super yachting cape town

W e l c o m e  t o  S Y T A

Superyacht Training Academy

CHOOSE YOUR SUPERYACHT CAREER

Our comprehensive programmes for Superyacht Deckhand, Stewardess and Chef are world-class training programmes that equip Superyacht personnel to performing at their optimum. Our career packages focus on the primary qualifications needed to assure success in obtaining the best jobs and maintaining them as a chosen career path.

Advanced Deckhand Career Course

Deck/Sail Career Course

Stewardess Career Course

Advanced Stewardess Career Course

Stew/Masseuse Career Course

Deck/Stew Career Course

Chef/Stew Career Course

Superyacht Chef Career Course

A career aboard a Superyacht is unlike any other

Your passport to the world’s most luxurious superyachts.

The Superyacht Training Academy, Cape Town, is an elite maritime Institute providing Internationally recognised training for professional yacht crew. We pride ourselves in releasing crew into the Superyacht Industry who are confident, competent, and responsible.

View our Single-Skill Courses

Our courses can be tailored to suit your individual requirements or added to any career programme to bolster your chances of securing lucrative employment contracts worldwide.

Virtual Tour

Click below and explore our facilities.

The Superyacht Training Academy is a bespoke training facility that provides every aspect of training for you to obtain an illustrious career aboard a Superyacht. The Academy boasts state-of-the-art equipment, lecture rooms, electronic training equipment, and on-board training.

Our Academy enlists professional trainers and industry experts who provide top-class training and first-hand experience of life on board Superyachts. We challenge you to be the best you can be, so that you can reap the rewards of having the most comprehensive and professional training worldwide. Take a tour of our training venues below:

31 South Arm Road

Superyacht Training Facility

Marina Centre, 1 West Quay Rd.

Stewardess Training Facility

3 West Quay Rd.

• An All-in-One facility for all your career training
• Crew accommodation during training
• Networking with experienced crew
• Career guidance programmes
• Superyacht culinary training
• Food safety training level 2 & 3
• Internships following your training programmes
• Career guidance booklet for green crew
• Advanced skills training programmes

Are you ready to begin your Superyacht Career?

For more information, course schedules and availability.

All RYA courses proudly powered by Ocean Star Sailing Academy.

Super Yachting Nautical Careers

View our courses, our location, do you want an exciting, lucrative career that pays you to sail to exotic locations, who wouldn’t, right.

Super Yachting Nautical Careers in Cape Town, South Africa is your first port of call to train as a Superyacht Stewardess or Steward

Are you ready to ditch the commute, the desk job and the meagre monthly cheque?

Working as a superyacht stewardess/steward might be the most inspired career choice you will ever make., but where do you start, super yachting nautical careers in south africa offers competitively priced, industry recognised training that will equip you to meet the exacting standards of service that a superyacht stew is expected to provide., after completing their superyacht stew course you will be skilled in silver service, flower arranging, wine pairing, table setting and all areas of interior yacht maintenance which will be applied on a superyacht. not only will you be proficient in what is required of you as a stew but you will know exactly what captains want, which type of yacht is ideal for you, and how to get where you want to go in the superyacht industry. so don’t delay, super yachting nautical careers (sync) is here to help you to set sail for an exciting, new career today..

We pride ourselves in creating a stunning, serene and focused working environment for our students.

Based in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, the SYNC training centre is conveniently located at a sophisticated boutique centre: The Cape Quarter in Somerset Road, Greenpoint.

With many restaurants that have outdoor seating this safe and secure centre is located within walking distance to many Guesthouses and Backpackers that most yacht crew stay at during their training.

The MyCiti Bus stop is situated at the centre and Bus 108/109/118  and 114 are on our route.

Accomodation is not provided during the course however we can recommend wonderful places to stay that are cost effective, clean and safe for our students.

SYNC Training - a fresh, modern, relevant Super Yachting Stewardess Training program.

Get in touch with SYNC regarding courses on offer and any questions you may have.

Megan and Cieara created SYNC after coming back to Cape Town having spent 12 years between them in the superyachting industry.

Choose your course. Refer to our courses page for more information.

CAREER GUIDANCE

Starting out in the super yacht industry is an exciting and rewarding choice of employment. Some choose to use the experience as a gap year while many others follow it as a long term and extremely rewarding career path.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK) (MCA) set the world standards which are followed by South Africa and many other countries.The industry provides safe and rewarding employment for young persons.

What do I need to qualify to work in this rewarding industry?

You will need to:

ADVANCED COURSES

Deck officer training.

PYT is your first choice MCA approved training provider.

PYT is recognised by the industry as a world class super yacht crew training academy. The savings on most of our course modules could well cover your traveling costs to South Africa.

