacht. The Academy boasts state-of-the-art equipment, lecture rooms, electronic training equipment, and on-board training.

Our Academy enlists professional trainers and industry experts who provide top-class training and first-hand experience of life on board Superyachts. We challenge you to be the best you can be, so that you can reap the rewards of having the most comprehensive and professional training worldwide. Take a tour of our training venues below:

31 South Arm Road

Superyacht Training Facility

Marina Centre, 1 West Quay Rd.

Stewardess Training Facility

3 West Quay Rd.

• An All-in-One facility for all your career training
• Crew accommodation during training
• Networking with experienced crew
• Career guidance programmes
• Superyacht culinary training
• Food safety training level 2 & 3
• Internships following your training programmes
• Career guidance booklet for green crew
• Advanced skills training programmes

Are you ready to begin your Superyacht Career?

For more information, course schedules and availability.

All RYA courses proudly powered by Ocean Star Sailing Academy.

CAREER GUIDANCE

Starting out in the super yacht industry is an exciting and rewarding choice of employment. Some choose to use the experience as a gap year while many others follow it as a long term and extremely rewarding career path.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK) (MCA) set the world standards which are followed by South Africa and many other countries.The industry provides safe and rewarding employment for young persons.

What do I need to qualify to work in this rewarding industry?

You will need to:

ADVANCED COURSES

Deck officer training.

PYT is your first choice MCA approved training provider.

PYT is recognised by the industry as a world class super yacht crew training academy. The savings on most of our course modules could well cover your traveling costs to South Africa.

Our value for money is hard to beat in the world of super yacht training. Our course schedule is designed to be flexible to suit super yacht crew.

Let us kick start your steps up the ladder of command.

OUR LECTURERS

Recreational sailing, master 3 000t.

YOA SUPER YACHT TRAINING

Expanding your horizons.

ABOUT YOA SUPERYACHT TRAINING

YOA Super Yacht Training was founded in 2014, owned and operated by Don McKee, who spent 15 years working on board some of the finest motor and sailing yachts in the business.

We know exactly what captains and heads of departments are looking for, not only because we have held those positions ourselves, but because we are the only school in South Africa that is also directly affiliated with a crew agency. Don McKee is the co-founder and Director of  YOA Yacht Crew,  an MLC2006 compliant crew agency with crew agents operating worldwide. Our insight into the industry and ability to train crew to the highest standards is unmatched.

We provide first hand and current insight into the yachting industry and help new deckhands and stewardesses acquire the skills and techniques necessary to confidently start careers at sea. We are a bespoke training facility and value quality over quantity resulting in exceptionally well trained and sought after crew. 

FEATURED YOA SUPER YACHT TRAINING PACKAGES

Our most popular package. Great starting off point for those looking to get qualified as a deckhand. Includes all the essentials for deck crew. Additional course options available on request

​YOA Advanced Deckhand course - 4 days

RYA Powerboat Level 2 - 2 days

RYA PWC (Jet ski) - 1 day

SAMSA VHF - 1 day 

STCW10 basic training (incl. PDSD)  - 11 days

Seafarer medical 

Starting from

Deck & Stew

Best of both worlds, have the option to work either as a stew or deckhand. ​ ​

YOA Advanced Deckhand course - 4 days

Stewardess course - 5 days

Food Safety Level 2 - 1 day

SAMSA VHF - 1 day

STCW10 basic training (incl. PDSD) - 11 days

Seafarer medical

Steward/ess

Want to keep things simple?

Our Junior steward/ess package is for you.

Steward/ess course - 5 days  

STCW10 basic training (Incl. PSDS) -  11 days

Passionate about cooking?

We have just the course for you.

Chef course - 3/ 5 or 10 days 

Depending on the level of your prior experience

YOA Super Yacht Training customize packages to suite your individual needs and requirements. Get in touch with us now to start your tailor made yacht training  with us now.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NEED  TO KNOW AND MORE

TRAINING, CONSULTATIONS & GUIDANCE

YOA Super Yacht Training is run by professionals that understand how to give you the best possible start in the industry. We all start somewhere, but not everyone gets off on the right foot, let us help you find a job and keep it. ​

You will always receive unbiased guidance about any additional course options.

