Frequently asked questions:

• Do I need a licensed skipper to sign off my log for the Cat R skipper license? (no, the applicant can sign it off himself)
• Can I upgrade from a Cat R to a Cat E skipper license? (Yes you can. As soon as you have the 25 hours on sea logged and signed by a skipper with skipper license Cat E up to Cat B. You can then do an application to SAMSA and you have to submit an Annexure 6, as well as an Annexture 8. 4 ID photos, Copy of ID and 25 hour sea log as well as the Medical Certificate. Copy of skippers ID of skipper who trained you on the sea as well as a copy of his Skipper license and an affidavit that he trained you at sea, (an Submission fee has to be paid to SAMSA)
• What happens if I fail the skipper exam? (The skipper exam paper is divided into modules for which you must get 60 % per module. We will give you time to study that module and as soon as you are ready you can come and rewrite that one module. Your application for skipper license will not be held back and will be submitted to SAMSA.
• Do I have to study before the skipper exam? (No but you can collect the skipper manual beforehand and go through the manual. The subjects are covered in detail and explained thoroughly. Students have to ask questions if they do not understand subjects in the manual. During the practical we explain most of the detail in the manual. Do not stress, ask questions so that you understand.
• Can I do the skipper course online? Yes you can, you can order the skipper course manual from us. We can either send online manual guide to you by e-mail at no cost or buy the manual at R 120.00. It can either be picked up by you or we can send it by Aramex at an extra cost of R 100. If you do the skipper exam through us the skipper manual payment will deducted from the total amount.
• Are you only doing skipper courses? No, we also do the Certificates of fitness (COF). Buoyancy certificates as well as fitting buoyancy in vessels.
• Can Skipper Academy Gauteng North come and do the skippers course in another Town?Yes we can. If you arrange for 10 students to do the skipper course with us, we can come to your place to do the skipper course with you in your town.
• Where can I get a new number for my new boat? We can issue you a new Department of transport number (DTG) at no cost.
• If I buy a second hand boat with a number on, can I keep that number? Yes you can but you then get a transfer form from the instistute that issued that number and then transfer it to your name. It is easier to get a new number. As per Marine notice 13 of 2011 the owner of a vessel should take off the number when he sell the vessel
• Is my skipper license also allowed by other countries? Yes, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Swaziland allow South African skipper licenses, and for oversea countries it must be arranged with that country to give you a permit to operate a vessel.
• Do I need a Skipper license for my Jet ski? Yes you do need a skipper license
• Do I need a skipper license if my engine is smaller than 15hp? No license is needed for vessels with engines ≤ 15hp. The vessel must still comply with the regulations like, buoyancy, lifejackets and emergency equipment.
• How long is my Skipper license valid? Skipper license does not expire.
• Where can I do practical boat handling if I have no previous experience? We have qualified skippers registered with SAMSA to help you with the practical experience. Cost to be negotiated with skipper, depending on how many students involved.

Click Below To View Our Online Booklet

Willie Oosterhuis. Cel: 083 727 3913. E-mail: willie@oosterhuis.co.za

Pieter Bronkhorst. Cel: 082 874 4513. E-mail BronkhorstP@arc.agric.za

Johan Franken. Cel: 082 374 4356 E-mail: johan@exoticanursery.co.za