The RYA has now has released new and updated documentation for Superyachts running the ‘Introduction to Personal Watercraft safety scheme.’ For all related documents please click here. This year the RYA has released new guidance notes to assist with Superyachts writing their Operating Procedures:

Guidance notes for “Writing Training Centre Operating Procedures as part of your Safety Management System”

Should you have any questions regarding the scheme please don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with one of the Riviera Sea School team. The School’s Principal, Sam Kemble-Taylor, is an RYA PW Trainer and Superyacht Inspector thus perfectly placed down here in the South of France to assist you and your crew for the 2012 season. Please click here for further information.

OTHER NEWS FROM THE RYA

RATIOS for teaching PW safety are: 1 instructor can supervise 3 sit-down machines with a maximum of 2 students on each machine; or if using stand-up’s, an instructor can supervise 3 machines with one person on each.

Instructor first aid certificates have an expiry of 3 years, however, the STCW first aid certificate can be accepted past 3 years for PW Instructors on board Superyachts, providing evidence is given of the certificate holder being updated on EAV (Expired Air Ventilation) and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).

Keep an eye out for our January Special Offer, coming soon!!

From all the team at Riviera Sea School, may we wish you a very merry christmas and

remember to watch this space for fantastic special offers and lots more useful information in the New Year!

By: Riviera Sea School, your Sea School in the South of France

Here at Riviera sea school we are often inundated with requests for onboard crew training outside of the French Riviera. Along with its simply stunning coastline and more available berth space Italy has become a hot spot for Superyachts cruising the Med. This year alone we have found ourselves visiting ports such as San Remo, Imperia, Genoa, La Spezia & Viareggio (just to name a few) to conduct onboard tuition for crew and guests alike. Here are some of the more popular courses we run as onboard tuition:

RYA Personal Watercaft/Jet Ski Instructor course
RYA Powerboat Level 2 course
RYA VHF Short Range certificate

For a full list of RYA courses available to your yacht please click here

There are many advantages to having an Instructor visit your yacht to conduct crew training. Here are just a few of the benefits:

- A much more costs effect method of RYA training
- Flexible course dates
- Crew remain onboard so can assist with watches and other duties
- Crew become familiarized with the yachts tenders and individual idiosyncrasies
- Training is specific to your crew
- No time/money is wasted on travel or accommodation
- Crew bond and learn how to work in a team thus grow in confidence

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to discuss crew training for your yacht. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

As a bit of a helping hand, Riviera Sea School’s Principal writes about the changing role of a superyacht tender driver and offers some key points to think about before taking your owners/guests out for a trip.

The role of a tender driver is constantly changing as the tenders themselves continue to evolve. Gone are the days of a superyacht having one or maybe two simple inflatables tenders used for basic shuttle runs to a from the shore. Tenders are now much larger, better equipped and able to travel much long distances thus encouraging guests/owners to take more adventurous trips away from the safety of the yacht.

Experience and ongoing powerboat training are of paramount importance. Not only for the safety of your passengers but consider the fact that your tender could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds itself. A prime example of such expense is the recently launched MY Exuma which homes an impressive fleet of these ‘new age’ tenders, including: an amphibious vehicle, a hovercraft, two tenders, respectively measuring 21ft and 14ft, two electric land scooters, two Seabobs and a Sea-Doo RXT 250 jet ski.

Keep in control and ensure a safe and comfortable trip for your passengers whatever equipment you may have on board with our following pointers:

Sitting pretty,

Don’t overload the tender, think about safety and comfort. If you need to make two trips then do so. Almost all tenders will have a CE marking which will include information on the maximum number of persons to be carried giving no excuses for an overloaded tender. Ensure that weight is distributed evenly and appropriately before taking off.

Mind the gap,

Help your passengers on and off the tender. It is not an uncommon sight to see passengers attempting a death defying jump to shore before the tender has come to a stop. Try to ensure that your passengers remain seated until it is safe for them to disembark. If you are having some difficulty in convincing them feel free to share the following clip (not for the faint hearted!)

Respect the elements,

Unfortunately the elements are out of our control so try to use them to your advantage and if possible travel into the wind when berthing and therefore using it as a break.

Wind and spray,

When your guests are on their way to their favorite restaurant the last thing they are going to want is to arrive drenched in salty sea water. If possible position your guests on the opposite side to the wind to minimize the risk of them getting wet.

