SuperYacht Course

• Cost: R29 218
• STCW 2010
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• International Stewardess Course
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Food Safety Level 2

• Cost: R18 848
• STCW 2010
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Food Safety Level 2

Complete the sign up form.

We make use of upmarket and centrally located crew accommodation as well as other premium backpackers. Once you are enrolled you can reach out to the coordinator and we will happily send you the options.

Yes. Even though most of the courses are located within the city centre, some of the courses can be up to 30 min away. If you do not have transport, we can put you in touch with other students on course who have transport or as a last resort we can recommend a reliable driver.

The yachting industry is very specific in terms of crew. Similar to the airline industry, there is a “type”. This comprises many factors and we suggest contacting Certified for a quick interview/screening before going ahead.

We can, however, safely say that the following characteristics are a BIG plus:

• Independent
• Mature
• Positive
• Polite
• Punctual
• Respectful
• Hard working
• Well groomed
• Team player
• Critical thinker
• Resourceful

Superyacht Deckhand: Is responsible for the exterior – Driving & maintenance of tender (Powerboat) & Jet skis, Teak maintenance, Polishing, Cleaning of boat, Assisting engineer, Engine room duties, Rope work & line handling, Varnishing, Painting, Repairs, Watersports, Navigational watch etc.

All skills learnt in our 3.5-week Yacht Deckhand Course.

Superyacht Stewardess: Is responsible for the interior & assists with exterior when required: Polishing, Cleaning, Beds and Heads, Provisioning, Laundry, Silver Service, Wine & Cocktail & Barista service and General hospitality duties.

Exterior additions: Driving tender (Powerboat), Line handling and assisting in general deck operations.

All skills learnt in our 3-week Yacht Stewardess Course

The two options for entry-level yacht crew are as follows:

Mediterranean Season: May – Mid Oct. Based in South of France / Palma. Due to the number of ports/marina’s, we suggest South of France (Antibes). Here you will earn a Euro salary.

This season is busy and consists of 3 boat shows during the season calendar (Antibes Yacht Show, Monaco Yacht Show & Cannes Yachting Festival) .

Caribbean Season: Oct – April. Based in Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A. Crew get picked up here first, before boats head off to Caribbean Islands. Here you will earn a US Dollar salary.

This season has bounced back extremely well and is busy. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is very large and is not one to miss.

One can work on the yachts all year round in the states, as boats move up to Newport, Rhode Island and elsewhere during the Mediterranean season.

Channels to be used in gaining employment: (Please be sure to have the required visa) Dock walking Networking Crew Agencies Each has its pro’s & con’s and we find that the choice has a lot to do with personal preference and timing for each candidate. Conduct some research and find out what suits your interests and passions before making a decision.

Mediterranean Season: €2500 – €3000pm + tips.

Caribbean Season: $2500 – $3500 + tips.

Your salary will grow in line with your experience and certifications. Keep updating your qualifications as often as possible.

How much savings should I go over with?

The amount of money you should leave the country with when seeking employment as a yacht stewardess or yacht deckhand is hard to say. You could gain employment in 2 weeks or 3 months, it really depends. A rule of thumb is to take over enough money to sustain yourself for at least 2 months should you have no daywork or other revenue whatsoever. This roughly equates to R50 000 in savings (€/$ 60 per day for 2 months). Past students have taken over less than the required amount and seemed to be ok, however, each situation is very different.

There is a common misconception that all one needs is an STCW 95 to work on Superyachts. Unfortunately, this is not true in today’s modern Superyacht Industry. To begin, it is best to explain what the STCW 95 is required for. This certification is a mandatory safety certification required by all crew working commercially at sea and is now joined by another mandatory safety qualification called Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD).

The industry has grown considerably and has matured into a thriving professional environment worth Billions of Dollars. As is the case with any professional business or industry, yacht crew candidates are required to be in possession of relevant and specific qualifications to be able to complete their jobs at the highest level possible. If you do not meet the requirements set out by the Owners, Captains & Crew Agents then you will lose out to the next person whom does. Work smart and be sure to tick every box required when seeking employment as a yacht deckhand or yacht stewardess aboard a yacht.

Yacht Deckhand: The below covers every aspect of what a Deckhand needs to know:

– STCW 95/2010
– Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
– RYA Powerboat Level 2
– RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC)  “Jet ski”
– RYA VHF Radio
– RYA Radar
– Deckhand Course
– MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)

Yacht Stewardess: The below covers every aspect of what a Stewardess needs to know:

– STCW 95/2010
– Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
– Stewardess Course
– Food Health & Safety Level 2
– RYA Powerboat Level 2 (Optional extra)

Yacht Engineer: The below covers every aspect of what an entry-level Engineer needs to know:

– STCW 95/2010
– Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
– MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)
– RYA Powerboat Level 2

Yacht Chef: The below covers every aspect of what a yacht Chef/Cook needs to know:

– STCW 95/2010
– Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
– RYA Powerboat Level 2

• You live and work on the world’s most luxurious yachts
• You visit the planet’s most exotic locations
• You are paid well in Euro’s or US dollars
• Possible free medical care after a qualifying period
• Free lodging and food whilst on board
• Uniforms are provided free of charge
• Possible return flight (if on 1 year contract)
• Some weeks of annual leave (if on 1 year contract)
• You work within a team of young, like – minded people
• Excellent opportunities for advancement in the industry

Working on a yacht as a deckhand, engineer, stewardess or chef is a job like any other.

• You are expected to work efficiently and at times for long hours.
• Contracts can be for minimum of 1 year
• Superyachts are big but crew accommodation is small
• You share a small living space with other people
• There is no guarantee of a job
• You need to have sufficient funds to fly to The Med or Florida and pay for some weeks of accommodation

Step 1: Read notice MSN 1862 and the guidance notes for pages 6 to 8 on the form below.

Step 2: Once you have read MSN 1862, Complete this Yacht Rating Certificate Application form for Ratings on Commercially and Privately Owned Yachts and Sail Training Vessels Less than 3000GT

Step 3: Verification of sea time is done by the PYA (Professional Yachting Association) and you will need to submit the following in person or by post:

• Original Yacht Rating Certificate Application form completed and signed
• Certified copy of passport (by a training school or your Captain or Chief Officer with their CoC number included)
• Two passport sized photographs. One of them should have your full name and date of birth and the other should be signed by the same person who will countersign your application’s section 6. They should write “I certify this is a true likeness of Mr/Ms…….. ” at the back of the photo and then sign
• PYA Service Record Book or Testimonials and Discharge Book; You may use a Yacht Rating Certificate Testimonial or any of our testimonial forms found here.
• Original or certified as above, copies of your STCW Certificates
• Original or certified copies of valid medical fitness certificate, e.g. ENG 1
• Yacht Rating Certificate Training Record Book (not required if you have the certificates listed in 4B of application, namely your Yacht Rating Course Completion Certificate)