Durban · Est. 2007
Get your skipper’s licence with confidence.
Dawson’s Skipper Training, owned and run by Paul and Wendy, teaches skippers to be safe at sea and on inland waters through experience. Relaxed classroom theory, hands-on practical training and small groups.
- Max 8 people per course
- NSRI rescue experience
- SAMSA Examiner
2005Training skippers since
2,200+People qualified
8Maximum people per course
37yrsCombined NSRI volunteer experience
Welcome aboard
Competent, confident power boat skippers
Established in 2007, Dawson’s Skipper Training qualifies people to skipper power boats under 9m, from recreational fishermen to employees of companies in the marine industry.
Known as “the one-stop shop”, we have welcomed students from as far as Botswana, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and America. Our courses are presented in a relaxed, conversational environment:- PowerPoint presentations and interactive discussion
- Hands-on practical training on the water
- Course dates set 3–4 months ahead so you can plan
- Customised courses and dates for companies
How it works
Your route to a skipper’s licence
From your first enquiry to taking the helm on your own, we guide you every step of the way.Enquire & book
Choose a scheduled course date, full-time or part-time. Wendy makes the booking hassle-free.Learn the theory
Rules of the road, safety and seamanship, taught through presentations and discussion.Get on the water
Hands-on practical training with experienced NSRI rescue coxswains beside you.Qualify as a skipper
Be assessed and take to the water safely, with the confidence that comes from experience.
Skipper’s Courses:
For power driven vessels <9m in length.
Category R – Inland Waters (dams, rivers, estuaries, lagoons, harbours, fishing ports) (day & night) – 2 days full time
Category E – 1 nautical mile offshore (day only) – 5 days full time
Category C – 15 nautical miles offshore (day only) – 5 days full time
Category B Day – 40 nautical miles offshore (day only) – 5 days full time
Upgrade Courses:
Category B Coastal – 40 nautical miles offshore (day & night) – 2 days
Additional Endorsements:
Surf Launching
Dive Skipper
SRC
Conversion Course
Contact us for available dates & pricing.Ask about dates & pricing
Why Dawson’s
Learn from people who rescue boaters
NSRI experience
Paul and Wendy are both qualified Class III Rescue Coxswains with 37 years’ combined NSRI volunteer service.Small groups
A maximum of 8 people per course means personal attention for every student.SAMSA Examiner
Paul is a recognised SAMSA Instructor, Examiner and Small Vessel Surveyor, and has been teaching skippers since 2005. Wendy is a recognised SAMSA Instructor and Examiner, and has been teaching skippers since 2007Safety boats
We also provide safety boats for marine surveys, diving expeditions and TV crews filming at sea.Testimonials
Skippers who trained with us
I can categorically say that it has changed our lives. Within the first 24 hours of receiving the ticket we went out fishing and caught a 30kg Yellowfin Tuna off Umhlanga.
You never really told us anything. Instead, you showed us and involved us which, of course, leads to remembering and learning. I feel thoroughly prepared to face just about anything out there now.
Thanks for bringing home the safety and recovery aspects from an NSRI perspective. It’s what made it so much more valuable and real.