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18 Dec 2021

The ultimate guide to a STCW10 basic yacht training course.

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. The STCW’2010, previously referred to as STCW’95, forms part of the safety training and is a compulsory requirement for any seafarer in order to be eligible for employment at sea. The STCW 2010 has replaced STCW 95 and is the new code that all seafarers working on board commercial vessels must adhere to should they are want to work at sea.

If you are planning on joining the super yacht industry to look for a yacht job as a stewardess, deckhand, engineer or chef, you will need to complete this STCW course.

The course runs every week in Cape Town and takes 11 days to complete. The course is made up of 4 modules as well as the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. This is an entry level crew training course. These course can be completed individually and are valid for 5 years.

Our STCW course is internationally recognised by SAMSA and the MCA. 

The course fee includes refreshments and lunch as well as all course material required.

What are the STCW training modules?

Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

Course Duration: 2 Days 
Course Certification:Certificate of Completion 
Assessment: Written assessment & Practical evaluation  Certification: SAMSA STCW Certificate of Completion Cost: R1400

PSSR is a course offering new and experienced crew members the basic health and safety advice required on modern and traditional vessels. It covers basic hazards, personal protective equipment, general health and safety advice and general and emergency routines which you might come across.

The course outline include: Comply with Emergency ProceduresTake precautions prevent pollution to marine environment Knowledge and observation of safe working practicesContribute to effective human relationships on board ship,Contribute to effective communications on board ship.Understand and take necessary actions to control fatigue

Marine Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (MFF)

Course Duration: 3 Days 
Course Certification: Certificate of Completion  Assessment: Written assessment & practical evaluation. Certification: SAMSA STCW Certificate of Completion. Price: R2300

You will learn about fire prevention on board a yacht or ship and how to control firefighting operations onboard. It uses a modern fire training rig with gas fired cribs and synthetic non-toxic smoke to produce a very realistic, controllable, environmentally friendly and safe training environment. 

Our SAMSA/MCA approved on-site facility is operated by our partner company, STC-SA. It uses a modern fire training rig with gas fired cribs and synthetic non-toxic smoke to produce a very realistic, controllable, environmentally friendly and safe training environment. 

All STCW courses facilitated by Get Onboard Superyacht Academy are instructed by the subject matter experts in their field. There are few better instructors in the field of fire-fighting than career served fire-fighters, so we use instructors who are very experienced in the maritime fire training sector.

The Course Outine includes:

  • Minimize the risk of fire and maintain a state of readiness to respond to
    any emergency situations involving fire;
  • Fight and Extinguish Fires;• Control firefighting operations onboard a ship;
  • Organize and train fire parties;
  • Investigate and compile reports on incidents involving shipboard fires; and
  • Inspect and service fire-detection/suppression systems and firefighting equipment.

Elementary First Aid (EFA)

Course Duration: 2 Days 
Course Certification:Certificate of Completion 
Assessment: Written assessment & Practical evaluation  Certification: SAMSA STCW Certificate of Completion Cost: R1690

The STCW Elementary First Aid is one of the four compulsory commercial modules required to work on vessels covered by the STCW convention. It is internationally recognised and covers CPR, breaks & splints, bandaging, drowning and hypothermia and much more. All of the instructors are career in the medical world and are serving paramedics in most cases. We choose them carefully to ensure they have specific seafarer knowledge as well as extensive experience in their field.

Course content includes:

  • Contents of First Aid Kit.
  • Body structure and function.
  • Examination of casualty or patient.
  • Spinal Injuries.
  • Burns scalds and effects of heat and cold.
  • Fractures, dislocations and muscular injuries.
  • Medical care for rescued persons.
  • Radio medical advice.
  • Cardiac arrest, drowning and asphyxia.

EFA is one of the four modules included in the STCW basic training program. STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. The STCW’2010, previously referred to as STCW’95, forms part of the safety training and is a compulsory requirement for any seafarer in order to be eligible for employment at sea. The STCW 2010 has replaced STCW 95 and is the new code that all seafarers working on board commercial vessels must adhere to should they are want to work at sea.

 

Personal Survival Techniques (PST)

Course Duration: 2 Days 
Course Certification:Certificate of Completion 
Assessment: Written assessment & Practical evaluation  Certification: SAMSA STCW Certificate of Completion Cost: R1400

STCW Personal Survival Techniques is the name given to Sea Survival in the merchant navy and guides you in how to survive if you are involved in an incident at sea. We teach you the necessary skills to survive if you are ever unlucky enough to have to abandon ship with equal emphasis on both small vessels and larger ships.

