Our story
“The one-stop shop” for skippers since 2007
Dawson’s Skipper Training was established in 2007 with the recognition of people needing to become qualified, competent power boat skippers of vessels under 9m in length.
Our target market started off with the recreational fisherman and soon grew to accommodate employees of companies in the marine industry. We pride ourselves on being able to accommodate people from as far as Botswana, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and America.Course dates are set up a year in advance, allowing people to plan ahead. Customised courses and dates can be arranged for companies with more than one employee needing to become qualified.Our courses are presented in a relaxed, conversational environment through PowerPoint presentations, interactive discussion and hands-on practical training.
2007Established
2,200+People qualified
8Maximum people per course
<9mPower boat vessels
Meet the team
Your instructors
Partners Paul Dawson and Wendy Serfontein have 37 years’ combined experience as volunteers of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), and are both qualified Class III Rescue Coxswains.Paul Dawson
SAMSA Instructor, Examiner & Small Vessel Surveyor
- Class III Rescue Coxswain
- Scouting
- Level III Advanced Responder First Aid
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- 4×4 Vehicle Handling
- Swift Water Rescue
- VHF Marine Radio Operations
- Rescue Scuba Diver
Wendy Serfontein
Admin, SAMSA Instructor & Examiner
- Class III Rescue Coxswain
- Level III Advanced Responder First Aid
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- 4×4 Vehicle Handling
- Swift Water Rescue
- VHF Marine Radio Operations
Who we train
Serving the marine industry
From the everyday recreational fisherman to companies and organisations across the marine sector.Tourism
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
- Msinsi Holdings
- Calypso Dive & Adventure
Environmental agencies
- SAAMBR
- CSIR
- Drizit Environmental Clean Up
- Spill Tech Oil & Chemical Pollution Control
Salvage companies
- AMSOL (African Marine Solutions)
- Stefanutti Stocks Marine
- T&T Marine
Other organisations
- SAMSA
- SARS Customs Services
- Municipal Lifeguards
- Transnet National Ports Authority
More than training
Safety boats & support at sea
An additional service from Dawson’s Skipper Training is providing safety boats for marine surveys and diving expeditions, as well as a platform for TV production camera operators capturing sporting events at sea.Enquire about safety boatsEveryone is welcome
Over 2,200 people qualified
We have seen many different kinds of people, from families, scholars and university graduates to doctors, specialist surgeons, airline pilots, business directors, MDs, CEOs and business owners. By keeping each course to a maximum of 8 people, we ensure personal attention for everyone.Our slogan “Safety Through Experience” sums up our passion to ensure people experience what it is to be safe on the water.
Ready to get your skipper’s licence?
Ask about our next course dates and pricing.