A full-service MCA- and IYT-accredited superyacht training centre at Yacht Haven Marina, Phuket, offering everything from STCW entry tickets to Master of Yachts and advanced engineering certification.
Book direct →Galileo Maritime Academy is one of South-East Asia's most comprehensive superyacht training providers, operating from Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket, Thailand. Holding dual accreditation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the International Yacht Training organisation (IYT), the academy delivers the full breadth of certifications required to enter and progress through a professional superyacht career — from the five-day STCW Basic Safety Training that every commercial crew member needs, through to Master of Yachts Unlimited for experienced captains.
The academy's course catalogue spans deck, engineering, interior, medical and watersports disciplines, making it a one-stop destination for crew building out a complete certification portfolio. Deckhand packages bring together STCW, basic engineering and practical deck skills in a single programme, while specialist pathways cover everything from the MCA Approved Engine Course Parts 1 and 2 to food hygiene certification for galley crew and the IYT VHF SRC radio licence required for almost every maritime role.
Phuket's position at the heart of the South-East Asian superyacht season makes Galileo a popular choice for crew joining yachts in Thai and wider Indo-Pacific waters, as well as those transitioning from recreational sailing backgrounds into commercial employment.
MCA-certified STCW10 Basic Safety Training at Yacht Haven Marina, covering A-VI/1-1 to A-VI/1-4 plus security awareness (A-VI/6-1). The entry ticket for commercial vessels over 24 m; certificate valid five years.
Book on Galileo →MCA Updating STCW10 Basic Training refresher (A-VI/1-1 and A-VI/1-2, required every five years), with a full suite of updating modules (UPST, UFPFF, UAFF, UFRB, UPSCRB) and an Officer Refresher package also available.
Book on Galileo →Half-day MCA course meeting STCW A-VI/6-2 for crew with designated security responsibilities on board. A short but mandatory certification for officers and ratings assigned to vessel security duties.
Book on Galileo →IYT Powerboat & RIB Master course (MCA-recognised), training crew to drive yacht tenders safely and professionally. Certificate valid five years.
Book on Galileo →Personal Water Craft (Jet Ski) course preparing crew to operate and supervise PWC use for guest watersports. Can be combined with the two-day IYT Powerboat & RIB Master for a comprehensive tender and watersports package.
Book on Galileo →IYT Master of Yachts pathway including a preparation course and Master of Yachts 200GT Limited theory and practical modules (MCA-recognised), aimed at deckhands, bosuns and lead deckhands moving up to command.
Book on Galileo →IYT Master of Yachts 200GT Limited (Power/Sail) through to the six-day Master of Yachts Unlimited — an MCA-recognised programme for experienced captains covering command on global passages beyond coastal limits. Certificates valid five years.
Book on Galileo →Ten-day MCA Approved Engine Course Parts 1 and 2 (AEC1 + AEC2), required for higher engineering certification, plus Superyacht Engineer packages and specialist short courses in marine electrics, plumbing, refrigeration and watermakers.
Book on Galileo →IYT VHF SRC marine radio licence course — required for almost every maritime position. Certificate valid five years. A short course with outsized career importance.
Book on Galileo →Five-day Steward/ess Training covering luxury service and guest relations, including Food Hygiene Level 2 certification. Positioned as the entry point into superyacht hospitality, with essentials-to-complete package options also available.
Book on Galileo →Food Hygiene Level 2 certification for stews, chefs, sous chefs and waiters — described as essential for any crew working with food. A Superyacht Chef Essentials Package is also offered for those building a galley career.
Book on Galileo →Four-day MCA Medical First Aid course (STCW A-VI/4-1) aimed at officers of the watch, alongside Elementary First Aid, Medical Care and Updating Medical Care courses for crew at all levels.
Book on Galileo →Fifteen-day Superyacht Deckhand Standard Package covering all skills needed for entry-level deck work, including STCW and basic engineering. Essentials, Standard and Complete deckhand packages available, as well as a Deck/Stew Combined Package.
Book on Galileo →Three-day MCA HELM (Operational) course covering helm watchkeeping, leadership and vessel handling (STCW A-I/1 and A-II/1). Required for anyone applying for a first UK Certificate of Competency at the operational level.
Book on Galileo →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Galileo Maritime Academy before booking.
A 5-star boutique resort on Karon Beach with 159 spacious rooms, three restaurants, two outdoor pools and a spa, designed with inspiration from the island's tin-mining heritage.
View options →A small, affordable guesthouse in the heart of Old Phuket Town with 8 air-conditioned rooms overlooking the surrounding hills, offering a quiet, locally-rooted stay.
View options →A 271-room marina resort set within Phuket Boat Lagoon, offering modern rooms and suites — some with full kitchen and living area — convenient for sailing visitors and those training at Yacht Haven Marina.
View options →Phuket International Airport (HKT) — approximately 32 km north of Phuket Town. Taxi or private transfer to Phuket Town costs around 600–800 THB (approx. £13–£18) and takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. The Phuket Smart Bus runs along the west-coast beaches for a flat fare of 100 THB. Grab (ride-hailing) has an official pickup zone at the airport near Terminal 2 Exit 8.
Airport transfers →Phuket has no railway station. The nearest railhead is Surat Thani Railway Station, approximately 200 km to the north-east, operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). From Surat Thani, take one of roughly 14 daily coaches to Phuket Bus Terminal — approximately 5–6 hours. A Bangkok-to-Phuket rail-plus-bus journey totals around 17–18 hours.
Rassada Pier, Phuket Town. Operated by Andaman Wave Master, Ko Phi Phi Cruiser and other local operators. Services to Koh Phi Phi Don (2 hrs, 350–500 THB, 4–6 departures daily in peak season); onward connections to Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe via combination routes. Bus-ferry packages connect Phuket to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Note: southwest monsoon (June–September) causes frequent cancellations.
Check ferry times →Phuket is connected to the Thai mainland via the Sarasin Bridge (Highway 402) in the north of the island. From Bangkok, the drive is approximately 860 km (around 10–11 hours) via Highway 4 south through Chumphon and Surat Thani. Parking is generally available at hotels and resorts. Phuket Town has public car parks. Traffic in tourist areas such as Patong can be congested, especially in peak season (November–April).
Open in Maps →Phuket has no railway station. The island is connected primarily by air and road. Ferry services operate to nearby islands. Prices quoted in THB are approximate and subject to change.