SUPERYACHT TRAINING ACADEMY | V&A WATERFRONT
STCW Courses
In Cape Town
Basic safety training for commercial maritime work.
STCW 10
STCW stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
It is a global set of rules created by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure that all merchant ship, ferry, and superyacht crews are safely and properly trained.
The STCW Basic Safety Training course is the legal minimum requirement for anyone looking for commercial work aboard vessels, including working on Superyachts, Cruise ships and Oil Rigs. Once completed, the certificate, or ‘ticket’ is valid for 5 years and needs to be renewed if you wish to continue working at sea.
We offer three packages for STCW based on which application best suits your intended role.
SUPERYACHT
DURATION - 11 DAYS
- Elementary First Aid
- Marine Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
CRUISE SHIP
DURATION - 9 DAYS
Course Includes:
- Elementary First Aid
- Marine Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
- Personal Survival Techniques
OFFSHORE
DURATION - 11 DAYS
- Medical First Aid At Sea
- Marine Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
- Personal Survival Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to start?
No. Career Pathways are designed for people new to the industry, but experienced seafarers can renew or upgrade their certification with our single courses.
What is STCW and do I need it?
STCW is the basic safety training required for working on any marine vessel, and it is included in all of our Career Pathways.
What do I need to bring?
PASSPORT/ID, OLD CLOTHES, SWIMWEAR & TOWEL.
For the STCW course you will need your Passport or ID book on day one of your course. You will also need to wear old clothes for the Marine Fire Fighting (MFF) element. For the Personal Survival Techniques (PST) element you will need swimwear, a towel and an old set of clothes, you will be jumping into the pool while wearing these – be warned!
Is transport & accommodation available?
Safe, secure and affordable self-catering accommodation is available to all of our on-course students at our Crew House, conveniently located within the V&A Waterfront precinct. Transport to STC-SA is available at an additional cost.
Will Superyacht Training Academy find me a job?
We are a training academy, not a recruitment agency. We give you guidance on CVs, interviews, crew agencies and the job search so you can approach the industry with confidence, but we do not offer placements.
Ready to Plan Your
Training?
Tell us which course you’re interested in and we’ll send you requirements, duration, costs and upcoming dates.
- DECKHAND
- STEWARDESS
- CHEF
- STWC
- RYA COURSES
- SAS COURSES
Copyright © 2026