Super Yachting South Africa - Deckhand

A slide to the water is always a good idea. She is one of the best mega yachts in the charter market - The wonderful Luerssen Yachts 90m M/Y Phoenix 2 in Portofino

📸 Photo by Team Theamazingyacht

We’re feeling a little nostalgic.

This was our very first Watersports Instructor course, and since then we’ve gone on to train so many crew to deliver safe, confident, unforgettable watersports experiences on board.

It’s been incredible watching this part of SYSA grow, and even better seeing where our students have taken those skills.

A PWI qualification can do more than add another line to your CV. It gives deck crew a practical skill set that can lead to greater responsibility on board, particularly when it comes to managing personal watercraft, supporting guest activities, and contributing to watersports operations.

For crew looking to progress beyond entry level, PWI can also be a strong stepping stone into more specialised roles and advanced training such as SYWI.

If you’re ready to become a more versatile and valuable member of the deck team, book your PWI course with SYSA today - www.sysa.co.za

Matti Buys is SYSA’s Senior Instructor and a professional wakeskater whose career has included multiple South African national titles, a third-place finish at the IWWF World Championships.

We spoke to Matti about how he discovered wakeskating, what competing at an international level taught him, and how his experience as an athlete shapes the way he teaches today.

Meet Matti Buys - the athlete behind the instructor | SYSA The quality of any training experience is shaped by the people leading it. At SYSA, students on the Superyacht Watersports […]

Starting a career in the superyacht industry often requires several courses to be completed within a specific timeframe. Planning ahead makes it easier to coordinate your training, travel arrangements, budget, and job search.

For students entering the industry, securing foundational courses early can provide a clear route into deck work and other onboard roles. Returning students can also use this opportunity to plan career progression courses such as PWI, SYWI, RYA Tender Operator, or RYA Day Skipper Theory.

Whether you are booking a full package or an individual course, confirming your training now gives you more certainty and allows you to prepare properly for the next stage of your career.

SYSA course and package prices will increase from 1 November 2026. Students planning to complete their training later this year or during 2027 are encouraged to secure their bookings before the new pricing takes effect.

Students who are considering training in 2026 or 2027 do not need to wait until their preferred course date approaches. You can secure your booking now at the current price and plan your training with greater confidence.

Course availability is limited, and spaces on popular dates may fill in advance. We therefore recommend confirming your booking as soon as possible. Contact the SYSA bookings team to discuss available courses, packages, and training dates.

Confidence at the helm starts with time on the water.

From reading conditions to handling the boat with precision, practical training is where the theory starts to make sense. This is how capable, confident crew are built.

We love seeing what some of our past students are getting up to.

A little throwback to crew life from Andria, with a glimpse of where a career in yachting can take you. Keep tagging us in your adventures. We love following the journey long after training ends.

Joining the crew of a yacht can be a great way to see the world and earn a good salary. The pay is often very competitive, and there are many opportunities for advancement. In addition, most yachts provide their crew with free room and board, as well as other benefits.

Pay in the yachting industry is largely based on experience level, position, and vessel size; however, most entry-level positions start at around $3,000 per month (tax-free).

Remember that this figure doesn’t include tips. With experience, you can expect your salary to increase steadily over time.