Best PWC & RIB Courses for 2026

Jet ski (PWC) and RIB handling — the water-toy tickets guests expect crew to have.

Superyachts carry a garage full of toys, and crew are expected to launch, drive and supervise them safely. The RYA Personal Watercraft (PWC/jet ski) course and RIB handling training cover exactly that — safe operation, guest supervision and the local rules around toys. They're short, practical and pair naturally with a powerboat ticket. Here are centres that run them, led by Flying Fish.

How we rank

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1 Flying Fish Top pick
🇬🇧 Cowes, United Kingdom

My own starting point — I trained with Flying Fish back in 2018. Purpose-built superyacht training base on the water in Cowes, RYA Training Centre and MCA-approved, with one of the widest course ranges in the UK: STCW, deckhand and interior packages right through to Yachtmaster. Book online and hold a place for 48 hours.

2 UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy)
🇬🇧 Cowes, United Kingdom

Large charity-run academy in Cowes, MCA-approved and an RYA Training Centre, also running full cadetship pathways for crew who want the professional route.

3 Ocean Sports Tuition
🇬🇧 Southampton, United Kingdom

Southampton RYA Training Centre offering entry-level superyacht deckhand packages.

4 SeaRegs Training
🇬🇧 Plymouth, United Kingdom

Plymouth centre, MCA-approved and an RYA Recognised Training Centre, covering STCW plus powerboat, radio and tender tickets.

5 Zephyr Yachting
🇫🇷 Antibes, France

Antibes-based, MCA and RYA approved, right in the heart of the French Riviera crew hub.

6 Crew Training Solutions
🇪🇸 Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma centre (also in Naples), IYT / MCA / Marshall Islands approved, covering deck tickets across two Med bases.

7 Deep Blue Sea Training
🇪🇸 Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma RYA Yachtmaster school, long established in the Med and known for its practical mile-building.

8 Superyacht Crew Academy (Sydney Maritime Institute)
🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia

Sydney academy, IYT / MCA / AMSA approved — the established pathway for crew starting out in Australia.

This is our shortlist. See every accredited provider offering PWC / RIB in the full PWC / RIB directory →

Looking wider? See our best RYA powerboat courses →

Frequently asked questions

What is a PWC course?

A PWC (Personal Watercraft) course is the RYA jet ski qualification, covering safe operation, launching and guest supervision — useful for crew responsible for a yacht's water toys.

Do I need a licence to drive a superyacht’s jet skis?

Requirements vary by flag and location, but most yachts expect crew operating PWCs to hold the RYA PWC certificate, and some coastal areas legally require it.

How long are PWC and RIB courses?

Both are short practical courses, usually one day each, and are often taken alongside RYA Powerboat Level 2.

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