yachtmaster south africa

SOME OF LIFE'S BEST ADVENTURES ARE AT SEA

16 years of passion.

A life filled with exploration and adventure is a life well-lived. We believe that it’s on the the wide-open ocean that we find our best selves. Our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of sailing so everyone can experience the freedom and a more fulfilling life. So whether you’re new to sailing or a seasoned sailor, we hope you’ll join us.

2 Oceans Maritime Academy is an RYA Recognised sailing school based in Hout Bay, Cape Town South Africa. We offer a range of RYA sail and theory courses, Fast Track Sailing Programmes and Adventure Sailing.

Fast Track Programmes

RYA Short Courses

Hout Bay Yacht Club Marina Harbour Road, Hout Bay Cape Town, South Africa, 7806

+27  (82) 854-9789 [email protected] All images on this site are of our boats and students while training

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• Book Theory Exams

SAS Yachtmaster

Course Description The Yachtmaster course is an internationally recognised recreational skippers ticket for candidates wanting to skipper power-driven vessels or […]

• Duration 2 weeks
• Skill Level Advanced
• Lectures 48 lessons
• Enrolled 8 students

Course Description

The Yachtmaster course is an internationally recognised recreational skippers ticket for candidates wanting to skipper power-driven vessels or sailing vessel over 9m in length powered by a motor of 15HP and higher. The Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence allows the holder to skipper a vessel at all hours on all ocean passages.

The goal of this course is to train candidates with the knowledge in order to pass a South African Sailing Yachtmaster theory exam, as well as provided an overview of essential seamanship skills and safety procedures required in the Yachtmaster oral exam. 

The Yachtmater course consists of 13 chapters, which prepares students for the theory and oral Yachtmaster exams. The theory course should take +-4 weeks to complete.

Start your sailing journey with the Yachtmaster online theory course. Once you’ve completed the theory course and you are confident in completing the exam preparation manual, you can book your Yachtmaster theory exam. After successfully completing the Yachtmaster theory exam, you can book your oral examination.

Course Pricing

There is no practical component to this courses. Therefore, the course price only consists of the cost of the theory component.  However, students will also have to pay a South African Sailing (SAS) examiner fee in addition to the course price. The SAS fee for this course is ±R2575 for non-SAS members, and ±R1750 for SAS members.

Certification

On competition of the theory and oral exams, successful candidates will be issued a South African Sailing Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence (CoC).

Prerequisites

In order to be eligible for a SAS Yachtmaster ticket candidates will have to meet the below prerequisites.

If you need help in attaining any of the below requirements drop us a line. 

• Candidates must be over the age of 16
• A DSC VHF is a short range radio certificate (SRC) and takes about 2 days to complete. 
• All candidates require a basic eye test. If you are colour blind you cannot go further than Day Skipper.
• A logbook with 2500nm of sailing and 48 night hours including 3 overnight passages of at least 100nm each. 
• Students must have completed a SAS Coastal Skipper course successfully

What You Need For The Course

Candidates can purchase these items at a sailing club in their area or purchase these items online. 

• A clean practice chart SAN 3002
• An examination pad. (square blocks are useful for interpolation)
• A parallel ruler or a Portland plotter (both are required from Coastal Skipper upwards)
• Dividers, pencils and rubber
• A simple calculator with a square root button. A calculator with scientific functions is permitted but programmable calculators, cell phones and laptop computers are not
• The SA Sailing Exercise and Navigation Tables (2008 edition). This is only required for the Yachtmaster Offshore exam

Course Fees Include

A Yachtmaster course manual

Over 2 hours of video tutorials

A Theory exam preparation manual with practice exam question

Video answers to the exam preparation manual chart-work questions

Yachtmaster Exercise and Navigation Tables (to be used in the exam)

A free downloadable COLREGS (Rules of the Rd) booklet

Access to the Yachtmaster theory for the duration of the course

Terms, Conditions and Indemnity

Candidates must read, sign and email a scanned copy of the signed terms & conditions to [email protected] in order to finalise the purchase of this course. Find the terms and conditions in the link below.