We offer consultations and career advice so you can get all the facts before you commit to booking courses. Consultations can take place online or in-person at our offices in Green Point.

Instructor Spotlight

WITH YOU FOR THE LONG-HAUL

Don McKee began his career at sea in 1999 as race crew on 1987 America's Cup 12 Meter sailing yachts in the Caribbean, and left the industry in 2014 after having working his way from Deckhand to Chief Officer and Captain on yachts up to 90m in length.  YOA Super yacht training and YOA yacht crew  are founded with the intention of improving the standard of crew training as well as placement. 

 As principal and chief instructor of YOA Super Yacht Training , he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with those intending to enter the yachting industry, and provides ongoing guidance and mentorship to his students throughout their careers.

COMMITTED TO PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS SERVICES

All-Encomapssing

Extensive courses and world class training - deckhand, stewardess, and more.

RECRUITMENT

We assist and guide you in finding a superyacht job via YOA crew agency.

We help you save your hard earned money.

We provide ongoing guidance and assist through career transitions.

YOA SUPER YACHT TRAINING PARTNERS

Use SEAYOA15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.sealandgear.com

Super Yachting Nautical Careers

View our courses, our location, do you want an exciting, lucrative career that pays you to sail to exotic locations, who wouldn’t, right.

Super Yachting Nautical Careers in Cape Town, South Africa is your first port of call to train as a Superyacht Stewardess or Steward

Are you ready to ditch the commute, the desk job and the meagre monthly cheque?

Working as a superyacht stewardess/steward might be the most inspired career choice you will ever make., but where do you start, super yachting nautical careers in south africa offers competitively priced, industry recognised training that will equip you to meet the exacting standards of service that a superyacht stew is expected to provide., after completing their superyacht stew course you will be skilled in silver service, flower arranging, wine pairing, table setting and all areas of interior yacht maintenance which will be applied on a superyacht. not only will you be proficient in what is required of you as a stew but you will know exactly what captains want, which type of yacht is ideal for you, and how to get where you want to go in the superyacht industry. so don’t delay, super yachting nautical careers (sync) is here to help you to set sail for an exciting, new career today..

We pride ourselves in creating a stunning, serene and focused working environment for our students.

Based in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, the SYNC training centre is conveniently located at a sophisticated boutique centre: The Cape Quarter in Somerset Road, Greenpoint.

With many restaurants that have outdoor seating this safe and secure centre is located within walking distance to many Guesthouses and Backpackers that most yacht crew stay at during their training.

The MyCiti Bus stop is situated at the centre and Bus 108/109/118  and 114 are on our route.

Accomodation is not provided during the course however we can recommend wonderful places to stay that are cost effective, clean and safe for our students.

SYNC Training - a fresh, modern, relevant Super Yachting Stewardess Training program.

Get in touch with SYNC regarding courses on offer and any questions you may have.

Megan and Cieara created SYNC after coming back to Cape Town having spent 12 years between them in the superyachting industry.

Choose your course. Refer to our courses page for more information.

Welcome to SYSA Online TRAINING

This is your first step in joining our beloved industry, experienced instructors.

Our team of instructors are industry veterans who have created this pre and post course training with the shared goal of producing the best entry level crew recognised worldwide.

Quality Content

We take the responsibility of mentoring our crew very seriously and are confident that there is no other training centre that has the passion for their students' success like we do.

Reach Your Goals

This accumulation of knowledge and skills is now yours for the taking - all that is required from you is the correct mental approach and drive to succeed.

This online training content will provide clear insight into your job description, the processes for practical manoeuvres and pre course study work content that is vital to being a professional crew member. 

The biggest benefit of this platform will be from a post training perspective as the content will serve as a reminder on key aspects of your training.

We are looking to make the transition to Yachting as easy as possible so we have also looked at services for crew which can be found under the Info Tab.

As a training centre we will soon be focusing on the second stage of this platform which will focus on Career development, crew services overseas and a very exciting loyalty program.

