UKSA

ABOUT THE COMPANY

UKSA – Your Journey Starts Here

For almost 40 years, UKSA has been inspiring people of all ages to achieve their ambitions on the water. Based in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight, we’re one of the UK’s leading providers of maritime education, professional training and watersports experiences.

Whether you’re looking to launch a career at sea, gain an internationally recognised qualification or simply learn a new skill, UKSA offers expert tuition, industry-leading facilities and a supportive learning environment.

What We Offer

Career Training

Turn your passion into a profession.

Our career programmes are designed to help students enter the maritime industry with the qualifications, practical experience and confidence employers are looking for.

Popular career pathways include:

  • Superyacht Deckhand Training
  • Superyacht Steward/Stewardess Training
  • Professional Yachtmaster Offshore
  • Workboat Deckhand Training
  • Engineer Deckhand Training
  • Superyacht Cadetship

These industry-recognised programmes combine practical training with internationally recognised qualifications to prepare students for careers around the world.

Learn more:
https://uksa.org/courses/

RYA Training

Learn to sail with the world’s largest RYA training centre.

Whether you’re stepping aboard for the first time or working towards Yachtmaster, UKSA offers a full range of Royal Yachting Association qualifications.

Courses include:

  • Competent Crew
  • Start Yachting
  • Day Skipper
  • Coastal Skipper
  • Yachtmaster Preparation & Exam
  • Powerboat Courses
  • Shorebased Navigation
  • Marine Radio (SRC)
  • First Aid

Suitable for complete beginners through to experienced sailors.

MCA & STCW Professional Training

Advance your maritime career.

UKSA is one of the UK’s leading providers of MCA-approved training, delivering the qualifications required for commercial and professional seafarers.

Courses include:

  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • Advanced Fire Fighting
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
  • Medical First Aid
  • Human Element, Leadership & Management
  • Approved Engine Courses (AEC 1 & AEC 2)
  • Security Training
  • Officer progression courses

Perfect for those starting their maritime career or progressing through professional qualifications.

Leisure & Family Activities

Get on the water for fun.

Not everyone wants a career at sea!

UKSA also offers:

  • Children’s holiday camps
  • Teen sailing programmes
  • Family Fun Days
  • Watersports experiences
  • H20 Clubs
  • Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residentials

Ideal for families, young people and anyone wanting to experience sailing or watersports in a safe, supportive environment.

Further Education

A different route into maritime careers.

Our funded education programmes help young people develop practical skills, confidence and employability while working towards exciting careers within the maritime industry.

Programmes include:

  • Maritime Futures Programme
  • Maritime Foundation Programme
  • Maritime Advanced Programme

These courses combine education with hands-on training and industry experience.

Why Choose UKSA?

✔ Nearly 40 years of maritime training experience

✔ One of the UK’s leading maritime training centres

✔ Internationally recognised qualifications

✔ Industry-standard facilities and fleet

✔ Expert instructors with real-world experience

✔ Residential accommodation available

✔ Career guidance and student welfare support

✔ Training for beginners through to professional seafarers

✔ Based on the world-famous Solent sailing waters

✔ Courses accredited by leading organisations including the RYA and MCA.

Who Can Train With Us?

UKSA welcomes:

  • Complete beginners
  • Leisure sailors
  • Boat owners
  • Young people exploring maritime careers
  • Career changers
  • Superyacht crew
  • Commercial seafarers
  • Watersports enthusiasts
  • Maritime professionals looking to progress