Provisions,

Even on the shortest trip don’t forget a cooler bag with some drinks and towels.

Keep in touch,

Ensure that you carry out regular radio checks so that other crew know where you (and the guests) are at all times. With all the modern methods of communication available to us going awol is not acceptable.

Scout out the area,

There is not always time to do this but if possible try to get out in advance to determine the best route, where it is safe to drop off and pick up, walking distances to and from the desired destination and above all, is it legal for you to use the area.

Take charge,

At the end of the day if you are at the helm you are responsible so be prepared to take control of the situation. Of course, politeness towards you guests/passengers is paramount but you may be required to take a firmer approach from time to time. Common incidents usually include, overloading of the tender, dangerous drop off points and speeding, which brings us on nicely to our last (but not least) point of the day….

Keep within the law,

Rules and regulations are there to keep you safe. Ensure you are up to speed with IRPCS and all the local rules and regulation for the area. Being pulled over by the locals to be given a hefty fine will not please your guests despite your perfectly honed tender driving skills keeping them dry!

For further information on powerboat training in the South of France please do not hesitate to contact one of our team. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

For further information on the Guardiennage & Yacht Delivery packages Riviera School have to offer please contact us and arrange to speak with one of our dedicated team.

By Riviera Sea School: Your Sea School in the South of France

About the author - Rivera Sea School is an RYA Training Centre based just outside of Antibes in the Port of Golfe Juan (two stops on the train!). We offer a full range of RYA course to help you get ahead in the yachting industry, from the popular RYA Powerboat Level Two up to Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean courses. Please don’t hesitate to give us a ring on the following number: 06 17 266 036. I hope you find the following information useful in helping you find your dream job!

Please find below a list of crew agencies that have a base here in the South of France. If you find any of this information inaccurate then please do let us know. Remember you will need to distinguish yourself from the crowd so make a good first impression. Dress yourself suitable and ensure that your CV is sparkling and holds the correct contact details! Good luck!

By: Riviera Sea School – Your Sea school in the South of France

About the author – Rivera Sea School is an RYA Training Centre based just outside of Antibes in the Port of Golfe Juan (two stops on the train!). We offer a full range of RYA course to help you get ahead in the yachting industry, from the popular RYA Powerboat Level Two up to Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean courses. Please don’t hesitate to give us a ring on the following number: 06 17 266 036. I hope you find the following info of some use and have a great stay in Antibes!

Here at Riviera Sea School we are always asked by those looking to get ahead in the yachting industry where are the best places to stay whilst training and looking for work. So, we thought we would put together the following as a little guide to finding ‘crew accommodation’ here in the South of France.

Crew Houses/Accommodation are a great place to get started, find your way in a new environment and network with others who are in a similar position. Please do let us know if you find any of the following information to be inaccurate.

The Glamorgan Crew House

Contact – Chris Browne

Address – 20 Avenue Thiers, Antibes | Email – glamorgan@orange.fr

Contact – Telephone – 06 25 16 54 57 | Web – www.theglamorgan.com

Debbies Crew House

Contact – Debbie

Address – 67 Blvd Beau Rivage Prolonge, Antibes

Contact – Email – debbie@debbiescrewhouse.com | Telephone – 06 32 38 75 28 | Web – www.debbiescrewhouse.com

The Crew Grapevine

Contact – Jennifer or Jason

Address – 16 Rue de la Baune, Antibes and 25 Rue du Bas Castelet, Antibes

Contact – Email - info@crewgrapevine.com |Telephone – 06 16 66 28 43 |Web – www.crewgrapevine.com

The Crew House

Address – 1 Avenue Saint Roch

Contact – Email – the.crewhouse@yahoo.com/workstation_fr@yahoo.com | Telephone – 06 31 34 05 50

Web – www.facebook.com/crewhouse.antibes

Please feel free to post any comments or feedback on your experience below.

With the Winter season almost upon us (where has the Summer gone!?) the RSS team are preparing themselves for all our prospective Yachtmaster students ready to take their next steps on the training ladder. Due to popular demand we have put together a neat and convenient package for our Yachtmaster Offshore students. This package includes the Yachtmaster Offshore Theory course, Practical Preparation course plus examination and the VHF Short Range Certificate (all additional fees are included). Be sure to check out our new ‘Yachtmaster page’ on our website for more information on course dates and fees.

