Marine courses in Dubai

Al Bateen Marine Training Institute, officially approved by the UAE Federal Transport Authority and Dubai Maritime City Authority, is the sole ISSA-affiliated center in the UAE and GCC for marine training. They offer a full spectrum of courses—from inshore powerboat skipper and VHF/SRC radio certifications to advanced offshore power yacht skipper programs and marine engine operator training. These courses follow internationally recognized ISSA standards, combining essential theory (on navigation, tides, meteorology, collision regulations) with hands-on practical sessions on various vessels. Graduates are eligible for both FTA (below 12 m and 24 m) and DMCA marine driving licenses upon successful completion.

For those aiming for guest service roles on superyachts, the Institute’s 30‑day Professional Yacht Hospitality Course offers immersive, onboard training. It covers everything from wine service and housekeeping to flower arrangements and etiquette, paired with real guest interaction, shifting across vessels to provide diverse exposure. Participants graduate with an ISSA hospitality license and often receive reference letters or job offers. Additionally, Al Bateen provides personalized, one‑to‑one practical coaching using both their own fleet and students’ boats—ideal for refining boat handling and docking skills under expert guidance.

Marine Concept is the sole IYT partner school in the UAE, offering a fully integrated blend of yacht charter and practical sea training—ideal for both enthusiasts and future professionals. Fully accredited by the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure (FMA/MOEI), and the Federal Transport Authority since 2011, they deliver a wide spectrum of courses. From foundational certifications like the IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master and VHF/SRC radio operator, to advanced qualifications including International Bareboat Skipper and IYT Master of Yachts (Coastal and up to 200 tons), plus FMA small-boat licenses and full STCW Basic Safety Training, the institute caters to diverse maritime ambitions. Training is hands-on, using their exclusive fleet based at Dubai Marina Yacht Club, including vessels like the Silvercraft 38 “Gaviota” and Sunseeker Manhattan 50 “Pearl”, ensuring you learn seamlessly in real-life settings.

Beyond licensing, Marine Concept offers personalized skipper coaching and yacht charters—perfect for practical experience or a leisure outing. Their professional instructors are well-qualified, with small student-to-teacher ratios and multilingual training (including English, Hindi, and Tamil), ensuring tailored learning and high engagement. The charter side complements training beautifully: after certification, you can immediately apply your skills aboard their luxury charter vessels, supported by strong local reviews praising the quality of instruction and friendliness of staff—one reviewer applauded “good teaching and good teachers” with Mr. Rajiv named as a standout instructor. Whether you’re aiming for international professional credentials or simply wanting to captain a yacht confidently, Marine Concept seamlessly combines certification, real-world handling and leisure charters.

Nemo Water Sports is one of the few RYA-certified centres in Dubai, offering the two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course, which includes 16 hours of combined theory and practical training. Students learn essential skills such as close‑quarters handling, planning and docking maneuvers, buoy securing, anchoring, man-overboard recovery, radio usage, navigation rules and emergency procedures. The training is conducted in small groups (1 instructor per 3 students) both on their boats and in a classroom setting at Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive the internationally recognized RYA Level 2 certificate, which allows them to operate motorboats (up to 12 m and 3 NM from shore) worldwide and qualify for the ICC with minimal administrative effort.

For those interested in riding jet skis, Nemo offers a one-day RYA Personal Watercraft (PWC) course. This seven-hour session (1.5 h theory + 5.5 h practice) covers safe jet ski operation, docking procedures, sea safety and handling. Graduates receive a plastic RYA PWC license card, which is recognized for registration with DMA and is valid internationally. Though not currently mandated locally, having the license is increasingly important—especially across GCC jurisdictions like Qatar, which introduced requirements in 2023.

Xclusive Sea School is one of the very few Royal Yachting Association–certified centres in Dubai, also holding ISO 9001:2015 accreditation and approval from the Dubai Maritime City Authority. They offer the core RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification—a two‑day, internationally recognised course that combines approximately 70 % hands-on practical training and 30 % theory, delivered in small groups (maximum 1 instructor per 3 students). The training takes place at Dubai Marina, aboard well‑equipped vessels, allowing students to confidently pilot boats up to ~12 m (40 ft) and qualify for both local DMCA and global RYA licenses.

Beyond licensing, Xclusive Sea School provides personalised one‑to‑one training packages to refine boat-handling, docking and confidence at the helm. For those pursuing a maritime career, the school offers a Superyacht Deckhand STCW program—a 14‑day immersive package. This includes STCW Basic Safety, RYA Powerboat Level 2, VHF radio, security duties, live deckhand training aboard real yachts, accommodation and a guaranteed 6-month job placement with salary support. This blend of licensing, coaching,and career transition support makes Xclusive Sea School an excellent choice for both recreational and professional mariners in Dubai.

JLS Yacht Training Institute is a fully recognized RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training Centre in Dubai, holding ISO 9001:2015 certification and offering both regulated and bespoke marine programs. Their curriculum covers foundational to advanced RYA certifications, including Powerboat Levels 1–2, Intermediate and Advanced Powerboat, Personal Watercraft (PWC) proficiency, VHF/SRC radio, sea survival, first aid, tender operation, and RYA instructor training. They also provide STCW Basic Safety and security awareness courses, as well as tailored deckhand, yacht awareness, dockhand and yacht practical sessions—ideal for those targeting careers on superyachts or in light commercial maritime operations.

JLS emphasizes small class sizes—typically 3:1 during powerboat training—to ensure personalized instruction and high-quality engagement. Google Reviews and testimonials praise the institution’s knowledgeable instructors and supportive staff.

SMTC UAE is an OPITO-approved and ISO 9001:2015/ISO 45001:2018 certified training centre specializing in offshore safety and emergency response programs. Their offerings include the widely respected BOSIET, TBOSIET, FOET, HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training), H₂S awareness, and Travel Safely by Boat (TSbB)—designed to meet the rigorous safety standards of the oil and gas and maritime sectors. Each multi-day course blends classroom instruction with realistic simulations, complete with emergency breathing systems, fire-fighting drills, first aid and survival techniques—ensuring that participants exit with both an official certificate and a personal safety passport widely recognized throughout the industry.

In addition to offshore training, SMTC UAE provides STCW Basic Training—covering personal survival, fire-fighting, first aid and personal safety/security training over five intensive days. Their high-quality training facility in Dubai Maritime City includes workshops and realistic marine scenarios, staffed by instructors with significant field experience. As part of SMTC Global—with approved centres across Southeast Asia and the Middle East—SMTC UAE benefits from global consistency in standards and course delivery. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals in Dubai’s maritime and offshore sectors seeking internationally accredited safety and emergency preparedness training.

Dubai Sailing Academy, based at Dubai Harbour Marina, offers a professional yet personal approach to sailing education, led by an award-winning sailor with a passion for the sea. The academy provides a range of courses tailored to different skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced sailors pursuing international skipper certifications. Training covers essential sailing techniques, safety protocols and navigation, with a strong focus on hands-on experience. Whether you’re aiming to learn the basics or work toward offshore qualifications, the academy combines structured instruction with a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.

In addition to formal certifications, Dubai Sailing Academy also offers private sailing experiences and VIP lessons, catering to both individuals and corporate groups. Morning and afternoon sessions are available for flexibility, and all safety gear is provided as part of the course. With competitive pricing and a reputation for professional, engaging instruction, the academy stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to start or grow their sailing journey in Dubai.