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 this article, let’s find out how one can become a professional powerboat instructor (or PwC—Jet Ski instructor).
How to become a Professional Powerboat Instructor?
It’s no rocket science, really. What you require is the relevant boating experience of 2 years and above, STCW and ENG1 (or SAMSA Medical) certificates, and a good, professional, and friendly attitude. The marine industry could always use more instructors for its clients. It is a growing industry that is becoming affordable for more and more people, and hence the demand is on rising as well.
If you think you fit the criteria and are up for the challenge on this ladder, this definitely can become your career path. People are always in need of a tutor and you can definitely fill that role.
You can work as a professional instructor in the yacht/superyacht industry or the powerboating & watersport industry. Your payment will vary depending on the employer, the type of your contract, and your relevant experience and skills. Of course, the more proficient you are, the better your chances of getting hired and securing a great pay scale.
Powerboat Instructors in South Africa
Powerboat Instructors are high in demand and it is only rising. The marine industry is always looking for powerboat instructors. It is a fun course for many and many of our candidates have mentioned that they truly enjoyed it while learning something valuable in their lifetime.
As a powerboat instructor, your general responsibilities are as below:
- Delivering high-quality powerboat tuition to a variety of clients.
- Maintaining the standards given by SAMSA for Powerboat skipping on South African waters or any other governing body if you are working overseas.
- Pre-course equipment checking: making sure everything is in order before you take the boat on a cruise.
- To be responsible and aware of marine life while you’re offshore and spread awareness to your clients regarding the same.
- To maintain the gear and your vessel that you use for delivering sessions to your clients.
- Be professional in delivering the course and make sure the clients do enjoy it and find valuable information that enables them to drive a powerboat on their own.
- Attendance to staff training, if required.
- Attendance to pre-season training and instructor days, if required.
To become a Powerboat Instructor in South Africa, you must have relevant experience as a skipper of at least 2 years. You are expected to be a professional in the industry and well-versed with the dos and don’ts of driving a powerboat. Besides, you should be a qualified STCW certificate holder as well as an ENG1 or equivalent medical certificate. The SAMSA Medical Certificate is also internationally recognised. Also, although optional, we highly recommend you to take the VHF Radio Course beforehand; which consolidates your position as an instructor in the industry.
Powerboat Instructors and Yachting Industry
Powerboat and PwC (Jet Ski) instructors are especially in demand within the yachting industry. Many of the guests aboard are thrilled about having the powerboat or PwC experience. But, as you require a license to drive a powerboat in many parts of the world, you will have to have this experience under a professional’s supervision. This is where the instructor comes into play.
As the Superyacht Industry is growing rapidly, so is the demand. An instructor job on a superyacht can entitle you to hefty payment. Besides, an instructor qualification definitely increases your chances of working on a superyacht as well. If you are considering working on a superyacht, you can definitely consider being an instructor too.
Dive Instructor
A dive Instructor or a Divemaster is another popular instructor job in the superyacht industry. While Sail & Power SA does not train our candidates in diving, there are agencies in South Africa that can. If you require assistance regarding this, kindly consider giving us a call and we will help you out.
Similar to the skipper’s license pre-requisite, the divemaster program also requires previous experience with diving. How many dives depends on the institute but you will require to show some experience beforehand (of course, under a supervisor).
Bottom Line
The demand for instructors is indeed high especially in the superyacht industry and for powerboats/PwC (Jet Skis) in general. The pay will vary depending on your employer and the contract. If you want to be a Powerboat/Jet Ski instructor in South Africa, consider giving us a call. Sail and Power SA offers high-quality courses for Powerboats and Jet Ski handling as well as for the instructors. For more information, visit our website today!