Cape Town's dedicated superyacht training academy — MCA-accredited STCW, interior, deckhand, chef and engineering courses for crew entering the industry.
Book direct →Get Onboard Superyacht Academy is a Cape Town-based training centre dedicated to preparing crew for careers aboard superyachts. Their courses span the full range of entry-level requirements — from the mandatory 11-day STCW Basic Safety Training through to specialist interior, deckhand, culinary, and engineering programmes. All training is delivered in Cape Town, making it a practical option for South African crew and international candidates joining the yachting industry.
The academy is MCA-accredited, meaning its certifications meet the standards required by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency — a key requirement for crew seeking employment on commercially operated vessels. Alongside its core courses, Get Onboard offers supplementary qualifications including PDSD, GMDSS/VHF SRC, RYA Powerboat Level II, PWC/RIB, and on-site ENG1 medical facilitation, allowing crew to complete multiple requirements in one location.
Whether you are taking your first steps into superyacht crew life or rounding out an existing qualification portfolio, Get Onboard's structured packages and specialist focus make it one of Cape Town's leading destinations for professional maritime training.
Compulsory 11-day STCW Basic Safety Training course — a mandatory requirement for any seafarer seeking employment at sea. Covers personal survival, fire prevention, first aid and personal safety.
Book on Get Onboard →Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD), offered alongside STCW Basic Safety Training. Required for crew with designated security responsibilities under the ISPS Code.
Book on Get Onboard →Accredited Stewardess Course combining theoretical and practical modules for interior yacht crew. Entry-level training covering guest service, housekeeping, silver service and bar management aboard luxury vessels.
Book on Get Onboard →Superyacht Engineer Course (MCA AEC) covering technical training in yacht mechanical and electrical systems. Suitable for crew pursuing the Auxiliary Engine Course or related engineering qualifications.
Book on Get Onboard →Superyacht Chef Course covering galley operations on luxury vessels, plus a fully online Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2 certification for food handling and preparation on board. Ideal for crew stepping into a galley role.
Book on Get Onboard →RYA Powerboat Level II training, covering the skills needed to handle powerboats and yacht tenders safely and competently. A practical qualification widely requested by superyacht employers.
Book on Get Onboard →RYA Personal Watercraft (jet ski) training — covering safe handling of PWC and RIBs, a sought-after addition to any deckhand or bosun's qualification portfolio.
Book on Get Onboard →VHF Radio Operator's Licence course leading to the Short Range Certificate (SRC) — required for crew who may use VHF marine radio on board a vessel. A compact and practical qualification.
Book on Get Onboard →ENG1 seafarer medical examinations arranged on site at the academy. The ENG1 certificate is a mandatory requirement for crew working on commercial vessels. Medical First Aid (MFA) and Medical Care courses also available.
Book on Get Onboard →Superyacht Deckhand Course covering the maintenance of yacht exteriors and support of guest services on deck. Bundled intro packages available for candidates seeking a complete entry-level qualification set in one programme.
Book on Get Onboard →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Get Onboard Superyacht Academy before booking.
A 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of the Cape Town CBD, housed in a heritage building and offering a full-service spa, two restaurants, and an indoor pool.
View options →A 4-star boutique guesthouse in the De Waterkant neighbourhood offering luxury rooms, free parking, city-view balconies, and daily maid service.
View options →Self-catering luxury apartments and penthouses within the V&A Waterfront Marina, offering direct yacht-basin views, 4 communal pools, gym, and 24-hour security — serviced to 5-star hotel standard.
View options →Cape Town International Airport (CPT) — approximately 20 km (12 miles) south-east of the city centre. Journey to the CBD takes around 20–30 minutes by metered taxi or rideshare (Uber/Bolt), rising to 30–45 minutes in peak-hour traffic. Taxi fare is approximately ZAR 400–600 (roughly £17–£25). No direct public bus link — the MyCiTi airport bus service was discontinued in December 2022.
Cape Town Railway Station — the main station sits on Adderley Street in the CBD, serving as the hub of the Metrorail network (operated by Metrorail Western Cape / PRASA) with lines running to Simon's Town, the Southern Suburbs, and the Cape Flats. Metrorail is low-cost but reliability and safety concerns mean most visitors and maritime professionals use taxis or rideshares instead. Underground parking is available at the station for drivers.
Nelson Mandela Gateway, Clock Tower Precinct, V&A Waterfront. Regular ferry service between the V&A Waterfront and Robben Island — primarily a heritage/tourist route (30–60 minutes crossing each way). Operated by Robben Island Museum. No scheduled inter-city coastal passenger ferry services.
Robben Island ferries →From the N1 or N2 national routes, merge onto the Elevated Freeway into the city, take the slipway into Walter Sisulu Avenue, then turn into Lower Long Street for the CBD. The N2 connects to the Garden Route and eastern South Africa; the N1 leads to Johannesburg. Parking in the CBD can be competitive — secure underground parking is available at Cape Town Station and at major shopping centres including the V&A Waterfront. Rideshares are often more convenient than self-parking in the city centre.
Open in Maps →Cape Town is well-served by air. Road is the most practical option once in the city — metered taxis and rideshares (Uber/Bolt) are widely used. The Metrorail commuter network exists but reliability can be poor; visitors are generally advised to use taxis or rideshares for safety and convenience. A ferry connection to Robben Island operates from the V&A Waterfront for tourist/heritage purposes.