Now that you have made the decision to embark on this advanced course you are more than likely feeling slightly apprehensive about what you are getting yourself into, don’t be, written by the experts here are a few hints and some guidance on gaining that all important successful result on your examination day!

Safety Safety Safety!

Paramount to your success, this one little word should be at the forefront of your mind at all times! Make sure that you understand all the safety procedures onboard and be prepared to give your examiner a safety brief at the beginning of the day. Remember it is more than likely that your examiner will not have stepped foot on your boat prior to your exam so he/she will want to know as much about it prior to heading out. Don’t forget to continuously monitor weather conditions and be ready for any meteorology questions on current conditions of the day. Always keep in mind how the weather may influence your day out on the water.

So what will happen on your examination day?

Your RYA Examiner will not have been given this title easily, you can expect him/her to be a very experienced seaman/woman and will understand that even the best get nervous. After all nerves are a good thing as they show that you care about what you are undertaking. A good examiner will always do their best to allay your fears and anxieties so try not to worry. When the examiner meets you onboard he/she will set out the plan for the day, they will never take you by surprise or try to trick you in anyway and although each plan is never identical you can expect something along the lines of the following…..

A passage plan

You will more than likely be asked to undertake some sort of passage. Be sure you are aware of your boats’ position at all times throughout your passage. Try not to bury your head so far into your chart though that you forget to look out the window! Here in the Mediterranean we have the luxury of not being affected by any significant tide, this does not however mean you should become complacent on this subject, be prepared to be given theoretical problems to solve involving tidal streams and heights, make life easy on yourself and be sure you are well practiced in this area.

Some nice boat handling

You will need to be able to demonstrate a good level of competence in this area, try your best to show the examiner that you are comfortable behind the wheel. You can expect that they will ask you to undertake some close quarter maneuvering inside the marina that will involve the classic Mediterranean mooring technique, berthing and leaving pontoons. You will not necessarily be expected to perform these maneuvers perfectly first-time, or even every-time but do demonstrate a good awareness of what is happening and don’t be afraid to take a moment, pull away in a safe manor and try the exercise again, explaining as you go what your intentions are.

A man over board exercise or two!

Be on your toes at all times as most examiners do love a good MOB exercise. Be sure you know the different methods well and use which ever one suits the conditions and the boat you are in.

Finally, your skippering ability…

Now, if you have read the above and you are now thinking, yeah I think I can give it a go, consider this one final question,

Can you drive your boat safely and confidently whilst providing the rest of your crew with the necessary instruction and guidance they will need to perform their tasks efficiently and without confusion or stress? Remember whether your crew have fully understood your briefs and have acted accordingly or not will give your Examiner a good indication of whether you are ready to take command of a vessel.

If you are interested in becoming a Yachtmaster or would like to discuss your current experience and abilities with one of our team, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

The following article aims provide you with some relevant information on the ‘recommended’ medical fitness test required to commercially endorse your RYA licenses. To learn more about all the courses Riviera Sea School has to offer why not visit our home page.

Many students who have obtained RYA qualifications have done so to allow them to work in the commercial sector of yachting, and yes that does include the Superyacht Industry. In order to ensure that all your certification is above board to do so you must commercially endorse your licenses to prove that you have undergone further training and have achieved a medical fitness test.

The ENG-1 Medical certificate is the most popular choice by those wishing to fulfill these requirements.

The ENG1 can only be conducted and issued by an MCA approved doctor and is otherwise known as the seafarers medical certificate, and is fast becoming a compulsory requirement for those of you looking to work in the super yacht industry on a charter yacht.

There are two main MCA approved doctors who work nearby Antibes and are listed below, a full list of approved MCA doctors can be obtained from the MCA website.

Once you have obtained your ENG 1, it is valid for two years following successful completion. Details of what can be expected during your exam can be found on MSN 1765 M found on the MCA website.

Here in the South of France you can expect to pay in the region of 120 euros for your exam.

ENG-1 Doctors in the South of France (Antibes, Valbonne)

Dr P A Ireland who is based in Valbonne (20 min drive from Antibes) - 0493129566

Dr M Lefebrve who is based in Juan Les Pins (5 mins from Antibes) - 0492930770

Visit the MCA website or the RYA website for further information on obtaining your ENG-1 Certificate

Please feel free to drop us an email or give us a call if you have anything to add to this article or if you should find any of the above information to be inaccurate.