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• Entry Level Courses
• Steward/ess Career Course
• RYA Day Skipper Career Course
• Intermediate Course
• Yachtmaster Coastal With Commercial Endorsement
• Advanced Course

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore With Commercial Endorsement

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore upgrade with commercial endorsement

Short Courses | Recreational Sailing

• RYA Courses

• SAS Courses

• SAMSA Courses

• Extra Courses

More About Atlantic Yachting

• Why Langebaan

Langebaan Lagoon  offers the only  RYA approved sailing examination waters in South Africa. The lagoon is the perfect sail training playground, with tides, streams, commercial traffic, calm and rough seas to provide for all training requirements.

• Read more about Langebaan

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Recreational Sailing Short Courses

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•  Prior experience required: None
•  Minimum age: 18 Years
•  Where: Langebaan
•  Duration: 115 Days

RYA Competent Crew | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

This course introduces the complete beginner to cruising and teaches personal safety, seamanship and helmsmanship to the level required to be a useful member of the crew of a cruising yacht.

• Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
• Sail Handling
• Fire Precautions and fighting
• Personal Safety equipment
• Man overboard
• Emergency equipment
• Manners and customs
• Rules of the road
• Meteorology
• Seasickness
• Helmsmanship and sailing
• General Duties

***RYA Competent Crew Certificate*** (includes food and accommodation onboard)

RYA Day Skipper Theory | 6 Days | Ratio 12:1

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to chart work, navigation, meteorology and the basics of seamanship.

• Nautical Terms
• Anchor work
• International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
• Definition of position, course and speed
• Navigational charts and publications
• Navigational drawing instruments
• Tides and tidal streams
• Visual aids to navigation
• Passage Planning
• Navigation in restricted visibility
• Marine Environment

***RYA/MCA Day Skipper for Sail & Power Craft Shore Based Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA Day Skipper Practical | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

This course is to teach pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the standard required to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar.

• Preparation for sea
• Maintenance and repair work
• Victualling
• Emergency Situations
• Yacht handling under power
• Yacht handling under sail
• Passage making

***RYA Practical Sailing Course Day Skipper Certificate*** (includes accommodation onboard and food)

SAMSA SRC Radio License 2 Days

Cover VHF Radio syllabus

*** SRC radio certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA Diesel Engine | 1 Day | Ratio 6:1

***RYA Diesel Engine Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

AY Deckhand / Superyacht Training | 2 Days

***Atlantic Yachting Deckhand Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

Boat Handling | 5 days

Re-capping day skipper theory & practical aspects plus boat handling experience

(includes accommodation | includes food)

RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Theory | 7 Days | Ratio 12:1

This is an advanced course in navigation and meteorology for candidates for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. The syllabus makes some provision for the revision of subjects in the Day Skipper Course but those who have not acquired the knowledge set out in the Day Skipper Course are unlikely to be able to assimilate all the subjects covered in this advanced course in the timetable.

• The magnetic compass
• Tidal Streams
• Rules of the Road
• Safety at Sea
• Passage Plan
• GPS and chart plotter
• Echo sounders

***RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore Shore Based Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food) 

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

The aim of the course is to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht (7-15m LOA) safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night

• Passage making ability as skipper
• Adverse weather conditions
• Emergency situations

***RYA Practical Sailing Course Coastal Skipper Certificate*** (includes accommodation onboard and food)

RYA Radar | 1 Day | Ratio 12:1

***RYA Radar Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA Power Boat Level II | 2 Days | Ratio 3:1

***RYA Power Boat Level 2 Power Boat Handling Certificate*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA PWC | 1 Day | Ratio 4:1

• Layout of a PW, controls, propulsion and steering system, fuel and oil, stowage compartment
• Personal equipment – wetsuits/dry suit, personal buoyancy, head and eye protection
• Pre-launch checks
• Essential safety information, kill-cord, safe speed, local hazards

Collision Avoidance:

• Rules of the road applicable to PWs
• Priorities between different classes of vessels
• Overtaking, crossing and end-on approach rules
• Local rules, speed limits, prohibited areas

Orientation at Sea:

