Blog Posts

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...

The RYA Yachtmaster Courses are popular amongst South African sailors. If you want to charter a course beyond certain limits, the Yachtmaster qualifications are crucial. In this article, we will discuss the Yachtmaster course prices in South Africa, and how they may...

Are you looking for a powerful and impactful career in the Merchant Navy? South Africa boasts a strong demand for workers, especially officers in the Merchant Navy. In this article, let's discuss the Merchant Navy career paths in South Africa. What is the Merchant...

The maritime industry offers a wide variety of career paths to prosper in life. As South Africans, we dream of working in the maritime industry at least once in our lives. In this article, let's discuss the top 3 maritime careers in South Africa for a fulfilling...

So, you have decided to buy a Category E vessel in South Africa for leisure activities. It’s a small, motorised boat, a perfect little boat for unwinding on South African seas. But, does your vessel pass the Construction requirements for a Category E vessel? Is it...

Getting a Skipper License is a must if you want a full boating experience in South Africa. If you are a boat owner, you should consider getting a skipper license ASAP. One question we often get about skipper license is how long it would be valid. So, let's find out...

Boating in South Africa is a pleasant experience for many. However, just because it is leisure, does not mean there will not be emergencies. That is why the SAMSA authorities require you to carry certain appliances and equipment onboard. Each Category E boat must have...

If you aspire to work on a superyacht, this article is important. As you are aware, all seagoing workers must complete the basic STCW safety training. However, for the yacht crew, there is a minor difference in taking the STCW course: The Proficiency in Designated...

Tired of your day-to-day chef job at a local restaurant? Do you feel like your skills do not get the environment to flourish? Then how about considering working on a yacht or a superyacht as a chef? If you have a keen eye for detail and a knack for flavour profiles...

In the previous article, we discussed the Experienced Seafarer Route and becoming an SV Engineer Officer of the Watch (<3000 GT, <9000kW). In this article, we will take a step further and understand how to become an SV Chief Engineer via the Experienced Seafarer...

Becoming an engineer on a yacht may seem complicated on paper, but it does not have to be. Being an engineer on a yacht can open brand-new doors to wonderful experiences you would not otherwise experience in a regular engineering job. That, combined with delicious...

Being a superyacht engineer means getting a chance to work with some of the world's best engineering marvels. However, the opportunity does not come easily. In this article, we will mainly discuss engineer roles and what it takes to be an engineer on a yacht in South...

The Y4 Engineer Certificate of Competence is one of the basic engineering CoC in the yacht industry. However, the structures for engineer CoCs have changed recently. In this article, we will see the new structure for yacht engineer certificates, called Small Vessel...

The MCA Food Hygiene Certificate is mandatory if you are going to work as a cook on any ship, or as a stewardess on a superyacht, cruise, and so on. You can easily get an MCA Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate in South Africa. Let's understand what the course entails...