Exploring Life at Sea: West Nautical’s Superyacht Captain’s Course Commands Resilience and Confidence

Every October, skippers from across the globe converge on Newcastle upon Tyne in anticipation of West Nautical’s distinguished Captain’s Command and Control Course. A staple in West Nautical’s event calendar, this course has secured Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields Marine School’s global reputation for excellence in maritime training, traditionally associated with the glamorously luxurious hubs of the South of France or Bahamas.

Designed exclusively for captains possessing a STCW Reg A-II/2 Master (Yacht) 3000GT or higher, this course never fails to exceed the expectations. It collaboratively integrates the sophisticated bridge simulator at South Shields Marine School and a series of emergency scenarios to test the participants’ decision-making and communication skills. The ultimate goal here is not just to navigate the high seas but one’s mind too. It instills confidence and prepares captains for high-pressure situations inherent in their jobs.

Incidents such as fires, collisions, and sinkings, while rare, do cast a shadow over the superyacht industry. To manage these effectively, West Nautical initiated this command and control course in 2015. The course’s simulated scenarios are specifically curated to be superyacht-centric, providing realistic experiences that are invaluable.

Over the years, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, renowned for its shipbuilding legacy, has reshaped itself into a hub of maritime learning, courtesy of the South Shields Marine School. This transformative institution not only revived the city’s dwindling maritime pulse but continues to fuel it by fostering skilled maritime professionals, reminiscent of the bygone shipbuilding era. As we glance into the future of marine training, it’s safe to say that the helm is in good hands, steering steadily towards excellence.