• Charts, scales, direction and distance
• Representation of land, shallows and deep water
• Buoys, lateral and cardinal
• Avoid shipping areas for water skiing etc.
• Tides, high and low water and tidal streams

Weather, Safety, Courtesy to other water users

• Sources and significance of weather forecasts
• Lee and water shores
• Safety and emergency equipment
• Courtesy to other water users
• Avoiding pollution ad disturbances and damage to wildlife habitats

***RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate of Proficiency*** (includes accommodation | excludes food)

RYA PPR online course | 1 day | Compulsory for commercial endorsement

(includes accommodation | excludes food)

Mile building Trips

• 50 days sea time
• 5 days as skipper
• 5 passages over 60nm, including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper

***Signed off in logbook ~ should candidate meet required tasks*** (includes accommodation | includes food)

Exam Preparation | boat handling | 5 Days | Ratio 5:1

This course is designed to revise the theoretical and practical aspects of the RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Exams. It is assumed that all aspects of boat handling and theory are familiar to the students and only revision is required.

• Practical navigation
• Boat Handling (sailing on and off docks, ferry gliding, blind navigation, picking up moorings, tidal stream work etc)
• General Seamanship
• Responsibilities of Skipper
• Safety checks & briefing

(includes accommodation onboard and food)

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam 3/4 Days

1 day passage plan

3 – 4 days practical exam

(We have allowed 3 – 4 days for the external exam to cover any unforeseen circumstances therefore you should not make any personal plans over this period)

NB: see link below on exam procedures.

..\..\Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Exam Syllabus.pdf

Successful graduates earn their RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement (includes accommodation onboard and food)

Outsourced:

Stcw 2010 11 days (standard of training & certification of watch keepers).

This is an outsourced course which is compulsory for any crew working in the yachting industry.

• Elementary First Aid – 2 days
• Marine Fire Fighting – 3 days
• PSSR (Personal, Safety and Social Responsibilities) – 2 days
• PST (Personal Survival Techniques) – 2 days
• PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties) – 2 days

***MCA Certificates *** We book this on your behalf – STCW + Accommodation in Cape Town

RYA/MCA Day Skipper to Yachtmaster & Steward/ess courses for those starting out in Super Yachting industry

• Intermediate Courses
• Advanced Courses

Ready to get started?

RYA Yachtmaster Qualifications in South Africa

RYA Yachtmaster Qualifications, the ultimate test of a skipper, marks a huge milestone in a Skipper’s career in South Africa. Getting this certificate is difficult yet good for your career. If you are serious about a career in the marine industry, we strongly recommend going for this certificate. In this article, we will explain the prerequisites to the Yachtmaster exam.

What is an RYA Yachtmaster Qualification in South Africa?

An RYA Yachtmaster Qualification is a Certificate of Competence originally issued by the Royal Yachting Association . This certificate allows you to handle a sailing boat or a motorboat under certain conditions.

In South Africa, this is equivalent to getting a Category A Skipper’s license. However, these Yachtmaster CoCs are recognised internationally. So if you are an international adventurer, going for the RYA Yachtmaster Qualifications will bring you a lot more opportunities.

As this is an advanced exam, it is obvious that you require some experience as a skipper firsthand. In South Africa, Skippers prefer to take this course after obtaining a Day Skipper qualification.

Let’s get to know more about the three categories of the RYA Yachtmaster Qualifications in South Africa.

a. Coastal Yachtmaster Qualification

Coastal Yachtmaster Qualification — officially known as Yachtmaster Coastal since January 2010 — allows a yacht skipper to drive their vessel up to 60nm in the sea. However, a coastal Yachtmaster may not take passages deeper than that.

Before enrolling for the practical exam, make sure you meet the prerequisites.

• You must hold a valid certificate showing your proficiency with operating a VHF Radio on the sea or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate.
• You should possess a valid First Aid Certificate from RYA or SAMSA Medical First Aid Certificate .
• The candidate also has to meet the Minimum Seatime requirements. For Coastal Yachtmaster, the candidate must have logged a minimum of 30 days, 2 days as a skipper, 12 night hours, and a total of 800nm logged.
• Minimum 17 years old.

