MCA and RYA-approved maritime training in the heart of the Caribbean — STCW, Yachtmaster, shorebased theory and superyacht intro courses at English Harbour, Antigua.
Book direct →Ondeck Maritime Training operates from English Harbour, Antigua — one of the Caribbean's premier sailing destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site centred on Nelson's Dockyard. Operating under the Ondeck Sailing brand, the school is accredited by both the MCA and RYA, offering a full range of professional maritime qualifications from entry-level STCW safety training through to Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean.
The course portfolio covers every stage of a professional yachting career: MCA STCW10 Basic Safety Training (including individual modules for PST, FPFF, EFA and PSSR), security duties qualifications, RYA shorebased theory up to Yachtmaster Ocean, powerboat and tender handling, and dedicated superyacht and deckhand introductory packages. Courses are bookable online, with individual STCW modules available separately for those who need to top up specific certificates.
Whether you are starting out as a superyacht deckhand, progressing through RYA grades towards a Yachtmaster ticket, or completing mandatory STCW renewals before a Caribbean season, Ondeck Antigua's location makes it a practical choice for crew already working in the Lesser Antilles.
MCA STCW10 Basic Safety Training Full Course, bookable online. Individual modules — Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and PSSR — are also offered separately.
Book on Ondeck →MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties, bookable through Ondeck's online booking system. MCA Proficiency in Security Awareness is also offered, with online study options available.
Book on Ondeck →RYA theory courses spanning Day Skipper through Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore to Yachtmaster Ocean, providing the knowledge foundation for both recreational and professional certification.
Book on Ondeck →RYA Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore exams (sail and motor) plus Yachtmaster Ocean theory and oral exam, delivered within an RYA progression from Competent Crew to Yachtmaster Offshore/Ocean.
Book on Ondeck →RYA Powerboat Level 2 (including direct assessment) and the RYA Powerboat Instructor pre-entry assessment, all bookable online through Ondeck's booking system.
Book on Ondeck →Marine engineering qualifications including the Award in Engineering for Crew (AEC), Marine Engine Operator Licence (MEOL) and Y-ticket endorsements for professional crew.
Book on Ondeck →Introductory packages combining the core certificates needed to get your first deckhand or superyacht crew position — ideal for career changers looking to enter the professional yachting industry.
Book on Ondeck →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Ondeck Maritime Training before booking.
An exclusive 31-suite beachfront boutique resort set within 19 acres of tropical gardens on English Harbour's own private white sand beach, featuring two restaurants, a spa, and tennis courts.
View options →A 14-room hotel housed in a restored 18th-century warehouse (built 1780) within Nelson's Dockyard, offering rooms with kitchenettes, sea views, and a garden restaurant serving Caribbean and international cuisine.
View options →A historic boutique hotel set across four 18th-century buildings within Nelson's Dockyard, featuring an infinity pool, two open-air harbour-view restaurants, and suites reachable by boat shuttle across the harbour.
View options →V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is approximately 21 km (13 miles) from English Harbour. A private taxi or pre-booked transfer takes approximately 37 minutes; expect to pay around US$50–60. Mill Reef Taxi Association and United Taxi Association are the two approved taxi providers at the airport. A public minibus (Route 17 from St John's bus terminal) is a cheaper option but significantly slower and runs infrequently.
Book a transfer →English Harbour is itself a working harbour. The Antigua to Barbuda ferry departs from St John's Deep Water Harbour. Barbuda Express and Antigua Ferry operate the route — approximately 1.5 hours from St John's to Barbuda. Scheduled inter-island ferry services depart from St John's rather than English Harbour directly.
From V.C. Bird International Airport, take the All Saints Road south through All Saints village, then continue south on Falmouth Road/Dockyard Drive to English Harbour. The route is approximately 21 km and takes around 35–40 minutes. Car hire is available at the airport. Parking is available within Nelson's Dockyard and at the national park entrance; Dockyard Drive leads directly into the harbour area.
Open in Maps →There is no rail network in Antigua and Barbuda. Taxis are the most practical transfer option from the airport. Driving is on the left. A temporary Antiguan driving licence is required for car hire visitors and can be obtained on production of a valid home licence. Prices quoted are estimates and should be verified at time of booking.