Blog Posts

The RYA First Aid course in South Africa gives boaters the practical skills they need to manage medical emergencies at sea. The Royal Yachting Association created this course specifically for the marine environment. People who regularly boat leisurely in South Africa...

If you hold a RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification, you may be wondering: why do I need an RYA Superyacht Tender Operator qualification? Well, if you are building a career in the superyacht industry, you will realise how important the tender operation certificate is....

South African vessels must comply with SAMSA regulations, and then the RYA compliance comes into the picture. In South Africa, the training vessels follow the ‘SAMSA first, RYA second’ policy to maintain RYA standards. In this article, we explain the RYA training...

Cars are not the only mode of transport experiencing the "electric revolution". Boats are 'diving' into this, too. The demand for cleaner marine propulsion has been on the rise. Furthermore, with increasing fuel prices, more and more boat owners in South Africa are...

If you want to turn your powerboating or sailing experience into a professional qualification, the RYA Instructor and RYA Advanced Instructor courses represent two significant milestones. Each course builds technical competence, instructional skill, and professional...

Boating in South Africa offers freedom, adventure, and stunning coastlines. Now, at a bustling boating like Cape Town, first-time boaters are bound to be abundant. And many of them make simple mistakes that lead to stress, damage, or danger on the water. In this...

Working on a yacht can be an honour for a few, and perhaps a luxury for others. However, one thing that remains common is that the yacht crew work is Brutal with a B. Yes, the pay is generous, and the work environment is luxurious. But are you willing to leave...

If you want to work at sea internationally, whether on a merchant ship or a yacht, you must obtain an ENG1 Medical Certificate. The certificate of medical fitness proves that you are physically and mentally fit to work onboard vessels where immediate medical...

Choosing the right yacht training school as an aspiring sailor is always a difficult choice. You are looking to curb irresponsible spending while finding the right training package. To do so, you should keep certain things in mind. Let’s find out how you can choose...

If you are getting into boating, sailing, or a career at sea, you have heard the acronyms RYA and MCA thrown around, sometimes interchangeably. At first glance, these names look similar. However, they play very different roles in the maritime world. In this article,...

For casual recreational boaters, obtaining a category C skipper’s license in South Africa is like gaining… fins of freedom. With a Skipper Category C license, you can take your boat further away from the shore. In this article, let's see the process for obtaining a...

If you wish to work on a superyacht or any other commercial vessel, you must obtain the STCW certificate. This internationally recognised qualification is an essential step for anyone pursuing a career in the maritime industry. The STCW ensures that every seafarer can...

In the modern world, certifications that back up your proficiency, experience, and skills push you ahead of the competition. Those little pieces of paper are more valuable than ever; and some of them hold more importance than others in the yachting industry. In this...

After the end of each season, plenty of superyacht crews take a rest and look for new opportunities on different vessels. There could be plenty of reasons why people would want to do ‘superyacht crew hopping’. Some of them are practical, some of them are personal....

One of the most important questions this generation has to answer is how to write a CV. And when it comes to writing a yacht crew CV, the pressure just mounts up further. Well, fret not! In this article, we shall see how you can write a dashing yacht crew CV and land...

Many South Africans dream of working on a superyacht. The opportunity opens the door to a lifestyle filled with travel, cultural exposure and professional opportunities. For South Africans, working on a superyacht is also a means to earn a huge income in the form of...

If you are aspiring to work on a superyacht, you perhaps already know that there are two primary entry-level roles: Deckhand and Stewardess. Most newcomers begin their career with these two roles. Although both roles offer the chance to build a strong future in the...

Are you planning to be a deckhand or a stewardess on a superyacht? Then this article is just for you. Let’s understand how a superyacht crew course may help you get accustomed to the competitive market that lies ahead of you. Here’s why you should take Superyacht Crew...

The yachtmaster qualifications are the ultimate test of a skipper. Getting the RYA Yachtmaster qualifications opens a world of possibilities as it greatly extends or completely removes the limitations on how far you can travel in the ocean. However, the ordeal of...

The Category R skipper's license in South Africa is the entryway to the boating scene. South Africa is known for its diverse boating culture. As a South African, it is only natural that you want to partake in boating activities. In this article, let's discuss the...

Working on a superyacht is one of the most exciting and unique careers in the world. It combines luxury travel, hard work, and life at sea into an adventure unlike any other. But while the Instagram photos might look glamorous, life as a yacht crew is physically and...

For those who dream of working at sea, travelling the world, and building a career in a unique and adventurous environment, becoming a deckhand on yachts is one of the most accessible entry points. Deckhands are vital crew members responsible for the upkeep, safety,...

Working on a yacht or superyacht means working in a five-star, luxurious environment, serving esteemed guests, and adhering to a tight schedule. While this may sound exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Yachts are tight-knit, high-pressure environments. As a new...

Deckhand is an entry-level position on a yacht or a superyacht, although that is hardly the case. Despite being entry-level, a greenhorn seafarer without any prior experience stands less of a chance than an experienced one. The experience here does not necessarily...

The maritime industry is one of the pillars of the South African economy, connecting the nation with global trade routes and providing employment to thousands of professional seafarers. While working as a commercial seafarer, you are required to maintain a proof of...

Deckhand courses offer an excellent opportunity for entry-level deckhands to hone their skills or for aspiring deckhands to understand the work environment. The course offers a well-balanced introduction to the superyacht industry, providing sufficient knowledge to...

If you are pursuing a career on a commercial vessel, the STCW certification is a fundamental requirement. STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. These are internationally recognised qualifications that ensure seafarers have the...

From leisure and adventure to testing the water in different industries or working, gap years can be a fruitful break to recharge your mind and reshape your perspectives. If you are looking for work during your gap years, we have exciting news for you. In this...

In South Africa, we often associate boating with freedom, relaxation, and adventure. However, a peaceful adventure can quickly turn dangerous if you notice that your boat is taking on water. This situation can escalate rapidly if left unattended, and knowing what to...

Fire is the last thing you would want on your recreational vessel. Imagine you're on a serene cruise and suddenly a fire breaks out on your boat. Not only does it ruin your experience, but it may also irreversibly damage your property or even result in loss of lives....