The examination period is about 6-10 hours for 1 candidate or 8-14 hours for 2. It will cover the assessment of the candidate’s skippering skills, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge, boat handling etc. Candidates may also face questions regarding the syllabus during the exam.

b. Offshore Yachtmaster Qualification

The Yachtmaster Offshore expands your limit of plotting a voyage into the sea. This qualification will allow you to drive or sail up to 150nm into the sea from the harbour.

The prerequisites are similar to the previous course, however, the following things differ:

• The sea mileage requirements are higher for this course. The candidates must have logged a minimum of 50 days in total in which, 5 days as skipper, 5 passages of over 60nm long in which 2 passages should be of overnight passages and the candidate must have at least skippered 2 passages out of five. Half of these qualifying sea miles must be conducted on the tidal waters.
• The candidate must be of 18 years old minimum.

The examination duration is of 8-12 hours (1 candidate) or 10-18 hours (2 candidates). The syllabus and practical will involve everything from the prior course. Additionally, they may also include questions regarding safety awareness and knowledge of the ship’s construction, ballasting , radio, radar, collision regulations etc. Candidates will have to complete the set tasks in exams, answer oral questions from time to time to successfully complete the exam.

c. Ocean Certificate of Competence

The ultimate freedom of sailing your yacht all over the world comes at the cost of passing this difficult exam. This exam is a particularly tough and demanding test of a skipper’s abilities. And of course, due to the nature of this exam, the prerequisites are also harsh.

• You MUST hold the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
• You must have completed at least one qualifying ocean passage as a skipper or mate of watch. Furthermore, you must have the experience of being fully involved in plotting at least one ocean passage — this includes a selection of the route, navigation plan, checking the yacht’s safety conditions and equipment condition, spare gear storage, and organising the overwatch of the waters, and organising provisions and water for the crew.
• A non-stop run of 600nm must be in your logs. The yacht must be at sea continuously for 96 hours, more than 50nm from a safe port of entry while sailing a distance of at least 200nm.

The examination, unlike previous COCs, is written and oral only. This will test a candidate’s knowledge of the making of an ocean passage, navigation, crew management, yacht safety and preparations, maintenance and repairs, and world meteorology.

Commercial Endorsements

Generally speaking, for the commercial endorsements, you require an ENG1 or ML5 medical fitness certificate. You will also require the RYA Basic Sea Survival Course or the STCW Personal Survival Techniques; and the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities Course. Sail and Power SA provides a complete STCW package , however, for Offshore and Ocean Yachtmaster, there are further endorsement options. Kindly contact us if you are looking for a commercial endorsement or STCW endorsement on your Yachtmaster qualifications.

Sail and Power’s Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore Course.

RYA Yachtmaster Qualifications are considered formidable in South Africa and globally. They will boost your resume and career.

Sail and Power provide the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore courses. In these online or physical classrooms, we cover all the important topics in theory that will prepare you for the practical examinations up ahead. For more information, please visit our Yachtmaster page .

The prices of these courses vary and are subject to change. Please contact us for further information and we will be happy to assist you.

Professional Yacht Training

Professional yachtmaster training for careers in yachting.

START-UP COURSES

CAREER GUIDANCE

Starting out in the super yacht industry is an exciting and rewarding choice of employment. Some choose to use the experience as a gap year while many others follow it as a long term and extremely rewarding career path.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK) (MCA) set the world standards which are followed by South Africa and many other countries.The industry provides safe and rewarding employment for young persons.

ADVANCED COURSES

DECK OFFICER TRAINING

PYT is your first choice MCA approved training provider.

PYT is recognised by the industry as a world-class super yacht crew training academy. The savings on most of our course modules could well cover your traveling costs to South Africa.

Our value for money is hard to beat in the world of super yacht training. Our course schedule is designed to be flexible to suit super yacht crew.

Let us kick start your steps up the ladder of command.

