We are currently seeking approval for the MCA AEC and AEC2 courses but realistically this will not be achieved before late 2024 and will keep the site updated on this activity.
We do currently offer our own maintenance courses as well as the 1 day RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course.
For more information, please click the 'Contact Us!' button on the right.
The RYA Yachtmaster Offshore is one of the most highly respected and prestigious sailing qualifications in the world and we pride ourselves on training many high calibre Yachtmaster Candidates.
Exam Preparation Courses are delivered by one of our fully qualified and extremely experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructors.
We have also put together some details notes on The Yachtmaster exam here.
The week starts with an assessment day, when the instructor will gauge your strengths and weaknesses. The rest of the time will be spent improving weak areas in order to prepare you for the exam.
You will take command of the yacht on short passages, by day and night. You will be required to navigate in a seamanlike manner, with both efficiency and safety. Your instructor will give you guidance and coaching on boat handling techniques both at sea and in a confined space.
Examiners expect a high level of expertise, particularly in safety critical exercises such as man overboard, or sailing down wind. Your instructor will also ensure that the theory subjects, in particular meteorology, IRPCS, buoyage and passage planning are not new to you. At the end of the week, you will be given an honest debrief, leaving you confident in your own ability, taking the exam if you feel ready to do so.
At the end of the preparation course, the instructor will leave the process and an Independent RYA Examiner will come aboard to conduct the exam. Every student will be examined on how they skipper the yacht on short passages and complete various other tasks.
Although this is a sailing exam, you will be expected to be familiar with all the vessels systems which includes knowledge of engines to at least the level of the one-day RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course.
A knowledge of the operation of radar and GPS is also expected.
The examiner will want to see you dock the boat under engine in a variety of circumstances possibly alongside and stern-to. He/she may set you a challenge to dock in a particular place or ask you to choose. He/she will also expect you to be able to handle and turn the vessel in a confined space with awareness of the effects of the prevailing conditions. You will also be expected to be able to handle the vessel under sail in a confined space and this may include sailing on and/or off a mooring, your anchor or a dock. The examiner is looking for good boat control, use of crew, wind awareness and a good lookout for other vessels in the area. Once at sea it is a legal requirement to keep a log. This doesn’t have to be detailed but the examiner will want to see that you know where you are at all times. Don’t be afraid to reef, we are cruising not racing, but at the same time make sure you have enough sail up to keep the vessel going. Also make sure you have practiced your classic navigation as fixing your position, CTS and EP may all come into the exam. Also be comfortable with tidal problems and operation of the GPS, specifically the one on the exam vessel.
Cost is $2150 plus RYA Exam fee of around $300 [depends on exchange rate]. Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.
The RYA Day Skipper Practical is an introduction to taking charge onboard a yacht, allowing you to put your basic navigation, pilotage, and sailing skills into practice. It will provide you with an opportunity to take command, and to develop your leadership skills onboard, under the guidance of an experienced and friendly instructor. It is a very useful and popular Captains license for those looking to charter a yacht.
It includes 4 nights on board and food for Day 1. After that students are encouraged to take part in the provisioning and planning for the week.
Upon successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, you will be able to navigate and skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. This qualification is usually accepted when chartering a yacht as skipper anywhere in the world. Holders of the RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification can apply to the RYA for and receive an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for a small charge.
In many places it is also a legal requirement to complete the VHF/SRC Radio course as well. You can do this online with us before arriving and sit the assessment before or after your course.
You are strongly advised to be comfortable with Day Skipper Theory before attending this course and we often run the theory course just before the practical or you can do this online before coming. In addition we find that even Day Skipper candidates can benefit from some dinghy sailing to improve wind awareness, and dinghies can be rented with or without an instructor at the National Sailing Academy.
This course can also be done on your own vessel.
It is also a good course for friends and families to sail together privately, either all doing Day Skipper or with Competent Crew candidates.
The cost is US $1450 - please click the 'Training Dates & Booking' button to the right, to check available dates.
| Duration: | 5 Days usually 9am Mon- 5 pm Fri with 4 nights on board | Max students : | 5 |
| Previous Experience: | 5 Days onboard but would recommend 10 plus, 100 logged miles and 4 night hours.Basic knowledge of navigation and sailing ability. Candidates should have completed RYA Day Skipper Theory or similar | Minimum Age: | 16 |
| Locations: | Antigua. Caribbean | Dates: | All year |
NOTICE: We will resume all RYA Motor Cruising Courses in January 2024. Please contact us for more information.
