Blog Posts

The ENG1 medical certificate is a compulsory requirement if you are to work commercially as a seafarer. This includes obtaining commercial endorsements on any RYA qualifications. If you are aspiring to be a commercial seafarer, the ENG1 certificate is a must for you....

If you enjoy the thrills or tranquillity being on the water brings to you, you must visit South Africa once. It is a geographically diverse country that has the right watersport activity for people of all backgrounds and levels. In this article, we discuss the...

Riding a Jet Ski (PWC) is all about high-speed thrills on water. As South Africa is popular for its watersports scene, you will see plenty of jet skiers zooming around and having the time of their lives. However, with speed and thrills come dangers that lurk right...

Three things make a SUP destination great in South Africa: easy-to-access SUP rental equipment, the distance between the outfitter and the waterbody, and calm weather conditions. Fortunately, South Africa is blessed with perfect conditions to enjoy SUP activities in...

A superyacht work environment requires maximum dedication, attention, and passion. But is it worth it? You are dedicating a major chunk of your life which takes you away from your family and the warmth of home. But how's the salary? In this article, we will discuss...

Working on a Superyacht is all about hard work and dedication, all while maintaining a five-star professional demeanour. But that is during the season. When it is over, you are likely to return to South Africa and find some free time on your hands. But what does a...

Stand-up Paddle Surfing or SUP has been getting increasingly popular in South Africa for a while now. Affordable and enjoyable by people of all sorts, Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to experience South African waters like never before. In this article, let's...

You are most likely in your prime age if you are working on a superyacht as a deckhand or a stewardess. Most people in their prime seek a stable job, and relationships and have thoughts of settling down by the time they are 30-35. Superyacht crews do not necessarily...

The Caribbean has always been a forever favourite destination for many superyachts. With a majority of the superyachts in the Med escaping the harsh winters into the warmth of the Caribbean, the region experiences an influx of superyachts in the winter season. This...

As an aspiring South African seafarer wanting to work on a superyacht, you must be thinking of either the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. That's a given as these two destinations experience the liveliest superyacht scene in the world. However, competition there can be...

We have been doing the visa articles for the last two weeks. However, we have not mentioned one important element in there that may help you obtain your visas a lot quicker. That's right, we are talking about the Seaman's Discharge Book. What is it and why is it...

South Africa is not famous for its superyacht scene. In fact, the sight of a superyacht is such a rare occurrence in South Africa. So, if you are an aspiring South African seafarer who dreams of working on a superyacht, you must go international. In this article,...

Nobody ever wants to get stuck in a storm when they are powerboating in South Africa. But sometimes seas can be moody. They can quickly put you in a dire situation if you are unaware. So, let's consider that you are stuck in a storm with your family in a powerboat—it...

Rowing a boat is such a primaeval, tranquil experience. It's just you, your little boat, and serene waters, absorbing the beauty around you as you create ripples with your oars. Sometimes, this is the way to enjoy boating, this is the life. So, if this has been on...

The luxury superyacht industry offers unparalleled opportunities for travel, networking, and working in breathtaking locations. However, it also comes with strict safety and security protocols, as set out by the International Convention on Standards of Training,...

Working long hours on a ship like a superyacht is no joke. You are not only dedicating your energetic youth to a demanding cause but also investing your mental health in it. This can quickly exhaust you mentally and emotionally, even without you realising it. Now, if...

Working on a superyacht can be a mentally draining experience. While you may understand that, the superyacht management needs to understand that as well. In this article, let's understand the importance of healthy mental health practices on a superyacht. The...

As an aspiring seafarer, it is normal to have anxieties about certain aspects of working on a superyacht. It could be about the overall work environment, or it could be about socializing and working with people from different backgrounds. Whatever the anxieties may...

Whether a superyacht or a cargo container, working on a large vessel will thoroughly put your wits and strength to the test. Ask any seafarer about it; they all will tell you how hectic it can get on a vessel. And of course, we are all humans. As newcomers or even as...

In South Africa, boating laws may change as the time passes. However, one law will remain absolute: that you will always need a skipper's license to drive or sail a boat of particular characteristics. Even so, can you rent a boat without a license in South Africa?...

South African coasts offer an exciting getaway for enthusiastic boaters from their busy lifestyle. That could mean taking a one-day cruise in Knysna River or taking out your boat to V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. If you are someone who prefers to cruise by yourself,...

South Africa is a great destination for boaters from all around the world. The country boasts a stunning coastline of a unique ecosystem, tranquil rivers and lakes, and lush scenery to heighten your boating experience. While we enjoy the vivid scenery South Africa has...

South Africa is a prime destination for many boaters around the world to enjoy serene coastlines and observe the wonders of marine diversity. The ocean surface temperature is generally pleasant and the risk of hypothermia is often on the lower side. However, if you...

South Africa offers an exciting and unforgettable experience for boaters in South Africa. However, while it is exciting, one must understand the risks these activities may pose for your vessel’s condition. In this article, we are stressing the importance of regular...

So, you have acquired your SAMSA Skipper License in South Africa. You must be excited to take out your powerboat for a spin. If it is your first time driving a powerboat alone, you might be nervous. Despite knowing the rules, it is natural to feel nervous. So, let's...

Recently, we discussed the RYA Intermediate and Advanced powerboating qualifications. There, we also discussed certain shorebased courses as they were highly recommended and necessary to advance with your goal. In this article, let's understand the different types of...

If you are to become an officer on a Superyacht someday, one of the essential certifications is the HELM certificate. HELM aims to teach the value of teamwork, participation, effective communication, and effectively manage and lead crew. Let's understand the HELM...

Let's discuss the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) in this article. If you are working on a seagoing vessel, chances are you have heard or used the system before. So, what is GMDSS in South Africa? Where is it used? Let's see. The Global Maritime...

In the last article, we talked about the differences between a Bosun and a First Officer. In this article, let's talk about how you can become a First Officer on a Superyacht (along with becoming a Bosun). Becoming a Bosun is a part of the journey to becoming a First...

Not everyone is cut out of the same cloth. Some superyacht workers find comfort in working as a bosun, far away from the higher responsibilities that come with promotions. Some aspire to be in senior positions, climbing ranks through hard work and studies. First...