VY-ACADEMY

Essential Yacht Crew Courses | STCW, PBL2, VHF, PWC

STCW10,

Superyacht Essential Qualifciations

Before you build your training plan, it helps to know how courses fit together.

Safety & security training in the maritine industry have set compulsory courses for all maritime crew, outlined below. Larger vessels & cruiseships may require other courses.

Watersport & Essential Deck Courses are recommended for deckhands, dual roles and those working on smaller vessels requiring more diverse skillsets.

Department Specific Training is recommended when you have a specific role in a department in mind, like becoming a Stewardess, Deckhand or Yacht Chef.

Safety & Security Training

Obtain individual or all STCW10 modules, renewals and advanced courses, available in-person and online. SAMSA & ENG1 medical bookings, Food & Crowd Safety training.

11 days | 5 Certificates

10,200 ZAR | 510 Euro
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Personal Safety & Social Resp (PSSR)
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Marine Fire Fighting (MFF)
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties(PDSD)
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person and online (select modules)
Scheduled: Weekly

Compulsory

1 day | 1 or 2 Certificates

1,200 - 3,600 ZAR | 65 - 185 Euro
Both medicals are MCA‑approved
Both are recommended (SB purposes)
Required to prove "Able Seafarer"
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only
By Appointment Only

Compulsory

1 day | 1 Certificate

1,000 - 3,550 ZAR | 55 - 180 Euro
No pre-requisites
Highfield International Accreditation
Superyachts, Hospitality and Cruiseships
Ideal For: Stewardess, Chefs and Dual Roles
Available: In-person and Online
Schedule: Daily

Compulsory

2 days | 1 Certificate

Enquire
Pre-requisite: Level II
Highfield International Accreditation
Superyachts, Hospitality & Cruiseship
Ideal For: Chefs- Supervisory Role
Available: In-person and Online
Schedule: Daily

Selective

1 day | 1 Certificate

Enquire
No pre-requisites
MCA Approved
STCW Module
Highfield International Accreditation
Ideal For: Officers & Safety Crew
Available: Online
Schedule: Daily

Selective

1 day | 1 Certificate

Enquire
No pre-requisites
MCA‑approved
STCW Module
Highfield International Accreditation
Ideal For: Officers & Cruiseship Crew
Available: Online
Schedule: Daily

Selective

Too many courses to choose from?

We have created tailored packages to help you decide

See Packages & Bundles

Watersport & Essential Deck Training

Watersports and Essential Deck Training are for deckhands, dual-role crew, and small‑vessel teams who need versatile, guest‑facing skills.

Build confidence in tender driving, VHF comms, PWC/Jet Ski ops, tow‑sports safety, and become an instructor – so you can run safe activities & operations, and support guests.

2 days | 1 License

5,850 ZAR | 195 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only
Schedule: Weekly

Selective

1 day | 1 License

3,835 ZAR | 195 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only

Selective

1 day | 1 License

2,000 ZAR | 105 Euro
SAMSA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only

Selective

1 day | 1 License

3,295 ZAR | 168 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: Deckhands and Engineers
Available: In-person only

Selective

3 days | Pre-requisites

9,900 ZAR | 495 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: Deckhands & Officers
Available: In-person only
Pre-requisites:
17+ yrs old
RYA PWC Proficiency (1 day)
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Valid First Aid certificate
Minimum one full season of PWC experience

Advanced

3 days | Pre-requisistes

9,900 ZAR | 495 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: Deckhands & Officers
Available: In-person only
Pre-requisites:

16+ yrs old
RYA Powerboat Level 2
First Aid certificate
VHF/SRC (recommended)
Strong boat‑handling skills
Pre‑assessment with an RYA Trainer

advanced

Department Specific Training

Build real competence, not just certificates

Stepping into yachting isn’t only about compulsory tickets – it’s about mastering the day‑to‑day realities of your department. Department‑specific courses (Interior, Deck, Galley) give you the practical systems, standards, and industry language that turn a new hire into a confident, reliable crew member.

These courses aren’t mandatory, but they’re strongly recommended if you want a true understanding of the role, and better guest outcomes.

5 or 6 days + LIVE silver service luncheon practical

Full day industry overview & practise
Housekeeping and Laundry Systems
Service and Guest Experience
Mixology training
CV Photo + Feedback and Career Guidance
Ideal For: New crew & Dual Roles
Available: In-person & Online
Schedule: Weekly

Signature

4 days

Deck Operations and Duties
Maintenance and Care Processes
Product and Surface Knowledge
Safety & Security
Ideal For: New crew and Dual Roles
Available: In-person only
Schedule: Weekly

Recommended

Multiple Options

Chef Introductory Course (3 days)
Superyacht Chef Career Course (10 days)
Plating, gastronomy and more
Ideal For: New crew and Dual Roles
Available: In-person
Schedule: Weekly

Recommended

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Real Stories from Real Clients

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