Blog Posts

Maritime Safety Training – A Brief Introduction

Maritime Safety Training – A Brief Introduction

Maritime Safety concerns and aims at preserving all life and properties at sea. It is an umbrella term for all sorts of vessels and going beyond that, the preservation of natural life itself. Every seafarer has to have knowledge regarding maritime safety training. In...

STCW Course Prices in South Africa

STCW Course Prices in South Africa

If you are working on a commercial or recreational vessel, the minimum legal requirement is to successfully complete the STCW Course. In this article, we will mainly discuss the STCW course prices in South Africa. What is STCW? Why is it so important? STCW stands for...

What is a Personal Watercraft (PWC)?

What is a Personal Watercraft (PWC)?

Owning a personal watercraft (PWC) can be a huge lifestyle decision. If you are interested in watersport activities or simply want to experience the sea or inland waterbodies, getting a PWC might be a good idea. But what exactly is a Personal Watercraft (PWC) and what...

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 License | What can I drive?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 License | What can I drive?

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 license is popular not only as a requirement for getting a job on a superyacht but as driving a powerboat for leisurely purposes as well. This raises the question, by the way: 'what kind of powerboats can you drive with an RYA Powerboat Level...

Yachting (Sailing) in South Africa | Leisure and Employment Hub

Yachting (Sailing) in South Africa | Leisure and Employment Hub

Blessed with a long coastline, South Africa is home to numerous beaches and yacht clubs. Yes, there are yacht clubs in South Africa and port cities in SA are rife with yachts. While the international yacht scene is not as prominent in South Africa, there are many...

Safety Tips for Candidates | STCW Course

Safety Tips for Candidates | STCW Course

An STCW Course Certificate is an essential requirement if you wish to work offshore, like on a superyacht. The course itself is fun and you will be able to learn a wide variety of safety measures. However, it can also be dangerous if you do not remember to be safe....

What is the Yachting Industry? | A Basic Outlook

What is the Yachting Industry? | A Basic Outlook

The Yachting Industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that boasts some of the largest recreational, state-of-the-art vessels. From just a typical re-creational vessel fit with amenities to secured superyachts with sturdy hull armour, missile defence systems, and...

How to Become a Stewardess on a Superyacht?

How to Become a Stewardess on a Superyacht?

We have covered a variety of articles for aspiring deckhands in the superyacht industry. And now, it's time to give justice to another equally important role: The Steward/Stewardess. In this article, we will cover the basics of how one can become a stewardess on a...

The Deckhand Hierarchy on a Superyacht

The Deckhand Hierarchy on a Superyacht

There are four different categories of basic positions on a superyacht: deckhand, stewardess, chef, and engineer. Each class carries out certain duties and together in harmony, they keep a superyacht functional, delivering a 7-Star service to its guests. If you are...

Recommended Miscellaneous Courses by RYA

Recommended Miscellaneous Courses by RYA

When you are out on the sea, the more skilled you are, the better your chances of survival will be. Equipping yourself with different skillsets will definitely improve your experience on the waters and help you survive and cope with (unexpected) harsh conditions...

What will I learn in the RYA’s Powerboat Level 2 Course?

What will I learn in the RYA’s Powerboat Level 2 Course?

The RYA's Powerboat Level 2 Course is one of the most sought courses in the marine industry. Of course, this course is also a prerequisite to applying for jobs in the yachting industry. However, having the basic skipping knowledge comes in handy regardless of whether...

How to become a Powerboat Instructor?

How to become a Powerboat Instructor?

Becoming an instructor in the marine and watersports industry is one way to earn a good living in South Africa or abroad. In fact, Sail and Power SA uses qualified instructors all the time for various purposes like RYA Powerboat training, PwC Courses, and more. In...

The Difference between Jobs on Private Yachts and Charter Yachts

The Difference between Jobs on Private Yachts and Charter Yachts

As a prospective deckhand or stewardess on a superyacht, you may come across chatter like 'jobs on private yachts' or 'jobs on charter yachts'. Now, what exactly is that? As a prospective crew member, you should be aware of these. In this article, we will briefly...

Best Seasons to find Entry-Level Deckhand Work

Best Seasons to find Entry-Level Deckhand Work

"There is a place and time for everything", says the old proverb. This is especially true in the yachting industry, literally. If you are an entry-level deckhand, this article is especially important for you. Let's understand the best seasons to find an entry-level...

Is the Yachting Industry really for Me?

Is the Yachting Industry really for Me?

Wanting to do something and having the actual ability and capacity to do something are two different things. This is especially true in the yachting industry. The answer to the question 'is the yachting industry really for me?' lies in many factors. And that it is...