The preparation method is normally 3 days onboard but as the examiner will expect a high level of mechanical knowledge of a general and vessel specific nature, then completing one of the Engineering courses is highly recommended. We can build a 2 day maintenance course into the prep.
During the exam you can expect to give the examiner a guided tour of your engine room. He/she will expect a detailed knowledge of your equipment and may ask searching questions about the operation of specific machinery and systems.
The same may be true of fuel switching systems between tanks and engines or the use of day tanks. Be aware of how much fuel you carry and your cruising range. Make sure you can explain the oil, air, fuel, salt and fresh water systems and show the examiner where all the lines and hoses go.
You will be expected to be able to handle the boat efficiently in a confined area and be able to berth in a variety of situations. This may well include berthing on one engine (in a twin engine vessel) and berthing without the use of the bow thruster if fitted.
Under way you will be examined on your high-speed navigation. Make sure you know where you are and where you are going at all times. The power exam may well have more emphasis than the sail equivalent on GPS and radar navigation so make sure you are familiar with the equipment on the exam vessel.
$1800usd pp. Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.
| Duration: | 5 Days plus maintenance course (3 Days preparation, followed by a 2 day exam) |
Max students : | 4 |
| Previous Experience: | VHF certificate, A Valid First Aid certificate, 50 days Onboard, 5 days as skipper, 2500 miles, 5 passages over 60 nautical miles including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper. |
Minimum Age: | 18 |
| Locations: | Antigua | Dates: | This course is run all year round |
NOTICE: We plan to resume RYA Motor Cruising Courses in early 2024. Please contact us for more information.
This RYA Day Skipper Motor course is intended to introduce you to cruising in a motor vessel. It includes preparation for sea, boat handling, navigation, pilotage, passage making, meteorology, rules of the road, engines and emergency situations. Part of the course will also involve night cruising. You will learn how to integrate the GPS and radar systems into your navigation and how to keep track of your position at speed. You are strongly advised to be comfortable with day skipper level navigation theory before attending this course.
Upon successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course, you will be able to navigate and skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. This qualification is usually required when chartering a yacht as skipper anywhere in the world. Holders of the RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
This course can be done on own vessel or Ondeck’s. Generally this will be done privately or for family groups. It is also a good course for friends and families to sail together privately either all doing Day Skipper or with Competent Crew candidates.
If you are going to be chartering a yacht in the future we would also recommend the VHF/SRC Radio Course.
$1250usd pp Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.
| Duration: | 4 Days | No. Students to Instructor: | 5:1 |
| Previous Experience: | 4 Days onboard, 100 logged miles and 4 night hours.Basic knowledge of navigation and sailing ability. Candidates should have completed RYA Day Skipper Theory or similar | Minimum Age: | 16 |
| Locations: | Antigua. | Dates: | This course is run all year round |
The risk of fire is present in any organisation, even in well managed businesses a fire can occur. Once started it produces heat, toxic gases and large quantities of smoke. These may rise and also spread horizontally through open doors and unenclosed stairways preventing people from using the means of escape provided. The inhalation of smoke and toxic gases has been shown to be one of the main causes of fire deaths.
A lack of confidence, knowledge and experience can lead to a fire extinguisher or other appliance being used incorrectly which can be extremely dangerous.
Fire training at Ondeck can be tailored to your requirements no matter what industry your business is in. If you have a building or boat, then fire safety should always be a top priority.
Subjects covered in this module include:
Understanding of the theory of fire, including the triangle of combustion and its behaviour.
Understanding of the spread of fire by conduction, convection, radiation and direct burning.
Understanding of hazard identification and fire prevention.
Understanding of raising the alarm, evacuation of persons and self-rescue techniques.
Effective use of portable fire extinguishers to extinguish real fires of different classes.
Understanding of the implications of incorrect use of fire extinguishers.
Effective use of a fire blanket on real fires.
This course will provide your staff with a general understanding of basic fire awareness including the initial actions to be taken in the event of a fire, how to prevent a fire from occurring and an understanding of the different types of extinguishers and their methods of operation, capabilities and limitations.
Essential demonstrations and practical hands on experience tackling real fires in a controlled environment will provide your staff with the confidence, knowledge and experience to use portable fire equipment including fire blankets should the need arise.
On completion of this course each student will receive an Ondeck certificate in Fire Safety and Awareness.