Our value for money is hard to beat in the world of super yacht training. Our course schedule is designed to be flexible to suit super yacht crew.

Let us kick start your steps up the ladder of command.

February & March 2016 NEWSLETTER

Master 3 000t.

YOA SUPER YACHT TRAINING

Expanding your horizons.

ABOUT YOA SUPERYACHT TRAINING

YOA Super Yacht Training was founded in 2014, owned and operated by Don McKee, who spent 15 years working on board some of the finest motor and sailing yachts in the business.

We know exactly what captains and heads of departments are looking for, not only because we have held those positions ourselves, but because we are the only school in South Africa that is also directly affiliated with a crew agency. Don McKee is the co-founder and Director of  YOA Yacht Crew,  an MLC2006 compliant crew agency with crew agents operating worldwide. Our insight into the industry and ability to train crew to the highest standards is unmatched.

We provide first hand and current insight into the yachting industry and help new deckhands and stewardesses acquire the skills and techniques necessary to confidently start careers at sea. We are a bespoke training facility and value quality over quantity resulting in exceptionally well trained and sought after crew. 

FEATURED YOA SUPER YACHT TRAINING PACKAGES

Our most popular package. Great starting off point for those looking to get qualified as a deckhand. Includes all the essentials for deck crew. Additional course options available on request

​YOA Advanced Deckhand course - 4 days

RYA Powerboat Level 2 - 2 days

RYA PWC (Jet ski) - 1 day

SAMSA VHF - 1 day 

STCW10 basic training (incl. PDSD)  - 11 days

Seafarer medical 

Starting from

Deck & Stew

Best of both worlds, have the option to work either as a stew or deckhand. ​ ​

YOA Advanced Deckhand course - 4 days

Stewardess course - 5 days

Food Safety Level 2 - 1 day

SAMSA VHF - 1 day

STCW10 basic training (incl. PDSD) - 11 days

Seafarer medical

Steward/ess

Want to keep things simple?

Our Junior steward/ess package is for you.

Steward/ess course - 5 days  

STCW10 basic training (Incl. PSDS) -  11 days

Passionate about cooking?

We have just the course for you.

Chef course - 3/ 5 or 10 days 

Depending on the level of your prior experience

YOA Super Yacht Training customize packages to suite your individual needs and requirements. Get in touch with us now to start your tailor made yacht training  with us now.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NEED  TO KNOW AND MORE

TRAINING, CONSULTATIONS & GUIDANCE

YOA Super Yacht Training is run by professionals that understand how to give you the best possible start in the industry. We all start somewhere, but not everyone gets off on the right foot, let us help you find a job and keep it. ​

You will always receive unbiased guidance about any additional course options.

We offer consultations and career advice so you can get all the facts before you commit to booking courses. Consultations can take place online or in-person at our offices in Green Point.

Instructor Spotlight

WITH YOU FOR THE LONG-HAUL

Don McKee began his career at sea in 1999 as race crew on 1987 America's Cup 12 Meter sailing yachts in the Caribbean, and left the industry in 2014 after having working his way from Deckhand to Chief Officer and Captain on yachts up to 90m in length.  YOA Super yacht training and YOA yacht crew  are founded with the intention of improving the standard of crew training as well as placement. 

 As principal and chief instructor of YOA Super Yacht Training , he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with those intending to enter the yachting industry, and provides ongoing guidance and mentorship to his students throughout their careers.

COMMITTED TO PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS SERVICES

All-Encomapssing

Extensive courses and world class training - deckhand, stewardess, and more.

RECRUITMENT

We assist and guide you in finding a superyacht job via YOA crew agency.

We help you save your hard earned money.

We provide ongoing guidance and assist through career transitions.

YOA SUPER YACHT TRAINING PARTNERS

Use SEAYOA15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.sealandgear.com

Visa expiring?

See how SA Yachties can help you!

Want to enter the wonderful world of Super Yachting?

Ask us how!

Need a visa to go look for a yachting job?

Why lie on your application?

Getting into the super yachting industry can be daunting with everything you need to know and do.

Welcome to south african yachties, just starting out.

Don’t waste your time and money trying to figure it all out! Call South African Yachties – we’ll give you all the information you need.

Already a yachtie?

We are here to help you with all your yachtie needs! South African Yachties can help with everything from visa assistance and seamans books, to advanced course bookings!

Not from South Africa?

No problem! New to yachting, or already a yachtie – there is a lot that South African Yachties can assist you with no matter where you are from.

Our Happy Customers

You guys truly are the best!!! Thank you so much for all the help, I would not have made it this far without South African Yachties!