How to get started with the Yachting Industry?

How to get started with the Yachting Industry?

Anybody can enter the yachting industry. That includes you, me given that they are of an appropriate age and are physically fit. Of course, though, we will have to fulfil some requirements to get the most out of it. We will show you the right way to get started with...

What is the Purpose of a Deckhand and Stewardess on a Yacht?

What is the Purpose of a Deckhand and Stewardess on a Yacht?

Deckhand and Stewardess, both serve the most important purpose for any superyacht to function. They are the lifelines of a yacht, especially when there are guests to worry about. Deckhands and stewardesses are an integral part of the vessel. What Purpose does a...

What is an ENG1 Certificate and Why do I need one?

What is an ENG1 Certificate and Why do I need one?

Recently, we wrote about whether the yachting industry is for you or not. And one part of it focused on physical fitness. If you are not fit, working on a superyacht is potentially dangerous for you. So, to avoid this, you must get an ENG1 certificate, a certificate...

How Safe is the Yachting Industry?

How Safe is the Yachting Industry?

How safe is the Yachting Industry? Well, every job has its risks and Yachting Industry is not an exception to that. In fact, we would say that the yachting industry holds more dangers than your average office job.  How Safe is the Yachting Industry? To understand this...

How long does it take to find a Job on a Yacht?

How long does it take to find a Job on a Yacht?

"Please tell us! How long does it take to find a job on a yacht?" This is a question that many eager souls who are about to embark on an adventure in the yachting industry would ask. And at least half of them would back off when they hear the factual answer. Well, if...

Can Working on Superyachts be a Career?

Can Working on Superyachts be a Career?

Let's get to the point. The short answer is, yes, it can be a very fulfilling career. However, we are going to dive into a long answer here, understanding why it can be so. But before that, let's make one thing absolutely clear. Working on superyachts is not just a...

Finding Entry-Level Deckhand Work in South Africa

Finding Entry-Level Deckhand Work in South Africa

Once you take a deckhand course in South Africa, it is obvious that you are eager to work as a deckhand. What's not there to experience? Adventures, guests from different backgrounds, elite services, and last but not least, hefty salaries AND tips! But how do you...

Writing a CV for a Deckhand Job on a Yacht

Writing a CV for a Deckhand Job on a Yacht

In any industry, a CV is usually your first method of forming an impression on your employer. That is true for everyone and applying for a deckhand position is not an exception to that. In this article, we will be explaining how impactful writing a CV for a deckhand...

Deckhand Course Prices in South Africa

Deckhand Course Prices in South Africa

A Deckhand Course in South Africa has no fixed price. Why? Because it is different modules that you can select, which will change the price. That makes a Deckhand Course package in South Africa flexible. Let's understand what a deckhand course consists of and the...

Becoming a Deckhand in Cape Town

Becoming a Deckhand in Cape Town

Being a Deckhand on a Superyacht not only gives you an opportunity to earn a hefty salary, but also tons of adventures and unforgettable memories. If you are someone who loves adventures and sea voyages, being a deckhand can be THE perfect career for you. Let's find...

Skipper’s License Exam | Sample Test Questions

Skipper’s License Exam | Sample Test Questions

If you are planning to skipper a boat in South Africa, you will have to have a valid SAMSA Skippers' license. And for that, you will have to take the SAMSA Skippers' exam. Each category gets increasingly more difficult to pass, but of course, gives more privileges to...

STCW Course in Durban

STCW Course in Durban

Cape Town has always been a popular hub for South Africans and foreigners alike for seeking reliable and affordable maritime courses. South Africa is one of the most affordable countries to take maritime courses in, which includes the STCW. Now, Cape Town may be the...

RYA Advanced Powerboat Commercial Endorsement in South Africa

RYA Advanced Powerboat Commercial Endorsement in South Africa

Getting a commercial endorsement on your RYA Advanced Powerboat qualification in South Africa is an achievement; especially if you are planning to work on commercial vessels. As an endorsement is acknowledgement that you are a highly-skilled and a professional...

Certificates needed to become a Deckhand in South Africa

Certificates needed to become a Deckhand in South Africa

Becoming a deckhand in South Africa may not be as difficult as it sounds. However, you do have to complete a few prerequisites. Some of them are compulsory, some of them are optional. In this article, we will understand the certificates you will need to become a...

How long is a skippers licence valid for?

How long is a skippers licence valid for?

If you are operating a vessel on the South African waters, you will require a Skipper’s License (also known as Skipper’s Ticket) to do so legally. In official terms, the skipper's license by SAMSA is called the 'National Small Vessel Certificate of Competency’. In...