Tailormade STCW courses and Masters yacht training for superyacht crew in Rotterdam

Superyacht crew will soon be able to complete their Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW) and Masters Yacht training in Rotterdam. Allowing developments concerning the Covid-19 pandemic courses will commence when possible. Currently there are almost no tailormade STCW courses for superyacht crew on the European mainland.

The availability of these specialised courses provide a valuable contribution to the position of Rotterdam as an attractive superyacht hub. Especially interesting for superyachts following the increasingly popular Northern European route.

Check the curicculum.

Customised curriculum

The courses will be organised by Dockside.ai. A Dutch yachting agency that also offers training and certification of superyacht professionals. The courses are considered to be a stepping stone for enthusiasts who would like to pursue a career in the superyacht industry. According to Remie Kalloe (CEO Dockside.ai) being STCW certified is one of the most important factors to be able to land or maintain a position aboard a superyacht.

“STCW certification is one of the most important factors to be able to land or maintain a position aboard a superyacht.”

Remie Kalloe, CEO Dockside.ai

These certificates are mandatory for all seafarers that are involved with watchkeeping or safety aboard commercial vessels. In effect this encompasses all crew on superyachts. The unique character of the superyacht industry calls for a customised curriculum that meets specific needs and requirements. Availability of dedicated STCW courses for this segment is almost non-existent. Besides Rotterdam European courses are only offered in Oslo and Las Palmas at the moment.

Learn more about superyacht builders in the maritime capital of Europe.

Rotterdam is the logical choice

Kalloe recognised the opportunity for offering tailormade superyacht STCW courses. Based on industry standards such as firefighting, state of the art materials and use of helicopters for example. He states that Rotterdam is the best and most logical choice: “The region is home to some of the largest superyacht builders of the Netherlands and offers many relevant facilities or services for that matter. In addition Rotterdam is internationally recognised for its maritime DNA and high quality standards.”

Dockside.ai will make use of the STC-KNRM facilities in the port of Rotterdam. In contrary to other training facilities in Europe this location has a top-notch simulation centre. Another contributing factor that helped Kalloe choose for Rotterdam is the expected growth of the refit market for superyachts in the maritime capital of Europe. Kalloe mentions that it is common for crew to be involved during build or refit. “By offering the training close to the yard at a single training facility is a huge timesaver. Owners and operators of superyachts will take this in account when choosing their refit location.” Kalloe continues.

Ideally located on the Northern European route

In recent years there is an increased trend for superyachts to visit Northern destinations such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Baltic region. Rotterdam is perfectly positioned on the route to and from these locations. Easy access to the port in combination with high quality facilities for maintenance and refit make Rotterdam the ideal stopover for superyachts following the Northern European route.

The region is most likely to benefit from adding tailormade STCW courses to the already broad range of superyacht services. Kalloe expects that this will have positive spillover upon the entire regional maritime cluster and the position of Rotterdam as superyacht hub.

Source: Dockside.ai