Taelin helped me obtain a 10 year B1/B2 visa. I am working on the yachts and she really was so helpful with my time schedule being so busy. She assisted me back and forth with WhatsApp messages and emails. Could not recommend an agency more!

I’ve worked with SA Yachties for multiple years and they’ve always gone above and beyond my expectations. The team are so friendly and helpful, as well as knowledgeable. They’re with you every step of the way, answering any questions and making sure the process of working with them is smooth and well-informed. Thank you ladies!

By far the best agency in the game. Even as a cruise ship employee they have helped me with my seamans book process. Shalom and Taelin are extremely helpful!

Though the paperwork might be daunting, South African Yachties make the process feel effortless. They walk you through step by step and help with whatever you need.

Highly recommend!!!

Our South African Yachties Team

Taelin Jones Director

After working her way up in the yachting industry for the past 6 years, with her refined eye for detail and passion for helping others – Taelin has returned home and taken on a more land-based role; as one of the new directors of South African Yachties.

Justin Hockey Director

 After 7 years in the industry, working onboard various different types of yachts, Justin has decided to step away from his life at sea to settle into the land based role as Director of South African Yachties. His expertise lie in the deck department, with water sports being his forte.

Shalom Salome Banda Johannesburg Branch

Shalom has a BA degree in corporate communication and a background in marketing, administration, customer service and events. She previously worked as a visa consultant for 4 years, specialising in French and Italian applications. She joined the South African Yachties family in 2018 and has been an integral part ever since. Shalom heads the JHB office branch.

Phelokazi Brander Cape Town Branch

Phelo has a national diploma in tourism and 3 years background as a visa processing agent before joining us in 2021, she has since become an integral part of the SA Yachties family. Phelo heads the Cape Town branch office.

Our Partners

TWW Crew for recruitment

Global Yachties for Crew services

GET IN TOUCH

JOHANNESBURG: [email protected]

CAPE TOWN: [email protected] [email protected]

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• Seamans books
• Yachting Info
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GET A QUICK QUOTE

SUPERYACHT CAREER

Charles scheffers, south africa, ron hadas, israel, william smith, south africa, jane ann warren, south africa, cassandra gillie, south africa, david jones, uk.

Superyacht Deckhand

Superyacht Stewardess

Are you polite, well groomed & responsible? Do you have a passion for hospitality and guest interaction? If YES, then this is the role for you. A yacht Stewardess / Steward is responsible for looking after the guests’ every needs and making them feel at home whilst remaining highly professional.

Superyacht Chef

So, you’re a qualified & experienced Chef looking to make the transition from land to sea. Yacht Chef’s are an integral part of the team & need to understand the unique challenges of cooking at sea, provisioning, stowing and working & living in confined conditions.

Superyacht Engineer

Do you have an interest in Engineering / Diesel Engines OR a Diploma/Degree in any one of these fields? If you answered YES, then this is the role for you. Yacht Engineers play a pivotal role on-board and are responsible for the mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht. 

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Through our strategic partnerships, we’ve created an extensive one-stop shop solution for all your yachting needs.  Simple . Convenient . Efficient

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Work on Superyachts: Your TRUE step by step guide

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Established more than 13 years ago, Certified has assisted over 7000 crew from more than 25 countries and is the preferred choice for Superyacht crew in South Africa.

South Africa’s Preferred Superyacht Academy

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Get Onboard

Superyacht Training

Are you ready to start the adventure of a lifetime?

We are a one-stop-shop for all your superyacht training requirements.

BASIC YACHT TRAINING

WORK THE DREAM

Specialist superyacht training academy.

Anchored 400m from a private beach in the Algarve. And it’s only Wednesday morning. From the basics, to skills-only courses and full career paths – get everything you need to kick-start a future most could only ever dream of.

The entry-level yacht crew member. Includes Powerboat Level 2, Jet Ski and more.

The interior yacht crew whose promise is service, professionalism and dedication.

The rewarding and respected technical field that spans both service and maintenance.

For those who want to move from conventional kitchen to high sea high cuisine.

GET ONBOARD, TODAY

For over a decade we’ve been developing and enabling some of the most skilled hands on the world’s largest superyachts. Through our internationally accredited maritime partners, we make sure our candidates are given the best possible training so they can work the dream.

READY TO GET STARTED?

A yachting CV is similar to your normal land-lovers CV, but with a twist. Captains and crew agencies are looking for very special and unique skills that immediately say why you would be qualified for the position and what would make you a good crew member.

Create the perfect yachting CV with our help or from a basic template, or opt for the Superyacht Crew Full-Service CV Package and know you’ll stand out from the rest!

Read our article on writing the perfect yachting CV

Needing more?

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RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• 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
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.