In addition we will be adding new content to the platform in the seasons to come. For now, enjoy and please be sure to make a list of questions for your instructors for discussion during your practical time with us.

Sincerely yours, Jason Hunter

Jason Hunter

The sysa training app is only available to students who have booked courses with sysa (including previous students)., our most popular online training.

Collision Regulations Pre-Course Work Read More »

Post-Training Deck Refresher Read More »

Pre-Course Work: Buoyage Read More »

RYA VHF Radio (SRC – Short Range Certificate) Read More »

SYSA DECKHAND TRAINING MANUAL Read More »

Contact Details

• Standard Bank Towers, Heerengracht St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
• +27 78 099 2931 Mon - Fri, 9.00am until 6.30pm

Stewardess Enquiries

• Isobel Odendaal
• +27 82 558 9400
• [email protected]

Deckhand Enquiries

• Georgina Grimstead
• +27 78 099 2931
• [email protected]

© 2021 Super Yachting South Africa. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions

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SUPERYACHT, STCW, POWERBOAT TRAINING COURSES

YACHT CREW TRAINING

FIND OUT MORE

POWERBOATING & PWC (JET SKI)

SAMSA SKIPPER TRAINING

We provide Skippers Training Courses such as the SAMSA Skippers license is required for powered vessels under 9 meters with an engine over 15hp. We provide training as qualified skippers to the requirements set out by SAMSA. The Exam includes a written paper Oral questions & practical test. As well as being SAMSA skippers your tutor will also be trained as a powerboat instructor in the RYA scheme. We use independent examiners which are arranged for you. We’re able to personalise a program for you. Contact us now for more information. 

RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2 COURSE

This course is the perfect introduction to Powerboating. An informative 2-day course that covers all you need to obtain the ICC under 10m license for international boating. This license is also one of the key qualifications when entering the Superyacht Industry as crew, both Deckhands & Steward/ess will benefit from this course, giving them the ability to drive the small tenders when needed whilst working on the Superyachts, this will give you an edge when looking for employment.

Courses run every week, contact us for more information and our next available dates.

SHORE BASED COURSES

These certificates are used all over the world by Superyacht Deck Crew, Yachtmasters, Stewardesses, Charters, safety and rescue services. The certificate issued on RYA center yachts is only for the yacht your on. It cannot be transferred as you move yachts. The certificate issued from RYA centers in Cape Town are valid for life within international guidelines on any yacht.

RYA PWC Instructors certificate

The rules and regulations around Europe require anyone using a PWC (Jet Ski) to hold a certificate of competency. The local Police are fining individuals and yachts on the spot fines of 500 euros or more. The regulations are being tightened up all over the world.

SRC VHF RADIO

SRC VHF Radio course now available for South Africa and International use. If you use a marine radio you should hold the correct certificate. We offer the SRC certificate as a one-stop process. The course includes your manual and exam fees. We also provide you with pre course learning so the course lasts just one day

If you have a marine VHF radio with DSC capability on your vessel when its time for the survey you will need to show a ‘Ships radio license’ and the ‘SRC operators certificate’ contact us for any information. We can set up the LRC and GMDSS courses as well.

GET A QUICK QUOTE

BASIC YACHT DECKHAND PACKAGE

• Basic Superyacht Deckhand Package

Our 3.5 week Basic Yacht Deckhand Course takes place in Cape Town and provides candidates with the international requirements & fundamental basics required to find work as a professional Superyacht Deckhand in the Mediterranean & Caribbean.

The Yacht Deckhand Course is unlike any other in South Africa, due to the fact that it is run by experienced Superyacht Deck Crew & Officers and anchored by the highly regarded MCA Yacht Rating Course. The Yacht Rating Course is the first step to career progression on deck and has additional, far-reaching employment benefits. Included in the Superyacht Deckhand training mix and key to many of the auxiliary courses is the RYA training, provided by Superyachting South Africa.

As a result of the above Superyacht-specific Deckhand Course, our candidates have proven to be more competitive at the selection phase and have gone on to work for the likes of Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Group) & David Geffen (Dreamworks Pictures) to name but a few.

