Available courses

SAS Day Skipper Course

For those with minimal sailing experience. This course includes comprehensive chart work, navigation, day skipper training and 200nm of practical sailing, pilotage and navigation around Knysna.  Upon successful completion, students receive SAS Day Skipper Course Completion Certificates.  In conjunction with a Short Range Certificate (VHF radio license), 200nm (including 2 night hours) and an eye test, the successful student apply for the SAS Day Skipper’s license from South African Sailing.  This license qualifies the holder to skipper a (sail & power) yacht offshore 25 miles from a safe haven or inland during daylight hours. Rate includes course fees, learning materials, practical sailing; excludes external assessment and SA Sailing exam fees.

SAS Coastal Skipper Course

The SAS Coastal Skipper license entitles holders to skipper a yacht within 40nm of the coast by day or night. Practical requirements are 800nm, 24 night hours on duty and 3 passages of at least 60nm.   The online theory plus 3 days practical training prepares candidates for the COLREGS/IALA Exam, the SAS Coastal Chartwork exam and the SAS Coastal Practical exam. (Exams usually take place on last day).

SAMSA >9m Commercial Course

The SAMSA >9m Commercial License examination is mainly concerned with the safe and efficient operation of a small vessel, the correct use of equipment provided for the safety of the vessel and the protection of the environment.  The examiner will expect the candidate to be able to answer selected questions from the syllabus with the exception of the collision regulations, where the candidate shall be questioned in depth and is expected to have a thorough knowledge.


SAMSA Short Range Certificate (SRC)

The radio operator of a marine VHF radio whilst sailing in GMDSS Sea Area A1 must be qualified to the GMDSS standard (Short Range Certificate).

This course covers the theory and practice for the equipment required for GMDSS Sea Area A1:

  • DSC/VHF Radio (Very High Frequency Radio),
  • EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon),
  • SART (Search And Rescue Radar Transponder),
  • NAVTEX (Navigational Telex)
Examinations take place in Knysna. An additional exam & licensing fee is due to SAMSA 7-days in advance of the exam