SAMSA-Approved Skippers Training & Licensing

SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) approved skipper’s courses for power-driven vessels under 9m. These courses cover inland waters, as well as offshore distances of 1, 15, and 40 nautical miles (NM).

Providing SRC VHF+DSC Marine Radio Courses for vessels operating in Category D, C, or B.

Course Categories & Requirements

Skipper – Inland Waters (Category R)

For operation in rivers, dams, estuaries, lagoons, and fishing harbors.
✅ Requirements:

• Doctor’s certificate & eye test
• Copy of ID
• Age: 16+
• Experience: 25 hours of skippering or 100 hours as active crew
• Written, oral & practical exam

Day Skipper – Category E (<9m, 1NM out to sea & inland waters)

✅ Requirements:

• Doctor’s certificate & eye test
• Copy of ID
• Age: 16+
• Experience: 25 hours of skippering or 100 hours as active crew
• Written, oral & practical exam

Day Skipper – Category C (<9m, 15NM out to sea)

✅ Requirements:

• Doctor’s certificate & eye test
• Copy of ID
• Experience: 25 hours of sea service (on Category C or D vessels)
• Written, oral & practical exam

Day Skipper – Category B (<9m, 40NM out to sea)

✅ Requirements:

• Doctor’s certificate & eye test
• Copy of ID
• Age: 16+
• Experience: 50 hours of skippering (on Category B vessels)
• Written, oral & practical exam

Skipper Coastal (<9m, 40NM out & night rating)

✅ Requirements:

• Doctor’s certificate & eye test
• Copy of ID
• Age: 18+
• Experience: 200 hours of skippering (50 hours at night) on Category B or higher vessels
• Must hold at least a Category C Skipper license
• Practical test at 40NM using your own Category B vessel
• Written, oral & practical exam

Endorsements: Dive Skipper

For qualified dive professionals.
✅ Requirements:

• Minimum Qualification: Dive Master or equivalent
• Age: 18+
• Experience: 10 hours of logged skippering on a dive boat
• Practical exam on a dive boat 

Skipper Courses done through Eventide Marine