EFFICIENT DECK HAND (EDH)

MASTER 3000t

IYT MASTER OF YACHTS 200t UNLIMITED

New Shipping Industry Academic Programs

Welcome to SAMTRA

We strive to remain at the cutting edge of maritime training. We believe that good maritime training must be realistic, interesting, enjoyable, challenging and practical. In this way we continue to conduct maritime training programs which enable the participants to improve their personal and professional effectiveness and competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

Simulator Training

Offered for Engine Room Courses, Reefer, Communications and Bridge Courses, including ASD Tug & Tractor Tug Modules.

STCW Safety & Ancillary Courses

Offered for courses offered in a class room environment where simulation is not required.

Superyacht Training

A SAMTRA and Professional Yachtmaster Training (PYT) joint venture offering accredited superyacht training courses.

Educational Programmes

SAMSA approved pre-sea training courses offered by SAMTRA for Cruise Ship Passenger Service Personnel.

SAMTRA News

Are you our new Training Officer? We’re hiring….

5 Jul, 2024

We’re hiring!

Meet the three BCA and SAMTRA scholarship recipients

2 Jul, 2024

SAMTRA’s partnership with Business College of Athens (BCA), one of the world’s leading maritime colleges, has made it easier for African maritime professionals to study towards an internationally-recognised maritime-related qualification.The first cohort of maritime...

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If you have any questions about our courses or services, you can leave us your details and a short message and we will get back to you.

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SUPERYACHT CAREER

Charles scheffers, south africa, ron hadas, israel, william smith, south africa, jane ann warren, south africa, cassandra gillie, south africa, david jones, uk.

Superyacht Deckhand

Superyacht Stewardess

Are you polite, well groomed & responsible? Do you have a passion for hospitality and guest interaction? If YES, then this is the role for you. A yacht Stewardess / Steward is responsible for looking after the guests’ every needs and making them feel at home whilst remaining highly professional.

Superyacht Chef

So, you’re a qualified & experienced Chef looking to make the transition from land to sea. Yacht Chef’s are an integral part of the team & need to understand the unique challenges of cooking at sea, provisioning, stowing and working & living in confined conditions.

Superyacht Engineer

Do you have an interest in Engineering / Diesel Engines OR a Diploma/Degree in any one of these fields? If you answered YES, then this is the role for you. Yacht Engineers play a pivotal role on-board and are responsible for the mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht. 

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A Father's Journey - Christo van Wyk “I never intended on getting anything as a handout, and that simply isn't the way I am put together. But I have a family to take care of, so I'll swallow my pride and take any help I can get.” Christo became a father a mere 5...

Work on Superyachts: Your TRUE step by step guide

Providing insight into the challenging, yet rewarding world of Superyachting is what we do best. As ex-Yachties ourselves, we understand what it takes to get that first job and the intricate processes involved. The below is explained explicitly during our FREE...

7 Tips To Create A Winning Yacht Crew CV

A yacht crew CV is your personal marketing brochure. It’s the gateway to your future and provides a shop window to showcase what you have to offer to potential employers. A weak CV which is badly laid out, contains spelling mistakes and is difficult to read creates a...

Established more than 13 years ago, Certified has assisted over 7000 crew from more than 25 countries and is the preferred choice for Superyacht crew in South Africa.

South Africa’s Preferred Superyacht Academy

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OCEAN STAR SAILING ACADEMY

Ocean Star Sailing Academy,  established in 2007, is a fully accredited RYA and SAS Training Center located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront in the stunning city of Cape Town. We are exclusively the only  Sailing Academy in Cape Town  that offers  theory courses ,  practical courses , and accommodation  from within the  V & A Waterfront .

“Travel the world earning Euros while working on Super Yachts and having the time of your life!”

Sailing courses.

We offer a diverse range of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and South African Sailing (SAS) accredited Motor and Sail courses for use in both local and international waters.

CAREER PACKAGES

We specialize in package courses that equip you with everything that you need to gain entry into the Super Yacht Industry as a Deckhand, Stewardess, or Chef.

INSTRUCTORS

Our team of enthusiastic, passionate staff with actual industry experience is here to assist you every step of the way. Our fully qualified instructors provide a fun training experience.