On successful completion, *top performing Yacht Deckhand students have an opportunity (space dependent), to gain real-life experience and their first Superyacht reference via an unpaid day work programme. *T&C’s apply.

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Get Onboard

Superyacht Training

How to Choose a Yacht Crew Training School in South Africa

There are a number of schools around the world offering basic training courses for yacht crew, but not all are internationally recognised. This is important, as you don’t want to spend money doing a certification that won’t be relevant for the waters you will potentially crew in.

When choosing a place from which to get your yacht crew training, the most important accreditation to look out for is whether they are ITY (International Yacht) and MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) certified. Great news for South Africans wishing to pursue a career in the luxury yacht industry is that Get Onboard is  partnered with the only internationally ITY and MCA certified yacht crew training academy in South Africa .

Courses for Newbies

There are a bunch of areas you could qualify in, be that cooking (chefs), attending (stewards) or fixing (deckhands/engineers), but before you can specialise, every single yachtie needs the following two items under their belts:

The first is a medical certificate that states you are cleared, and fit to be at sea and called the  ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate . You can typically obtain the certificate from MCA Approved Doctor (AD) and this certificate is also mandatory before you’re allowed to complete your STCW course.

The second is the  STCW 2010  which is a compulsory requirement for any seafarer in order to be eligible for employment at sea. You can apply for the STCW training through us, as well as more advanced courses like the  Deckhand Course  or the  Interior Crew Training  course.

Where to do these in South Africa

Because these courses are internationally certified, you don’t have to leave the country in order to complete your basic training. This at least gives you extra time to prepare things like your  yacht CV  and choose where you’d like to  kick-start your yachting career from . You can choose whether to complete the  STCW Course in Durban or Cape Town  as well as other more advanced courses. Get in touch with us to apply for your STCW basic safety training in South Africa !

Needing more?

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RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

Internationally Certified Yacht Training

Choose the right company for your career certification.

A Career Aboard a Superyacht is an Opportunity Unlike Any Other.

We prepare you to be the best you can be, so that you can reap the rewards of having the best and most comprehensive training worldwide. We have a 95% success rate for our students finding positions on board yachts. 

We pride ourselves in releasing crew into the superyacht industry that are skilled in their choice of career and can that we know will stand proud in this industry.

Chef Career

Steward/ess Career

Deck Career

Superyacht culinary academy is a south african registered training organisation and industry leader..

We offer fully accredited courses to enable you to secure the best positions on commercial or leisure vessels anywhere in the world. Whether you choose a career as a deckhand, superyacht chef or stewardess, our comprehensive training programmes will set you up to be the best you can be in any situation. We further advise you the industry regulations as to which courses are mandatory for Superyacht Crew and which are optional ‘CV improvement’ courses.

The Superyacht Culinary Academy is a single training facility that provides every aspect of training for you to obtain an illustrious career aboard superyachts. All our lecturers are specifically skilled in their particular fields and provide top-class training and first-hand experience of life on board superyachts.

Get started on your Superyacht Career Training by selecting one of the career paths below to find out what you need to become an accomplished and sought-after crew member on Superyachts

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines.”

Shirley Mitchell

Mentorship programme

Our mentorship and guidance programmes guide you through the first steps of your yacht career. This includes land-based support, direct connections with our seasoned training staff and direct contact with us as ongoing support. We provide further career advancement programmes and constantly assess each individual’s position on board how they can achieving their next best through additional training.

Internship programme

Our training centre is open to the public and features all the hospitality situations you would find on any vessel, regardless of size. We are located right next to the V&A Waterfront marina, making it the most accessible venue to do your internship prior to getting on board, adding value to your CV and providing invaluable training experience.

Travel and visa support

Our experienced consultants will advise you on the best possible locations for finding work and assist you in planning the best way to get you to where you need to be. We assist you with your yacht CV’s, plan your itineraries and documentation with you, set up visa appointments, book flights, crew accommodation and make sure you’re all set to travel to land the perfect yacht job. Maritime Global Travel

Land-based support

Once you start your programme with us, we add you to our growing list of yachties to connect, communicate and support each individual that goes through our training centre. This ensures that you are aware of what's happening in the industry and connects you to crew that are currently working in areas where you may be travelling to, ensuring your safety at sea.

