YOUR LAUNCHPAD INTO A SUPERYACHT CAREER
Superyacht Training
Academy in Cape Town
Career-focused Superyacht training in Cape Town, South Africa, for ambitious future crew preparing for an international life at sea.
Explore structured career pathways or individual yachting courses across Deckhand, Stewardess, and Chef departments.
Starting a career
in superyachting
Working on Superyachts can open the door to an international career at sea, but getting started means understanding the role you want to pursue and what it takes to prepare for it.
Exterior, Interior and Galley roles all require different skills, training and qualifications. Superyacht Training Academy helps aspiring junior Superyacht crew understand these pathways and choose which of our courses cater to your individual needs.
Choose your superyacht pathway
Explore the main pathways below and find the starting point that fits your ambition.
MAIN CAREER PATHWAYS
DECKHAND
Are you drawn to the water, the tenders and the working life of the vessel? Deckhands are the heart and soul of the exterior team, handling deck operations, maintenance, watersports and the day-to-day running of the yacht.
Core
The ideal entry point for aspiring deckhands ready to take their first step into the superyacht industry.
Our Core Deckhand pathway focuses on the essential training needed to build your foundation and start pursuing opportunities at sea. Perfect for those looking for a focused, accessible route into yachting.
Foundation
For junior crew who want to enter the industry with more than just the basics. Foundation builds on your essential skills, giving you broader practical knowledge, greater confidence and a stronger platform from which to launch your Deckhand career.
Premier
Designed for ambitious junior crew who want to make a stronger first impression. Our Premier Deckhand Career Pathway offers a more comprehensive training experience, developing the practical skills, versatility and professional confidence that can help set you apart in a competitive crew market.
Signature
Our most comprehensive entry point to the Superyacht industry, created for those determined to give themselves every possible advantage. Our Signature Deckhand Career Pathway delivers an extensive training experience, equipping aspiring Deckhands with a wider skill set and the confidence to pursue opportunities across the Superyacht industry.
STEWARDESS
Are you someone who notices the details? Stewardesses are part of the interior team, from detailing the interior, laundry and food service to looking after guests needs. Stewardesses maintain standards of service, presentation and organisation expected onboard a Superyacht.
Foundation
The ideal starting point for aspiring stewardesses ready to enter the world of luxury Superyachts. Our Foundation Stewardess Career Pathway focuses on the essential hospitality skills, professional standards and practical knowledge needed to begin your journey with confidence. Perfect for those looking for a focused, accessible route into the Superyacht industry.
Premier
Designed for ambitious newcomers who want to take their preparation to the next level. Our Premier Stewardess Career Pathway builds on the essentials with a broader range of hospitality skills, practical experience and professional training. Ideal for those looking to make a lasting first impression and stand out in a competitive crew market.
Signature
Our most comprehensive Stewardess career pathway, created for those determined to excel in the world of luxury hospitality. Our Signature Stewardess Career Pathway offers an extensive training experience, developing the versatility, confidence and elevated service standards expected aboard the world’s finest Superyachts. The ideal choice for those who want to give themselves every possible advantage from day one.
SUPERYACHT CHEF
Ready to take your culinary career to sea? Superyacht Chefs must possess the specialised skills required to cater for guests and crew within the limited confines of a Superyacht galley. From delivering exceptional fine dining experiences to managing provisioning, dietary requirements and demanding service schedules, versatility and creativity are essential.
Superyacht Chef Career Pathway
A bundled programme that helps chefs adapt existing culinary skills to the demands of galley life. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced land-based chef looking for a land to yacht conversion, we have options to suit both needs.
Individual Chef Courses
Yacht-specific culinary training, food safety and supporting galley qualifications.
Specialist & Dual-Role Career Pathways
Versatility is a valuable asset in the superyacht industry, particularly on smaller vessels where crew are often expected to take on multiple roles. Our cross-department Career Pathways combine complementary skills, giving you the flexibility to work across departments, stand out to potential employers and open the door to more opportunities on board.
Deck / Sail Career Pathway
The ultimate all-rounder course for intrepid future sailors. Deck training plus technical sailing theory and practical certification courses.
Deck / Stew Career Pathway
Deck duties combined with interior responsibilities.