Deckhand Career Course

A Superyacht   Deckhand Career Course  is an excellent place to begin your career at sea as it gives you a good grounding in day-to-day operations.  The   deckhand course   is designed for those who have minimal knowledge of sailing. Contact us today about our RYA accredited Deckhand Course in Cape Town .

Stewardess Career Course

We have developed a comprehensive 20 days   Superyacht Stewardess Career Course .  Being a stewardess is a great introduction to the world of luxury, travel, and hard work.  If you want to find work in the interior of a Superyacht then get a head start with our industry-recognized stewardess course .

Chef Career Courses

Our Superyacht Culinary course takes ordinary people with basic kitchen skills and turns them into sous chef material within a week & includes the food, health & safety course. Although students need not be qualified chefs to do the course, they should know the basics of cooking and food prep and should be reasonably proficient in the kitchen.

Ocean Star Sailing Academy is one of the worlds top RYA sailing schools, based in Cape Town. We offer yacht training, stew and deckand courses and much more for those looking to work in the yachting, cruise ship or marine industry. When it comes to searching yacht jobs Western Cape or boat jobs Cape Town, whether you are looking for cruise ship training courses or anything that fits a simiar job description, we can assist you with choosing the relevant courses for your career path. We do not place you into employment positions, however, our international relationships and excellent record of qualified graduates will hold you in high regard when applying for a position in the maritime industry.

Our Yacht Courses South Africa’s will see all your maritime interests and questions answered. We follow local & international maritime safety regulations and are in touch with our local Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. When it comes to marine environment protection standards, we take care to always do our part to keep the oceans clean and leave the best possible green footprint.

Superyacht Deckhand Courses in Cape Town

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Picture yourself amidst the glistening waters of the Mediterranean, the sun-kissed Caribbean, or the exotic shores of Southeast Asia, all while working as a Superyacht Deckhand. This profession represents adventure, luxury, and personal...

Spend Your Gap Year Gaining Experience Working On Superyachts

Deckhand , GN , Stewardess , Work on Superyachts , Working On a Cruise Ship

Working on boats as a stewardess or deckhand is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to spend a gap year after graduating from school. Taking a gap year after finishing school has numerous advantages, and one of the most exciting and...

“It’s been about 19 months since I left your school and entered the wild world of yachting and it’s been nothing short of amazing!”

Charl Minaar

“ An amazing experience with amazing staff. Accommodation was comfortable, and I really enjoyed my coffee breaks with Amica and Stu! 

Shawnee Amber

“ Is a place to be. Facilitators knows their job and it shows they had experienced what they teaching about. “

Teboho Leseme

“ Thanks very much to ocean star for helping achieve my goals & guidence with my pb2 instructor . Will recommend them on my travels “

Sheldon Kanter

South Africa needs more nautical scientists and maritime engineers – if you love the sea these may be the careers for you

Lecturer, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

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Ekaterina Rzyankina is affiliated with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

Cape Peninsula University of Technology provides funding as a partner of The Conversation AFRICA.

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When most people are asked to picture an engineer at work, they probably imagine a civil engineer in a hard hat at a construction site, a chemical engineer in a laboratory or an electrical engineer examining a complex circuit board. Very few, I’m willing to bet, visualise someone aboard a ship.

But, for those drawn both to engineering and a seafaring life, marine engineering and nautical science are ideal careers – especially in a country like South Africa, uniquely positioned where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge.

Over 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea . That means both marine engineers and nautical scientists are crucial to global trade, transportation and resource management. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring that vessels operate reliably, comply with environmental regulations and navigate safely through the world’s oceans.

South Africa’s Department of Higher Education does not distinguish between different types of engineering when collecting statistics about graduates. However, those of us in the marine engineering and nautical science space in academia can confirm the numbers are low. At my own institution, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town, between ten and 20 people graduate each year from these programmes. At another, Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape province, around seven people graduate in these fields each year. With so few people studying these disciplines, the skills they impart are in high demand. The government’s list of scarce skills for 2024 includes “marine engineering technologist”.