Financial Literacy Assistance

We assist you in managing your hard-earned income so that when you decide to leave the industry, you have enough investments and assets to either retire or to secure yourself a comfortable lifestyle. Our financial literacy programs as specifically designed to support international yacht crew.

Online Support

Communication means survival, knowledge, and support; we provide these with free online support groups. Starting in the Superyacht industry can be daunting and we have supported thousands of people entering the industry as green crew. Our admin and training staff are always available to answer questions, providing the support you need.

“I would highly recommend Brett’s Superyacht Culinary Academy for anyone who wants to improve their cooking skills, while gaining valuable practical experience in a casual but focused environment. I’m off to the British Virgin Islands for the upcoming Caribbean season! Thanks again guys!”

“I had such an amazing experience. Brett took my cooking skills and turned it into a professional skill that I am comfortable with to take with me into the the Superyacht world. I would recommend the Superyacht Culinary Academy to anyone who wants to take their profession to the next level. ” 

Shance Coetzee

“ The Superyacht Culinary Course was the perfect way to jumpstart my Cheffing career in the yachting industry. I learnt invaluable cooking and food presentation skills and gained practical experience working and preparing in a galley setting. I would highly recommend this course.  I have now  been working as a yacht chef for 9 years and loving it! ” 

Jess Shipley

Stephanie spanjer, start your yacht career now.

We provide all the courses necessary for you to work on any vessel, anywhere in the world.

Our training is focused on providing the skills & confidence to deliver the best service and to secure the best positions on yachts. Our training programmes are internationally recognised and offer the best packages for you to start your career at sea.

Accreditation

Skipper Training SA

RYA SAS Accredited Skippers Training Courses

RYA / MCA Powerboat Courses and Certification

The RYA Powerboat Certificates of Competence are used all over the world by skippers working around harbours and offshore. International commercial (RYA/MCA) and recreational ICC certificates available. We are the leading skipper training academy in South Africa. Our courses cover local training, exams for South Africa and specialist courses for people boating abroad.

RYA Powerboat Training Courses

This includes Superyacht crew, Yachtmaster, Stewardesses , Fishing/Dive charters, and Harbour Masters. The advanced commercial qualifications allow skippers to work on 24 meter powerboats up to 20 miles off shore during the day and night. This is equivalent to the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Motor Cruising Certificate. All these courses and exams are supported by the MCA. Other courses compliment these key qualifications.

Anyone joining the Superyacht industry will be pleased to hear that the new RYA Tender Operators course is now available with us. See the information below.

RYA Level 2 Powerboat Certificate

Our RYA Powerboat Level 2 course offers a thorough introduction to powerboat handling. It is often used as the prerequisite for attending other courses and is the perfect introduction to power-boating for anyone wanting to attend a practical informative 2-day training course. It can also provide valuable experience for anyone looking to gain the SAMSA under 9m skippers license.

The Yacht industry widely accepts this certificate as a starting point for their crew. However, the benchmark is moving and for crew wishing to drive the full range of tenders, a yacht officer will need to have some practical experience and have other courses such as the Tender Operator or Advanced powerboat course and for those with a season’s experience the Advance Exam and commercial endorsement.

Topics covered include:

• Launching and recovery
• Confined space maneuvering
• Man over board procedure
• Engine checks
• High speed handling
• Collision regulations
• Basic chart work and navigation
• Communication afloat
• Emergency procedures

Your level 2 certificate can also have the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for vessels up to 10 m / 33ft. We also offer the CEVNI (European inland waterways theory) test. The ICC is only available to people aged 16 years+, British and SA nationals and others can apply for this. Please contact us to confirm eligibility.

SAMSA training and exams can also be linked into the course. This allows you to enjoy power-boating in South Africa and with the RYA certificates most of the pleasure boating world.

