For candidates wanting to work on a Superyacht, making the right decision of choosing the best training institute stands crucial. South Africa has many reputed training institutes for Superyacht crew training, so making the decision is not difficult. The goal of this article is to help you make an informed decision. Here are the features you should look for in a Superyacht School in South Africa
What Features does a Good Superyacht School have in South Africa?
Depending on the career path you want to take, you would choose the courses accordingly. Regardless of your career path, there are certain things you will require. So, make sure your superyacht school in South Africa provides the following features.
a. STCW Basic Safety Training
Every seafarer HAS TO take the STCW Basic Safety Training. If you have been in the industry for a while, you don’t need an introduction to STCW.
However, for our new readers, STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. The training aims at educating seafarers in personal safety, sea safety, awareness of international safety regulations, and handling emergencies and imminent threats.
There are five modules in the STCW Training:
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (P.S.S.R.);
- Personal Survival Techniques (P.S.T.);
- Basic First Aid;
- Marine Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (FF & FP); and
- Proficiency in Security Awareness (P.S.A.).
b. Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (P.D.S.D.)
According to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, Superyachts above 50m in length require adequate security onboard. Thus, larger yachts and superyachts tend to hire candidates with Designated Security Duties qualifications along with the basic STCW safety certification.
This allows a superyacht crew to perform security duties as outlined in the ship’s security plan. The PDSD is a one-day course that includes four modules:
- Maintaining Ship Security Plan;
- Recognition of Security Risks and Threats;
- Undertake Regular Security Inspections of the Ship; and
- Proper Usage of Security Equipment and Systems.
c. RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification
We have talked about the importance of RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification through our blogs and on our website as well. The RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification is a minimum requirement for getting a position on a Superyacht. As a deckhand (or sometimes stewardess), you will sometimes be required to drive small powerboats for the guests.
The RYA Powerboat level 2 certification provides crucial practical and theoretical knowledge to safely and effectively operate a powerboat. This includes but is not limited to, handling the powerboat at low and high speeds, manoeuvres, and docking and launching the boat.
d. RYA VHF Radio Certification
The RYA VHF Radio certificate is another crucial certificate to find employment on a Superyacht. As yachts and superyachts tend to be large vessels, knowing how to operate a radio to report a situation comes in handy. The RYA VHF Radio course will equip you with the technicalities and lingo to use a VHF Radio onboard.
This will especially come in handy when there’s an emergency onboard, allowing you to communicate swiftly and effectively. Taking swift measures in an emergency is the way to deal with an emergency and VHF Radios play an important part in such situations.
e. Career Support
You have successfully completed your course. Now what? What will you do, or where will you go? A great superyacht crew training institute in South Africa is likely to be aware of the huddles of your career paths. Such institutions go the extra mile to provide you with a solid direction in your career.
So what exactly do they do? A good institution will help you with CV building, interview preparations with mock interviews, and provide career recommendations.
South Africa does not have a superyacht scene. So, to apply for a superyacht position, you will have to take a trip to Western Europe, where a majority of the Superyachts usually anchor. Sail and Power SA has an excellent article on this matter. We advise you to give it a read.
Final Words
Finding the right institute in South Africa should not be challenging, as there are plenty of great institutes. But, our advice on finding the best superyacht training institute would be to check their reputation. Trained and skilled staff, great reputation, and career support are what make them great!
Skipper Training SA is one of the highly reputed Superyacht training institutes in South Africa, situated in Cape Town. For more information, we encourage you to connect with us today!