Super Yacht Fire Team Training (Non- STCW)
Whilst drills are conducted on board your vessel in accordance with the relevant regulations you come under, these are done cold. In addition, crew are trained to STCW standard every 5 years, however, it is not often that crew are trained together as a team in a live fire environment. Ondeck can provide you with expert instructors and the facility to train you’re on board fire teams using your procedures and tactics within our hot fire unit covering exercises from casualty rescue to fighting fires with the use of hoses.
On completion of this course each student will receive an Ondeck certificate in Live Fire Team Training.
Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.
We currently offer the STCW Elementary First Aid and are now happy to be able to also offer the MCA MFAS [Medical First Aid] and MCAS Medical Care Aboard ship] courses along with the Refresher in 2026.
Please contact [email protected] for further details.
In association with Centaur Training:
Sue Johnson has worked as a full time first aid and medical instructor for over ten years. Prior to this, she held a variety of clinical and community posts within the NHS including health promotion, project management and training delivery at both local and regional levels.
She is a Registered Nurse, Midwife and Health Visitor with post graduate qualifications and experience in accident and emergency nursing, remote emergency first aid and also recognised MCA qualifications in first aid and medical care. She is also an approved MCA instructor.
Sue's extensive training delivery and experience has encompassed immensely varied student groups and backgrounds including the maritime and super yacht industry, Ministry of Defence and multi-national companies both in the UK and abroad. This, combined with her yachting experience, has enabled her to develop high quality, flexible courses that are tailored to the specific needs of any particular group incorporating current clinical practices and knowledge. Delivered in a relaxed and highly professional manner.
MEDICAL FIRST AID ABOARD SHIP (MFAS)
4 days duration - $895usd
Scene assessment and management.
Immediate assessment and management of casualty including if unconscious.
Procedures for obtaining emergency help and Telemed assistance.
Documentation and record keeping.
Maintenance of airway, breathing and circulation in casualty requiring resuscitation, including use of defibrillator.
Identification and management of :
Shock.
Bleeding (internal and external).
Types of wounds including use of appropriate dressings.
Temperature extremes (hypo and hyperthermia).
Common types of burns including determining severity.
Spinal and musculo-skeletal injuries (fractures and soft tissue).
Head, chest and abdominal injuries including monitoring.
Choking.
Poisoning.
Medical emergencies :
Heart attack, asthma, hypo and hyper glycaemia.
Anaphylaxis, seizures.
Stroke.
Maintaining hygiene and preventing cross infection.
Familiarisation and use of the first aid kit.
Use of the first aid kit in the practical exercises.
PROFICIENCY IN MEDICAL CARE ABOARD SHIP (MCAS) ($995usd)and MEDICAL CARE REFRESHER ($795usd)
5 and 3 day duration respectively.
Assessment and care of an ill or seriously injured patient at sea including recording :
Temperature.
Pulse.
Blood pressure.
Respiratory rate.
Blood oxygen saturation.
Conscious level.
Urinalysis.
Blood glucose level.
Procedures for obtaining emergency help and Telemed assistance including documentation and record keeping.
Extended management of airway, breathing and circulation in patient requiring resuscitation including use of oxygen and additional airway support.
Identification, management and examination of patients with medical conditions and emergencies :
Cardio vascular.
Respiratory.
Urinary.
Gastro intestinal.
Gynaecological.
Dental – ear, nose and throat.
Opthalmic.
Communicable diseases and sexually transmitted infections.
Use of medicines in the medical kit including storage, administration and record keeping and management of controlled medicines.
Assessment of pain level and use of multifaceted approach to pain relief.
Management of a seriously ill or injured patient on board who requires continuous observation, monitoring and nursing care.
Practical sessions of clinical procedures :
Wound closure – suturing, gluing, stapling and adhesive strips including practice in local anaesthetic administration.
Urinary catheterisation (male and female).
Preparation and administration of subcutaneous and intra muscular injections.
Preparation for intravenous and intra osseous cannulation including giving sets and cannula insertion.
Recognition and management of infection on board including methods of prevention, monitoring and control and liaison with relevant port authorities.
Management of death at sea.
Management of childbirth at sea.
STCW Elementary First Aid
The Elementary First Aid course module combines theory and practical training for basic first aid and lifesaving skills. The course aims to provide an introduction to the principles of first aid and details how to respond to common medical emergencies. It also meets the requirements for those requiring updates
Subjects covered in this module include:
Types of accidents and emergencies on board that may require first aid.
Methods of raising the alarm.
Immediate actions when accidents or medical emergencies occur.
Minimising risk of further harm.