Chef / Stew Career Pathway
Culinary and interior training for crew working across both departments.
Stew / Masseuse Career Pathway
Stewardess training combined with massage skills for in-demand interior and wellness hybrid roles.
Other Training & Qualifications
Alongside our Career Pathways and department-specific training, you can also choose from additional Superyacht, sailing and specialist courses for specific skills and qualifications.
STCW
Safety at Sea
STCW Basic Safety Training course is the legal minimum requirement for anyone looking for commercial work aboard any marine vessel. This course is essential for all crew. We offer STCW packages for Suepryachts, Cruise Ships and Offshore
Additional
Superyacht Courses
Bump your CV to the top of the Captain’s list with additional courses like the International Bartender’s Course & WSET Level I for Spirits, Food Health & Safety Level II, Introduction to Barista, and more.
Royal Yacht association
COURSES
From RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski), RYA Radar, RYA Diesel Engine to RYA Day Skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Theory and Practical. All RYA courses are powered by Ocean Star Sailing Academy.
SOUTH AFRICAN SAILING
COURSES
South African Sailing courses offered for anyone looking for practical and theory courses and certifications in South African waters.
Why Train With Superyacht Training Academy?
A Superyacht career takes more than gathering a folder full of stamped paperwork. The facilities, quality of your training, the people teaching you and how well you understand the industry all shape how ready you are for your first role.
Superyacht Training Academy develops over 750 students into Junior Crew each year, preparing you for work, not just certificates.
PRACTICAL
TRAINING
Classroom learning paired with our fleet of 8 x power boats, 9 jet skis and 2 sailing vessels all built around the skills used onboard yachts
EXPERIENCED
INSTRUCTORS
Dedicated Deckhand and Stewardess instructors with many years experience as Superyacht crew
CAREER FOCUSED
PATHWAYS
Career Courses bring the right training together into structured programmes for Deckhand, Stewardess and Chef roles
CAREER GUIDANCE &
SUPPORT
Advice on course selection and the job search, with additional support for CVs, interviews and visas, with access to South Africa’s largest crew alumni
V&A WATERFRONT
LOCATION
A dedicated training facility in the heart of Cape Town’s yachting community where safety, security and convenience all combine into the perfect learning environment
CREW HOUSE
ACCOMMODATION
With student transport, a central location close to shops, restaurants and amenities, and the opportunity to live alongside fellow aspiring yacht crew, It’s your first taste of crew life
Superyacht Training at the V&A Waterfront
Superyacht Training Academy is based at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, a dedicated environment for practical Superyacht training in South Africa.
Training combines classroom learning with hands-on instruction, specialist equipment and onboard training where relevant to the course, across Deckhand, Stewardess, and Chef disciplines.
Crew House Accommodation at the V&A Waterfront
Travelling to Cape Town for training? Superyacht Training Academy offers affordable self-catering student accommodation in our dedicated Crew House within the safe confines of the V&A Waterfront precinct with 24 hour security and CCTV camera coverage.
Our crew house offers 56 beds in secure dormitory style rooms, with neat and clean washing, laundry and cooking facilities. Enjoy time with your fellow aspiring junior crew while not on course, and take in the full experience.
What Happens After Training?
Finishing your training is a big step. Knowing how to approach the industry afterwards matters just as much.
Superyacht Training Academy helps you understand what comes next, from yacht CV’s and interviews to crew agencies, seasons, industry hubs and finding work. Training at the V&A Waterfront also places you close to Cape Town’s yachting community, where networking and local daywork opportunities may arise.
PREPARE FOR
THE JOB SEARCH
How yacht CVs, interviews, crew agencies and the job search work.
UNDERSTAND
THE INDUSTRY
Seasons, major hubs, daywork and where to start looking.
GET FURTHER
GUIDANCE
Additional support for CV reviews, visas and planning your next move.
Student Stories
Hear from students who have trained with Superyacht Training Academy and taken their next steps in the Superyacht industry.
Superyacht Career Guides & Resources
Still working out what a yachting career involves? Start with the questions new crew ask most.
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Not Sure Which Course
Is Right for You?
Tell us which training you’re interested in and we’ll send you what you need before booking, including requirements, duration, costs and availability.
All Royal Yacht Association courses proudly powered by Ocean Star Sailing Academy.