I’m an engineering lecturer in the Department of Maritime Studies at CPUT. There, I teach in both the Bachelor of Nautical Science and Marine Engineering programmes, lecturing on a variety of subjects, including mathematics and applied thermodynamics (the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, energy and work).

Watching my students complete their degrees and start careers in marine engineering or nautical science has made it clear that this work offers a blend of adventure, technical challenge, and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that is essential to global commerce and environmental stewardship.

Whether it’s designing cutting-edge marine technology or navigating the world’s vast oceans, the maritime field promises a fulfilling professional journey.

Theory and practice

Three universities – CPUT, Nelson Mandela University and the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal – offer maritime studies courses aimed at those who intend to work at sea. A fourth, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, offers this degree with a focus on maritime law and logistics. There are also some specialised training institutions, among them the South African Maritime Safety Authority , that provide various qualifications and certifications.

You’ll need to have taken mathematics, physical science and English in your school-leaving matric year, and to have passed them well. (Contact individual universities to find out their precise degree requirements.) A strong interest in and commitment to a career at sea or in the maritime industry more broadly is crucial.

Being a strong swimmer can be an advantage. But it is not necessarily a requirement. Students who do not know how to swim will typically have the opportunity to learn and develop their swimming skills as part of their training.

There are practical and theoretical components to these degrees. At our Granger Bay campus near the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, for instance, we’ve set up a survival centre – a practical facility where students receive training to equip them for life at sea. It is fully equipped with three fully enclosed lifeboats, two open lifeboats, a rigid capsule, two fast rescue craft, a heated 12 x 7 metre pool, an underwater escape training dunker, various life rafts, life jackets, immersion suits, and more.

Read more: Seasickness: we built a digital monitoring system on a South African research ship to help manage it

On the theoretical side, a Bachelor of Nautical Science programme focuses on the navigation and operation of ships. It encompasses navigation techniques, ship stability, cargo handling, meteorology, and maritime laws. This prepares students for careers as navigators in the merchant navy. (Not to be confused with the military navy – a merchant navy is a country’s commercial shipping industry, which includes all the cargo and passenger ships that are registered under that nation and used for trade, transport and other non-military purposes.)

Some of our graduates have gone on to become ship’s masters , also called captains – the highest ranking officer on any ship.

Marine engineering programmes, meanwhile, focus on the design, development, operation and maintenance of the mechanical systems and equipment used on ships and other marine vessels. This includes everything from engines and propulsion systems to refrigeration and steering mechanisms. Marine engineers ensure that these systems function efficiently and safely. They often work closely with naval architects to integrate these technologies into new ship designs or retrofit them into existing vessels.

Ample opportunities

Oceanic African countries, like South Africa, need people with these skills to harness the full potential of their maritime resources.

Read more: What South Africa can do to harness a neglected resource – its oceans

The development of local expertise in maritime engineering and nautical science is essential for ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations. It also helps to protect marine environments and contributes to global maritime trade. Skilled professionals in these fields help these countries take advantage of their maritime assets, promote economic growth and enhance their roles in international commerce.

As a proud lecturer, I am thrilled to see my students progress and develop both internationally and locally. Many have gone on to work in various exciting and prestigious roles around the world. Some have become ship’s masters, navigating and managing large vessels on international waters, while others have taken on critical roles in maritime operations, port management and logistics in countries such as Singapore, Norway and the United Kingdom. Some have pursued careers in maritime law and policy. Their career paths reflect the diverse and global opportunities available in the maritime industry.

• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Thermodynamics
• Science careers
• Merchant Navy

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• 5 Week Entry Level – Super Yacht Deckhand
• RYA Competent Crew Practical
• RYA Day Skipper Theory
• RYA Day Skipper Practical
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore Theory
• RYA Coastal Skipper Practical
• The RYA VHF Radio Operation SRC (Short Range Certificate)
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• RYA Powerboat Level II
• Examination Preparation & RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Exam
• RYA Day Skipper Package
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Package
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Package
• Upgrade to RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
• Upgrade to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
• 4 Days Super Yacht Deckhand Course
• ENG1 MCA Seafarers Medical
• Commercial Requirements – STCW, ENG1 and RYA PPR
• Mileage Building Trips
• Progressive Crew Career Program (PCCP)
• Course Calendar

RYA Day Skipper

The 3 Week RYA Day Skipper package equips you with the skills and qualifications needed to safely and effectively skipper a sailing vessel by day.