RYA Superyacht Tender Operators Course

The Yacht Captains and the Professional Yacht Association (PYA) along with the RYA recognised the need for more skilled and knowledgeable tender skippers. This course is for the Superyacht deck crew and stewardesses wishing to drive the yachts tenders. It will be a perfect stepping stone to the Advanced Powerboat course and exam.

Aim: To teach tender driving up to the required standard to carry passengers and other crew members to and from the superyacht by day and night.

Candidates should gain an appreciation of their role as tender skipper and their responsibilities in addition to helming skilfully.

• Launching and recovery, Yacht davits
• Mooring, beach landings
• Skipper responsibilities
• Guest and crew management
• Guest safety and care
• Man over board practice day and night
• GPS Plotter and depth equipment
• Local rules and regulations

Entry requirements: Must hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2 with coastal endorsement. It is recommended that candidates hold a valid First Aid Certificate and the RYA VHF/SRC certificate.

Drop us an email or book direct on our calendar.

RYA Advanced Powerboat Course

This course covers boat handling, seamanship, day & night pilotage and coastal navigation up to the standards required to drive a powerboat safely by day and night in tidal coastal waters.

This course in conjunction with the exam and commercial endorsement is used all over the world for boat skippers working anything up to 20 miles off shore. This could include Super Yacht tenders, chase boats, fishing and dive charters, Police, rescue, oil rigs, harbour masters and others looking for MCA endorsed certificate of competence.

Typical overview of Advanced course

• 1100 Arrive Sail and Power SA classroom and check in, Welcome and issue of life jackets etc.
• Classroom session including a planning for a day and night passage in coastal waters
• 1330 Launch RIB if it is not already in the water. Instructor’s safety briefing and familiarisation, Complete safety checks including daily and periodic checks on both petrol and diesel engines, how to bleed the fuel system and how to change a propeller
• 1400 Depart for a short day passage taking into account navigational hazards, using transits clearing lines as well as electronic navigational equipment. Carry out a harbour entry using pilotage skills
• 1600 Return run demonstrating the correct use of trim and discussing action to be taken in rougher weather conditions
• 1630 Recap the Man Overboard procedure. All students to practice MOB and discuss recovery in all conditions
• 1700 Return to base. Dinner ashore followed by a classroom session on emergency situations including fire prevention and firefighting, hull damage, towing and being towed, flares and helicopter rescue
• 1800 Depart for a pre-planned night passage and harbour entry demonstrating keeping a proper lookout. The night exercise will also include identifying lit and unlit navigational marks
• 2100 Return, depending on Sunset times.
• 0900 Classroom session covering sources of weather forecast information, the Beaufort scale and the interpretation of synoptic charts. Navigation at higher speed using time / distance will also be discussed. Safety and search patterns.
• 1100 Close quarters handling including all berthing and situations in various conditions of wind and tide. Advanced boat handling skills in confined spaces will also be covered considering the differences for twin engine vessels, various hull forms and propeller configurations
• 1400 More boat handling focusing on picking up and departing from a mooring buoy and anchoring in various conditions
• 1530 Arrive back at base. Clean up and recovery of RIB

We will be pleased advise you on the course/s you need.

RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam for Certificate of Competence

This Exam is required for persons looking to gain a commercial endorsement and for and Powerboat instructors looking to become Advanced Instructors. The exam is not required for anyone holding the Yachtmaster Power C of C.

Entry requirements:

• Knowledge of navigation and chart work to Coastal skipper level (for an extra fee we can provide navigation tuition prior to the course)
• RYA VHF radio licence
• First Aid at Sea Certificate (STCW)
• Logged Sea Time, 30 days, 2 as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours.
• Logged Sea Time if you hold the Advanced course certificate, 20 days, 2 as skipper, 400 logged miles and 12 night hours (in addition to the sea time on the course)

Minimum age: 17

Exam duration: 3 to 8 hours depending on numbers, maximum 3 students, Exam will include night driving and navigation.

Prices include: Payment is paid direct to RYA, a local fee for RIB hire and fuel will also apply.

RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Commercial Endorsement

Commercial Endorsement: Required if you wish to drive an MCA coded boat up to 24m in length / 80 gross tons to Category 3 (20 miles from a safe haven, day and night).