Body structure and functions.
Emergency first aid equipment and its use.
Priorities of treatment (Triage).
Casualty positioning and transportation.
Basic Life Support (CPR).
Shock management.
Bandaging.
Wounds/Bleeding.
Burns/Scalds.
On successful completion of this course the student will receive an MCA approved STCW certificate in Elementary First Aid (STCW Regulation A-VI/1-3).
$250usd pp. Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.
PSA – Proficiency in Security Awareness
Security awareness training must be undertaken by all seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on ships which are required to comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This course will provide the student with the necessary essential knowledge in order to contribute to the enhancement of maritime security and comply with this regulation.
Subjects covered in this module include:
Development of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
Typical threats to the maritime transport industry.
Roles and responsibilities of relevant bodies, organisations and individuals with regard to security.
Typical threats to the maritime transport industry.
Company Security Officer and Ship Security Officer and identify the reporting responsibilities.
The need for a Port Facility Security Officer.
The need for members of the ship’s crew other than the Ship Security Officer (SSO) to have designated security duties.
Access to the ship.
Restricted areas on the ship.
Handling of cargo.
Delivery of ship’s stores.
Handling unaccompanied baggage.
Monitoring the security of the ship and the areas surrounding the ship.
The requirements for a ship to comply with the ship security plan.
Importance of participating in security drills and exercises.
Measures on counter-piracy and anti-armed robbery.
Recognise weapons, dangerous substances and devices that may be used to pose a threat including the damage that they can cause.
General characteristics and behavioural patterns of persons who are likely to threaten security including the importance of recognising such persons.
Measures for handling sensitive security-related information and communications.
On successful completion of this course the student will receive an MCA approved STCW certificate in Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW Regulation A-VI/6-1).
PDSD - Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
The PDSD security course for those with designated security duties (in practice most of the crew on superyachts) This is a 6 hours classroom based course. It is a higher level course than the PSA and holders do not need to do PSA as well.
It is a useful course to have even if you don't have any current 'designated duties' as roles change and even crew with minor roles should have the qualification.
The training will enable the student to:
> Know why ship security is important and understand the roles and responsibilities of the organisations and individuals involved.
> Understand what constitutes a security risk, threat and vulnerability to the ship, its personnel, cargo and operations.
> Know the capabilities and limitations of security methods, equipment and systems.
> Know how to maintain the measures in a ship security plan and related requirements.
> Be able to maintain the effectiveness of security arrangements, procedures and equipment at the three security levels, taking into account their limitations.
SHIP SECURITY OFFICER COURSE – 3 DAY
This STCW training programme provides ship's officers with the knowledge and skills to carry out their duties as a designated Ship Security Officer (SSO), in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code.
Course Prerequisites
A minimum of 12 months seagoing service on vessels over 80gt or 24M is required to qualify for an STCW compliant SSO Certificate. SSO Delegates without the pre-course experience will receive an endorsed certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) which can be upgraded to an SSO qualification once evidence is obtained that the minimum sea going requirement has been reached.
Compliance
The Wavetrain SSO course is accredited by the Marshall Islands and, as such, is recognised worldwide. It includes the 2010 Manila Amendments and conforms to Regulation VI/5, paragraph 1 and Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended and incorporates Proficiency in Security Awareness and Designated Security Duties laid down in Regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6 of the STCW Convention and Code.
The course covers:
∙ Implementation and maintenance of Ship's Security Plans
∙ Monitoring the ship's security officer, security systems and processes
∙ Training and motivating company and ship personnel in the performance of security related duties
Who Should Attend
Personnel who have been, or are likely to be, appointed as Ship Security Officers under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
NOTICE: We do not currently offer the Ship Security Officer Course. Please contact us for more information.
Please click on the 'Training Dates & Booking' button on the right to check available dates.
From July 2021 there is no longer a shortened conversion exam as such.
The exam that will be undertaken by the candidate is a full exam, however the fact that the candidate already holds an RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence in one discipline, means that we can accepted a reduced amount of mileage and sea time in the discipline for which they will now be examined.
Holders of the RYA Yachtmaster® Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence in a particular discipline (sail or power) are eligible for a “discount” in terms of the mileage and sea time that is required for the exam in the other discipline.
The sea time shown below must be in the discipline in which you are to be examined (sail or power). All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.
It is essential that candidates for any exam be fully conversant with the entire syllabus relating to the relevant type of vessel (sail or motor) and that they have adequate experience to be confident in the capacity of skipper of that type of craft.