The course outline includes:

  • Safety and Survival
  • Emergency Situations
  • Evacuation
  • Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats
  • Personal Life Saving Appliances
  • Survival at Sea
  • Emergency Radio Equipment
  • Helicopter Operations
  • Apply first aid to survivors

Proficiency in Designated Security Duties

Course Duration: 2 Days 
Course Certification:Certificate of Completion 
Assessment: Written assessment & Practical evaluation  Certification: SAMSA STCW Certificate of Completion Cost: R1550

This PDSD certification is required by crew who have been designated a security duty onboard their vessel. This applies to all Superyacht Crew and should be completed in place of Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA).

On completion of the course, students will be able to understand the Principals and Responsibilities of National and International Requirements of a Ship Security Officer. They would have acquired the skills to Maintain ship security plans, Appreciate security levels, Develop and maintain measures for the control of access to the vessel, Conduct ship security and risk assessments and Implement effective search mechanisms and security control.

The course outline includes;

Module One: Maintain conditions set out in a Ship Security Plan
Module Two: Recognition of Security Risk and Threats
Module Three: Undertake Regular Security Inspections of the ship
Module Four: Proper usage of Security equipment and Systems.

Designated Security Duties is not part of the four modules included in the STCW basic training program. STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, however it is fast becoming a mandatory requirment onboard. The STCW’2010

If you are looking to work offshore or on oil rigs, you will also need to complete the full STCW 10 course, including Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Marine Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention, and Designated Security Duties. There may be additional courses that you require depending on your industry so get in touch with us to discuss.

If you are working on a cruise liner, in addition to the STCW’10 course, you will also be required to complete the Crowd Management and Passenger Safety and Competence in Security Awareness courses. Contact us for rates.

Get Onboard Superyacht Academy is able to offer one, if not the, most affordable STCW course for super yachts in South Africa. 

South Africa is one of the most affordable places in the world to complete your STCW Course and is significantly cheaper than other countries.

If you are looking to get qualified as a crew member for the super yachts in South Africa, contact Get Onboard Superyacht Academy for all of your STCW yacht courses requirements.

