Journal
Insights for yacht crew
Guides, answers and career tips for anyone building a life at sea — from STCW basics to becoming a superyacht captain.
How long does STCW last? Validity and expiry
Your STCW Basic Safety Training doesn't last forever. Here's exactly how long it's valid, what expires after five years, and how to stay compliant.
Read article →STCW cost and modules explained
What does STCW Basic Safety Training actually cost, and what are the five modules? A clear breakdown for anyone starting a career in yachting.
Read article →STCW Initial vs Refresher — which one do you need?
New to yachting or revalidating after five years? Here's how to tell whether you need the full STCW Basic Safety Training or just the refresher.
Read article →How to become a superyacht captain
The certificates, the sea time and the softer skills that separate a deckhand from a captain — a realistic roadmap to the top job in yachting.
Read article →RYA Powerboat Level 2 — why every deckhand needs it
The National Powerboat Certificate is the single most useful qualification for a new deckhand. Here's what it covers and why yachts insist on it.
Read article →How to get your first yacht job in Antibes
Antibes is the gateway to a career at sea. Here's how to arrive prepared, dockwalk effectively and land your first season on a superyacht.
Read article →The yacht crew certificates checklist
From STCW to ENG1, GMDSS to advanced fire fighting — every certificate yacht crew commonly need, and how to keep them all valid.
Read article →Advanced Fire Fighting — what to expect
The STCW Advanced Fire Fighting course prepares senior crew to command an emergency. Here's what the training involves and who needs it.
Read article →The ENG1 medical certificate: a guide for yacht crew
What the ENG1 seafarer medical involves: the exam, eyesight standards, cost, how long it lasts and the accepted equivalents.
Read article →Why Antibes is the capital of yacht crew training
Antibes and Port Vauban sit at the heart of the Mediterranean superyacht world. Here's why it's the best place to train, and how the season works.
Read article →RYA Powerboat Level 2, the ICC and France
What RYA Powerboat Level 2 lets you drive, how it differs from Level 1, how it converts to the ICC, and how it compares to the French permis plaisance.
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