yachting courses

STCW 2010

The STCW 2010 Basic Training (BT) is a mandatory safety course for anyone working on superyachts or vessels in international waters. Recognized worldwide by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it ensures crew competency and safety. This certification is required for all roles on board and is the first step into the superyacht industry.

Price: R9650

Duration: 11 days 

 RYA Advanced Powerboat Course

The Advanced Powerboat Course teaches boat handling, seamanship, pilotage, and navigation to the level needed to safely operate a planing powerboat by day or night in tidal coastal waters. Training is conducted on powerboats at least 6m long with engines capable of coastal passages at planing speed.

Price: R6000

Duration: 2 days 

 RYA Personal Watercraft Instructor (PWI) Course

Personal Watercraft Instructors (PWI) are qualified PW drivers trained to deliver the RYA Proficiency and Introduction to PW Safety courses, often for superyacht guests. This sought-after qualification is highly valued in the luxury yachting industry.

Price: R9950 (Excluding £29 (under 25 years) or £55 (adults) payable to the RYA to become a member)

Duration: 3 days 

 RYA Diesel Engine Course

This Diesel Engine Course builds essential skills for entry-level crew, teaching how to prevent and troubleshoot common engine failures at sea. Covering basic maintenance and care, it provides awareness of key marine diesel systems and helps reduce breakdowns—the leading cause of yacht lifeboat callouts.

Price: R2000

Duration: 1 day 

 RYA Day Skipper Theory Course

An introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology, and seamanship—essential training for making onboard decisions and a foundation for the Yacht master or yacht rating certificate.

Price: R8000

Duration: 5 days 

RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC/Jet Ski)

Personal Watercraft (PW), or jet skis, are popular on luxury yachts—fast, fun, and easy to handle but requiring care. The PW Proficiency Course teaches safe operation and may be required to use jet skis legally on superyachts abroad.

Price: R3500

Duration: 1 day 

RYA Radar Operator Course

This one-day Radar Course is highly relevant to the superyacht industry, teaching essential skills for navigation, collision avoidance, and lookout duties on luxury yachts or large tenders.

Price: R2100

Duration: 1 day 

RYA VHF Radio (SRC – Short Range Certificate)

The Short-Range Certificate (SRC) course and exam teach safe operation of fixed or handheld marine VHF radios, essential safety equipment on superyachts. It is the legal minimum qualification for operating VHF/DSC on British-flagged vessels.

Price: R2000 (Excluding £70 payable to RYA to write the exam)

Duration: 1 day

RYA Tender Operator Course

Designed with the Professional Yachting Association, this course builds on basic powerboating skills, focusing on smooth maneuvering, day and night pilotage, and passenger management. Ideal for anyone operating a powerboat with passengers, it includes practical training in short-handed operation and ship-to-shore passages.

Price: R6000

Duration: 2 days (evenings) 

Deckhand Course

Cape Town Deckhand Course: Essential training for starting a superyacht career, including job preparation and hands-on deck experience.

Price: R5750

Duration: 3 days

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course

This course teaches the essential skills for competent tender driving in the superyacht industry, covering boat handling, seamanship, close-quarters maneuvers, man overboard recovery, planning speed, and collision regulations. Available at inland or coastal locations.

Price: R5000

Duration: 2 days

This Watersports Instructor Course prepares participants to deliver exceptional watersports experiences on superyachts. Basic wakeboarding skills—getting up, riding, and crossing wakes—are required.

Price: R12 000

Duration: 5 days