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FAQ

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There are two basic yacht training requirements that you need to complete in order the legally be eligible to work at sea. This includes the STCW’10 basic training course the ENG 1 medical the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. These are compulsory courses and must be completed no matter which job or position you are applying for.
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. The STCW’2010, previously referred to as STCW’95, is a compulsory requirement for any seafarer in order to be eligible for employment at sea. The STCW 2010 has replaced STCW 95 and is the new code that all seafarers working on board commercial vessels must adhere to. If you are planning on joining the superyacht industry to look for a yacht job as a stewardess, deckhand, engineer or chef, you will need to complete this STCW course. The course runs every week from our academy in Cape Town and takes 11 days to complete.
The ENG1 Medical is a basic medical certificate and is as essential as your STCW’10. It is a mandatory requirement to prove you are fit to work as a yacht crew member at sea. Only MCA-approved doctors can perform an ENG 1 medical exam. The exam takes around 1 hour to complete, and should you pass you will leave with your certificate immediately. Our facilities enable you to complete your ENG1 medical at the same premises as your STCW’10 for your ultimate convenience.
The yachting industry is predominantly a career focused on hospitality. While various skill sets may assist you in finding a job, they are not enough to fully prepare you for a job on board. You will still need to complete the correct Maritime Training to be fully equipped for a job as a Super Yacht Crew member. The following skills/ experience are beneficial: – Hospitality training, including waiters, bar tenders, event staff, hotel training, cruise liners – Au pair, nanny and child care, tutoring, child entertainment – Beauty therapists: nail technicians, hairstylists, beauty therapists – Trade skills including: carpentry, varnishing, building, plumbing, tiling, engineering – Watersports: scuba diving, wakeboarding, sailboarding, waterskiing – For Chefs: A natural ability and training/experience as a Restaurant, Estate, Hotel Chef – Personality traits: Social skills, cultured, good work ethic, good manners, well presented, self— confident, a positive attitude.
There are usually four departments onboard a super yacht including the deck department, engineering, interior and galley.
Completing your deckhand courses prior to looking for your first job, demonstrates to your employers that you are dedicated crew member that understands what is required in order to be successful as an entry level crew member in the super yacht industry. Our industry leading standard of training ensures all our candidates enter the super yacht industry. The primary duties of a deckhand are shared between the maintenance of the yacht exterior and looking after the guests. Maintenance tasks include painting, filling and fairing as well as 1- and 2-part varnishing jobs, plus all other cleaning, polishing and scrubbing duties. Guest related tasks vary from tender driving, beach set ups, water sports, jet skis, anchoring or manoeuvring of the yacht. In addition the STCW training course, any of the following courses would be considered advantageous:
  • Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
  • Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
  • Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
  • RYA Power Boat Level II
  • RYA Personal Watercraft Course
  • RYA Competent Crew Certificate
  • RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
  • RYA Radar
  • VHF Radio Operator’s License
The primary task of a Steward or Stewardess onboard is to maintain the interior or the luxury yacht to the highest standard. You will also be required to cater to the needs of yacht owners or charter guests. Service, housekeeping and laundry form the three main departments of the stewardess responsibilities. Food hygiene and safe food preparation are also a major component of working as a stewardess on a super yacht. Our stewardess training certification is run in Cape Town, South Africa. This is an entry level training course, designed for any crew member that is looking to pursue a career as as stewardess. Combining both practical and theoretical course modules, you will spend time working with actual products used onboard as well as familiarise yourself with processes for when guests are onboard. In addition the STCW training course, any of the following courses would be considered advantageous:
  • Stewardess Course
  • ENG1
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
  • MCA Food Safety Level 2
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
Simple. Just email info@get-onboard.com explaining which course you are interested in. We will provide you with a list of available dates and our booking form. Simply return to us with your proof of payment and you place of the course is reserved.
Once you are qualified, what are the next steps to finding your first job onboard? Yacht CV’s are very different to landbased CV’s and are essential when looking for a job on a yacht.
Our courses have been created in order to best prepare our students with the correct qualification, and industry specific knowledge that would be expected of junior crew in the yachting industry. The founders of Get Onboard superyacht Academy spent over 12 years as a senior ranked crew members and so offer our candidates with the most up to date information to best prepare you for the industry. Without your STCW and ENG1 you are not legally able to work at sea, so until you have completed those requirements, finding employment will be impossible. While the other courses are not compulsory, as industry experts we feel it is in our students best interest to educate themselves as much as possible before entering the super yacht industry. We do our best to offer our students the best possible advice on courses that would be most beneficial to their career goals as well as their pockets.
Here at Get Onboard Superyacht Academy, we pride ourselves on offering our students practical and honest advice. That’s why you will never find us trying to sell your courses that won’t be specifically relevant to your department. Landing your first job while you are still in South Africa is almost impossible. The reason for this is because just like you would interview for a land based position face to face.
Day work is a great way of networking, building contacts in the industry, and most importantly finding you first super yacht job. Day work refers to when you do not have a formal contract in place with a yacht, but you help out onboard for anything from a day to several weeks. Day working is a great way for you to get a sense of different roles onboard and whether the industry is right for you. Often the Captain or senior crew member will use day work as a trial or “audition” to see who is the best fit for the crew and is the most efficient worker so it is an excellent tool to use when searching for your first job.
There are two main yachting hubs, the Mediterranean, particularly Antibes in France or Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and Fort Lauderdale or Miami in Florida. We explain the different seasons and best time of year to visit each areas in our article Best Locations To Get a Yacht Job for Time of Year.
The standard entry level salary for a junior stewardess or deckhand ranges between €2000-€2500 or $2300-$2800 per month. This amount is generally tax free, although the onus is on each crew member to check with their home county about tax obligations. Certain countries are tax exempt provided you spend more than 6 months out of the county. Check out our dedicated article on this here. We have covered all of this and much much more in our easily downloadable yachting industry guide eBook. We go into detail of where you should start your career and at which time of year. We offer yachting CV templates, a packing list, course list, accommodation and visa information. We break down the various yacht crew departments so that you can see where might be the best fit for you. We explain what dock walking is, how to get day work, salary expectations and most importantly how to secure that first job.
Working on a yacht is not all fun and games; it means spending great lengths of time away from friends and family, putting in extra-long hours as needed and living in a shared, confined space.
For many, the benefits of a yacht job outweigh the negatives. These include travelling the world, the opportunity to make and save a lot of money, making new friends for life and gaining important skills that will transfer over to many other industries.
Yachting is for anyone who loves to go out of their way to please. However, it is open to all sorts of personalities – every boat is different. Take a look at our page on what makes a great superyacht crew for more information.
The minimum age to work on a yacht is 18 years old. While there is a chance of finding work straight after school, we suggest getting some work experience before departing South Africa.
Get Onboard has partnered with some centrally located accommodation providers as well as premium backpackers. If you require accommodation for the duration of your training, just be sure to mention it in an email and we will forward the options.
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