Between contracts? Don’t wait; upgrade!
“Add land-based skills that keep you earning during off-season“
Get internationally recognised qualifications, hands-on training and job placement support to cross between shore and sea based job opportunities.
Accreditations: Highfield • Internationally Recognised • For Active Maritime Professionals
Sea-to-Shore Upskilling – Package
Your Journey. Your Growth. Your Future at Sea
Why This Career?
Industry Gap
Yacht and cruise crew often face 2–3 month gaps between contracts. Rather than waiting, smart crew upskill in land-based hospitality — barista, wine service, floral design — making them employable in luxury hotels, guest houses, and events during the off-season.
The Crossover Advantage
You already have the maritime safety certificates. Now add boutique land-based skills that coastal hotels and lodges desperately need. You become employable 12 months a year, not just when contracts are available.
The Lifestyle
Spend your off-season in beautiful coastal towns — Hout Bay, St Helena Bay, PE — working in cafés, wine estates, or luxury guest houses. Earn while you wait for your next contract.
Security
Diversified skills mean diversified income. When the yachting market slows, your land-based skills keep money coming in.
Work.
Travel.
Earn.
Grow.
Your Adventure Starts Here.
Included in this career package
The training required by various industries and ships can vary depending on the type of ship, the position you’re applying for, and the company’s specific requirements. Make sure you enrol for the correct courses:
We recommend first checking with your recruitment agent or the company to confirm exactly which STCW certificates are required for your role. This will help ensure that you complete the appropriate training and avoid paying for any courses that may not be necessary.
From training to your first pay-cheque at sea. We guide you every step of the way.
Course 1
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering (RQF) (1 Day)
Course 2
Highfield Level 2 Award in HACCP for Catering (RQF) (1 Days)
Course 3
Highfield Level 2 Award in Health and Safety within the Workplace (RQF) (1 Day)
Course 4
Highfield Level 2 Diploma for Professional Cooks (RQF) (6 Months) We can RPL if needed.
Is this for me ?
Entry Requirements:
- Existing yacht or cruise crew with active STCW certificates
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Must be 18 years or older
Note: Some Ships only employ at 21-years or older.
Additional Requirements:
Willingness to work land-based roles during off-season, presentable appearance for hospitality environments.
Where can I work ?
- Yacht crew on active contracts (your new skills also upgrade your onboard value)
- Coastal cafés and coffee shops during off-season
- Wine estates and tasting rooms
- Luxury guest houses and B&Bs
- Event catering and private function staffing
- Yacht provisioning and interior styling (freelance)
What Will My Training Look Like ?
Intensive, practical workshops in boutique skills — pulling the perfect espresso, decanting wine, plating to Instagram standard, and creating floral arrangements that would grace any luxury interior.
Sea-to-Shore Upskilling Career Ladder
Use your Skills. Grow your Career. Succeed on Land or at Sea
Additional Services
- Flexible scheduling around your contract dates
- Modular booking (take one day or all four)
- STCW expiry tracking and reminder service
- Land-based employer introductions in your home port
- Alumni network access
- Lunch during training days
Useful Tips
- Work hard — even "fun" skills like barista work require practice to master
- Be early — land-based hospitality values punctuality as much as yachting
- Understand project management — running a café shift or styling a yacht interior both require coordination
Invest in your Future
Payment Options
- Option #1 - Full upfront booking and payment – You Save as above.
- Option #2 - We can structure a deposit + Monthly installments; some discount applies.
- Option #3 - We can structure a deposit + Quarterly installments; some discount applies.
Loan Calculator
Ready to Launch
Take your first step towards your international career. Contact us and a career consultant will get back to you. All inquiries are responded to during regular business hours (Mon-Fri).
Your contact information is only used for the purpose intended and in accordance with our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take all four days?
No. Mix and match based on your interests and the local job market. Barista and wine service are in highest demand in coastal towns.
Will these skills actually help me on yachts too?
Absolutely. A stewardess who can make speciality coffee, decant wine properly, and style interiors is significantly more valuable — and better paid — than one who can’t.
What if my STCW is expiring?
We can bundle your update training with the upskilling package. One trip, multiple outcomes.
Can I do this while on leave in my hometown?
Yes. We run these courses regularly at all three centres. Book around your schedule.
Package – Terms & Conditions
- Up-front payment is required to qualify for the saving.
- Once courses are booked, our refund policy applies.
- You have six months from the date of payment/booking to complete the courses included in the promotion.
- Courses can be booked and completed at any time during your 6-month validity period; consecutive course bookings are not required.
- Contact our Career Guidance if you are unsure of anything.