You will need:

• Medical (ENG 1 available from approved marine Doctors)
• Sea survival certificate (STCW)
• Certificate for RYA online course (Professional Practices and Responsibilities)
• Advanced Powerboat Exam Certificate

This is not a course, once you have all the certificates they are sent to the RYA for your endorsement.

Superyacht Training: Engineering Courses

Add a Training Centre

Engineering courses for yacht crew such as Engineers, Electricians, ETOs, and other similar superyacht professionals.

Superyacht Engine Courses

• Yacht Engine Rating   (0)
• Engine-room Watch Rating   (2)
• Approved Engine Course   (23)
• Marine Engine Operator Licence   (0)
• Chief Engineer (Yacht 4) - Less than 200GT and less than 1,500kW   (1)
• Chief Engineer (Yacht 3) - Less than 500GT and less than 3,000kW   (0)
• Chief Engineer (Yacht 2) - Less than 3,000GT and less than 3,000kW   (0)

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Certified Superyacht Crew Training Academy

Cape Town, South Africa

Leading the field in Superyacht training, Certified Superyacht Academy has proven to be the top resource and authority on the industry.

Courses are held in: South Africa

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Get Onboard Superyacht Academy

Get Onboard Superyacht Academy Established in 2016, by two friends who met working onboard one of the world’s premium superyachts, Get Onboard Superyacht Academy has quickly established itself as leading industry player assisting young SA yachties looking to pursue a career in the superyacht industry. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Get Onboard facilitates a variety of Superyacht specific courses across all four industry departments, Yacht Deckhand, Yacht Stewardess, Yacht Engineer & Yacht Chef. With over 14 years industry experience, our maritime partners internationally accredited maritime partners who are ITY and MCA certified, were carefully selected to ensure our candidates are provided the best possible training experience with top notch facilities in order to ensure they begin their super yachting career with a competitive edge.

Sail and Power SA

Training centre in Cape Town for Yacht Crew with RYA, MCA courses, for all types of vessels and crew positions, Deckhand, Stewardess, International Skippers License We provide instructor training courses for Jet ski and powerboat students to work as instructors on yachts and international Schools.

Super Yachting Nautical Careers (SYNC Training)

Training is based at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain, one of the 7 Wonders of Word. Training is done in beautiful settings by instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, skills and are warm with students who are eager to join the Superyacht Industry. We believe in training students to be competent in all aspects when applying for a position on board a yacht. www.synctraining.co.za. Due to our first-hand experience on board, we are able to advise accordingly as to what is best suited for each individual joining the industry. The school has been running successfully for over five years and offers a wide range of training starting with the Superyacht Steward / Stewardess interior course and the Highfield Food Safety level 2. There are many other courses that run under SYNC. To name a few would be, Flower arranging and Table Scaping, STCW + DSD, International Bartenders, Professional Barista, Yacht Therapy and Beauty Training, Superyacht Chef training, Deckhand basics and even up to Captain and Engineer licences, including the basics like the RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA PWC (Jetski) and VHF Radio, Yacht Rating, RYA Competent Crew Practical, RYA Day Skipper Theory, RYA Day Skipper Practical and RYA Radar. Instructors are also highly experienced professionals that have worked many years in the Superyacht industry, are enthusiastic and truly care about helping you achieve your highest dreams in yachting, learning from their personal journey and go into the industry fully informed and assured that we have your back and will be there for you not just at the start but for anytime you need us thereafter. We will arrange beautifully comfortable accommodation for you as well which is added to your training invoice. All you need to do is book and get yourself to Cape Town from no matter where you are in the world.

Superyacht Training Academy

The Superyacht Training Academy, Cape Town, is an elite maritime Institute providing Internationally recognised training for professional yacht crew. We pride ourselves in releasing crew into the Superyacht industry who are confident, competent, and responsible. Our comprehensive programmes for Superyacht Deckhand, Stewardess and Chef are world-class training programmes that equip superyacht personnel to perform at their optimum. Our Career packages focus on the primary qualifications needed to assure success in obtaining the best jobs and maintaining them as a chosen career path

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