• Perfect for day time charters
• Essential in starting your yachting career
• Important as an entry into the yachting industry
• A firm foundation

Upon successful completion of this package, you will receive a RYA Day Skipper Certificate which is valid on a yacht up to 24m in length, during daylight hours, in good weather, in Category 5 waters up to 20nm (nautical miles) from a home port.

Your RYA Day Skipper certificate is registered with the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) in the UK and accepted internationally except in South Africa on a SOUTH AFRICAN flagged vessel.

You will require the SAS (South African Sailing) qualification to sail in South African waters on a South African flagged vessel. This will be incorporated into your RYA program by special request.

Pre-course requirements: None

Venue : Students are required to meet their instructor at our classroom at Royal Cape Yacht Club, Cape Town.

Package Content:

• RYA Competent Crew Practical – Monday to Friday – live aboard (meals and accommodation included)
• RYA SRC Radio VHF – Online course with Practical exam in our classroom at Royal Cape Yacht Club
• RYA Day Skipper Theory -Monday – Saturday (6 days in our classroom at Royal Cape Yacht Club) 
• RYA Day Skipper Practical – Monday – Friday – live aboard (meals and accommodation included)

Duration : 3 Weeks – scheduled as follows:

Please note: Courses may be attended individually according to your availability.

Included in the Course fees are:

• Training material for the week, if applicable.

The use of books, tools and equipment necessary for training:

• RYA Training Almanac (Southern Hemisphere)
• South African List of Lights and Radio Signals
• Symbols and Abbreviations used on South African Charts
• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)

We will also provide you with the following which you will be able to keep:

• Personal Logbook
• Yachtmaster Sailing School pen and pencil
• 72-page blank quad exercise book
• Blank almanac pages for theory.

You will have full use of RYA Reference Books and navigation equipment.

Fees exclude:

• £ 60 GBP – RYA Fees for SRC Radio Certificate. It is a requirement that you register online and pay the RYA directly before joining the course.
• Accommodation in Cape Town during your off days and shore based training.

Please note:

Students are required to bring the following on their first day with Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School:

• R1,500.00 CASH deposit /security for any loss or damage to yachts, equipment etc. At the end of your training, if no loss or damage has been noted, the deposit will be returned to you in cash.
• R100 CASH deposit for a temporary access card to Royal Cape Yacht Club. Students are requested to make their way directly to the reception on their first day and pay the deposit and receive the card. At the end of your training, please return the card to Reception where the deposit will be returned to you.
• Colour passport photographs for the following certificates: SRC Radio, RYA Day Skipper Practical, RYA Coastal Skipper Practical, Prep & Exam (x2), Commercial Endorsement Application, RYA Powerboat level 2.
• A sleeping bag for practical courses, alternatively this can be ordered and purchased from Yachtmaster and will be ready for you on your arrival. Costs R500.
• Foul weather clothing, for practical on-board courses, alternatively this can be ordered and purchased from Yachtmaster and will be ready for you on your arrival. (10% discount offered only to our booked students).

Commercial Requirements:

It is an international requirement to complete all  STCW courses and a ENG1 Medical Examination to enable you to work on commercial vessels in any maritime industry.

• ENG 1 Medical Examination 

Optional Extras:

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 – 2 days
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance – 1 day
• YOA Super Yacht Deckhand – 4 days

Additional Information

Commercial RYA qualifications are the preferred qualification requirements and are recognized around the world. However, the South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) doesn’t recognize the RYA qualifications if they are obtained in South Africa.

It is therefore imperative that to captain a ship in SA waters that you obtain your SAS qualifications.

We can arrange for you to take SAS examinations. We also offer coaching for the SAS theory modules. If you wish to do commercial work in South Africa, then you will have to do a SAMSA Under 25-ton Commercial License Examination. We can assist you in obtaining the certificate.

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