Southampton's specialist superyacht and powerboat training centre — from STCW and deckhand packages to Yachtmaster qualifications, all run from Saxon Wharf Marina.
Book direct →Ocean Sports Tuition is an RYA recognised training centre based at Saxon Wharf Marina in Southampton, offering a broad curriculum that spans superyacht crew preparation, powerboat and RIB training, personal watercraft instruction, and shorebased theory qualifications. The centre is particularly well known for its 14-day Superyacht Deckhand Course — a comprehensive package that bundles STCW Basic Safety Training, PDSD, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Tender Operator, RYA VHF, RYA PWC, and RYA Helmsman into a single programme suited to those with no prior experience looking to enter the superyacht industry.
Beyond the deckhand package, Ocean Sports Tuition delivers the full RYA powerboat ladder from Level 1 through to the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Certificate, alongside a motor-cruising pathway to Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificates of Competence. Shorebased theory provision includes Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory, radar, sea survival, first aid, and CEVNI assessment, available in both classroom and online formats.
Southampton's central position on the Solent — one of the UK's busiest and most varied stretches of water — makes it an excellent practical training environment, with tidal gates, shipping lanes, and variable conditions providing real-world exposure for students at every level.
The 14-day Superyacht Deckhand Course at Saxon Wharf Marina combines RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Tender Operator, STCW Basic Safety, PDSD, RYA VHF, RYA PWC, and RYA Helmsman into one package — priced at £2,399 (or £1,795 for holders of existing STCW). No prior experience required.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →The basic STCW week is included within the 14-day Superyacht Deckhand Course rather than sold as a standalone course — giving candidates the core safety certification alongside all other deckhand qualifications in a single enrolment.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →PDSD certification is delivered as part of the 14-day Superyacht Deckhand Course, meeting STCW security awareness requirements for crew serving on vessels under the ISM Code.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →RYA powerboat training from Level 1 and Level 2 through Intermediate and Advanced, plus the RYA Tender Operator course and RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat prep and exam, all run from Saxon Wharf Marina, Southampton.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →RYA PWC Proficiency course plus PWC instructor training, with an onboard PWC centre offering designed for superyacht crew who need certified personal watercraft operation skills.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →Motor-cruising pathway to the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore Certificates of Competence, alongside a Yachtmaster Academy programme within the superyacht training offer.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →Classroom and online theory courses including RYA Day Skipper Theory, Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory, Essential Seamanship & Navigation, radar, sea survival, first aid, and CEVNI assessment.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →RYA VHF Radio (SRC) course offered within the shorebased and online theory programme — the mandatory radio operating certificate for recreational and commercial mariners.
Book on Ocean Sports Tuition →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Ocean Sports Tuition before booking.
4-star city centre hotel overlooking the port, with an indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant, and 121 rooms; approximately 400 metres from Southampton Central station.
View options →Budget-friendly hotel in the city centre, a 5-minute walk from Southampton Central station and less than 2 miles from the cruise terminals; offers a Park and Cruise package.
View options →Guest house in Southampton situated a 6-minute walk from Southampton Guildhall and approximately 1.6 miles from the cruise terminal, offering a more personal, traditional stay.
View options →Southampton Airport (SOU) is approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) from Southampton city centre, in the Borough of Eastleigh. A train from Southampton Airport Parkway to Southampton Central takes around 10 minutes, with up to 3 trains per hour. A taxi to the city centre takes approximately 10–15 minutes and costs roughly £20–£30. The airport handles UK domestic and European flights.
Airport travel info →Southampton Central is the principal station, in the heart of the city centre. Main operators are South Western Railway, CrossCountry, and Southern. South Western Railway runs frequent direct services to London Waterloo (~75–80 minutes). CrossCountry serves Birmingham (~2h30m) and Manchester (~4h). Southern provides links to London Victoria and Gatwick Airport.
Red Funnel operates services from Town Quay, Southampton to the Isle of Wight — West Cowes for foot passengers and East Cowes for vehicles. The high-speed foot passenger service takes 23–25 minutes; the vehicle ferry takes 55–60 minutes.
Red Funnel →Southampton is well connected via the M3 from London and the north, and the M27 running east–west along the south coast — approximately 75 miles south-west of London. Multiple city centre multi-storey car parks are available; the Novotel offers on-site parking at approximately £10 per night.
Open in Maps →Southampton Airport (SOU) primarily serves UK domestic and European destinations. For long-haul international flights, the nearest major hub is London Heathrow (LHR), approximately 70 miles away by road or rail (roughly 1h15m–1h30m by train via South Western Railway). Price estimates for taxis and trains are approximate and subject to change.