SUPERYACHT TRAINING ACADEMY | V&A WATERFRONT

Deckhand Courses
In Cape Town

All RYA courses facilitated by Ocean Star Sailing Academy

Superyacht Deckhand Courses

In combination with our own Introduction to Efficient Deckhand Theory, Deckhand and Advanced Deckhand courses that we have meticulously developed with seasoned industry professionals, we offer RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and SAS (South African Sailing) certification courses recognised locally and globally for their high standards of maritime training, practical skills development and commitment to safety at sea. From powerboating to advanced yacht handling and navigation qualifications equip aspiring and experienced mariners with the confidence, competence and credentials to operate on the water. 

We have curated a selection of courses that specifically help students interested in entering the Superyacht industry gain the knowledge, skills, and certifications that will ultimately help increase your personal profile and CV.

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INTRODUCTION TO EFFICIENT DECKHAND THEORY
DURATION - 5 DAYS

This course has been specifically tailored to give you a significant theoretical knowledge advantage over your competitors in the industry. 

You will be introduced to vessel safety, COLREGS, GMDSS requirements, tidal theory and its implications, basic meteorology, vessel nomenclature, mooring, docking, and anchoring procedures.

Outcome: 

Introduction to Efficient Deckhand Theory Certificate

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DECKHAND
COURSE
DURATION - 4 DAYS

This course Includes essential vessel maintenance skills, including washdowns, teak care, damage assessment and repair, product application, woodwork and varnishing. Students will also gain practical experience in key deck duties, including navigational watches, guest protocols, line handling and anchoring operations.

Outcome: 

Deckhand Course Completion Certificate

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ADVANCED DECKHAND COURSE
DURATION - 2 DAYS

This course covers more detailed subjects such as product and crew management, rigging, 3 different types of splicing, mooring operation of a tender and a vessel, setting up and management of water sports, duties and responsibilities of senior crew members and how to advance from a junior deckhand upwards.

The Advanced Deckhand Course runs over 2 days post the 4 day Deckhand course.

Outcome: 

Advanced Deckhand Course Completion Certificate

OUTBOARD MOTOR MAINTENANCE
DURATION - 1 DAY
This course has been designed to give you a good working knowledge of both two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motors, how to maintain them in peak operating condition and how to identify and resolve the most common problems related to these motors. We strongly recommend including this course as an add-on if you are completing your RYA Powerboat Level II Course.

Outcome: 

Knowledge of how to diagnose and service outboard motors

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RYA
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
DURATION - 1 DAY
The RYA PWC (Jet Ski) course is designed for both first time and experienced riders. They are fast, agile and exhilarating machines that need to be operated safely and responsibly. This is an industry standard course as 98% of Superyachts overseas have watercraft on board such as jet skis and powerboats.

Outcome: 

RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate

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RYA
POWERBOAT LEVEL II
DURATION - 2 DAYS

RYA Powerboat Level II is an introductory powerboat training course which is a must-have for anyone wishing to work in the Superyacht industry. This will give you the license to drive a small powerboat often used on Superyachts to transfer crew or guests to shore. 

 

Outcome: 

RYA Powerboat Level II
Certificate

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RYA
RADAR
DURATION - 1 DAY

The RYA Radar course will familiarize students with the use of radar on typical small vessels. You will learn how the radar set works, types of radar display, radar plotting and the use of radar in navigation and collision avoidance.

 

Outcome: 

RYA Radar Course
Certificate

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RYA
DIESEL ENGINE
DURATION - 1 DAY

The RYA Diesel Engine Course is a beginners course teaching you basic maintenance and engine care which will help you prevent and solve diesel engine failure. You will learn the principles of diesel engine operation, the system and parts of the engine, fault finding, routine maintenance and winter lay-up procedures.

Outcome: 

RYA Diesel Engine Course Certificate

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RYA
COMPETENT CREW
DURATION - 5 DAYS

The RYA Competent Crew Course is your introduction to sailing. You will learn the nautical terminology necessary to work onboard marine craft and gain insight into the living arrangements, roles and teamwork that are entailed in crewing a power or sailing vessel. 

Outcome: 

RYA Competent Crew Course Completion Certificate

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RYA
DAY SKIPPER THEORY
DURATION - 5 DAYS
The RYA Day Skipper Theory Course is the first component for a Day Skippers Qualification. The course is made up of theory classes in a classroom environment that will prepare you for your practical course, when you head out on the water.

Outcome: 

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Course Completion Certificate

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RYA
DAY SKIPPER PRACTICAL
DURATION - 5 DAYS

The RYA Day Skipper Practical Course gives you the ability to be able to legally sail your own boat in daylight hours in International waters. Ability after course: Knowledge and certification to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day.

Outcome: 

RYA Day Skipper Practical
Ticket

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SAMSA VHF RADIO OPERATOR
DURATION - 1 DAY

This certification course covers  the basics of radio operation, the correct frequencies (channels) to be used, distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, and making ship to shore telephone calls. This includes both fixed and hand-held equipment using international channels.

Outcome: 

SAMSA SRC VHF Radio Operator Certificate

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