ISSA Yacht Crew Course
– 4 Day Recreational Course

ISSA Yacht Crew Course
– 4 Day Recreational Course

Duration
4 Days

Level
Beginner

Location
Cape Panwa • Mai Khao

Certification
ISSA Recognised

Experience
None Required

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

  • Ideal first step into recreational sailing
  • No previous sailing experience required
  • Learn essential sailing and seamanship skills in real conditions
  • Build confidence in helming, sail handling and seamanship
  • Gain an internationally recognised ISSA qualification
  • Progress towards the ISSA Inshore Skipper certification
  • Enjoy relaxed, professional instruction in Phuket's tropical waters
  • Continue your sailing journey towards the ISSA Inshore Skipper course

Continue Your Sailing Journey :

After successfully completing the ISSA Yacht Crew Course, many students choose to progress to the ISSA Inshore Skipper qualification, building on the skills and confidence gained during this course.

The ISSA Yacht Crew Course is the ideal introduction to recreational sailing, designed for complete beginners with no previous sailing experience. Over four practical days, you'll learn the essential skills needed to become a confident and capable member of a yacht's crew while enjoying hands-on training in the tropical waters around Phuket.

Training combines practical on-the-water instruction with the core theory every sailor needs, including yacht safety, sail handling, helming, basic navigation, weather awareness, anchoring, berthing and seamanship. With most of the course spent afloat, you'll quickly build confidence through real sailing experience under the guidance of experienced instructors.

On successful completion, you'll be awarded the internationally recognised ISSA Yacht Crew Certificate, providing a solid foundation for future sailing adventures and progression to the ISSA Inshore Skipper Course.

Skills You'll Learn

Skills You'll Learn

  • Yacht and personal safety
  • Weather awareness
  • Parts of a yacht and basic rigging
  • Preparing and de-rigging a yacht
  • Helming and crewing techniques
  • Sailing on all points of sail
  • Tacking, gybing and reaching
  • Sail handling, hoisting and trimming
  • Reefing under way
  • Leaving and picking up moorings
  • Berthing alongside and marina manoeuvres
  • Anchoring techniques
  • Using the engine safely
  • Basic Collision Regulations (IRPCS)
  • Crew Overboard Recovery (COB)
  • Basic seamanship and good sailing practice
  • Tender handling
  • Essential marine knots

The Official ISSA Yacht Crew Student Textbook is available as an optional purchase and is an excellent companion to your practical training. Many students choose to purchase a copy before their course to become familiar with the syllabus, while others use it afterwards as a valuable reference to reinforce the skills learned on the water.

Sample Pages:

  • 4 Day Course
  • 1st to 4th • every month
  • 16th to 19th • every month
  • Training Available from Cape Panwa & Mai Khao
  • Advanced Booking Recommended • Discounts Available*
  • Available all year round • twice monthly
  • NORMAL PRICE
  • Booking within 89 days • 32,000 thb
  • 90 Day Discount
  • Book in advance 90 days plus • 29,000 thb

Flexible payment options available, including PayPal, Wise, KBank and direct bank transfer.
Early booking discounts may be available for courses reserved more than 60 days in advance. Contact our team for current availability, payment options and booking assistance.

PAYPAL
Online Payment

WISE
Electronic Transfer

KBANK
KPlus Payments

BANK TRANSFER
Direct Bank Transfer

Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing Courses

No. The ISSA Yacht Crew Course is designed specifically for complete beginners. No previous sailing or boating experience is required.

On successful completion, you'll receive the internationally recognised ISSA Yacht Crew Certificate, providing the ideal foundation for progressing to the ISSA Inshore Skipper Course.

Most of the four-day course is practical, giving you extensive hands-on experience sailing and crewing a yacht under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Yes. Many students choose to progress directly to the ISSA Inshore Skipper Course, building on the practical skills and confidence gained during Yacht Crew training.

Courses operate from two dedicated Sail in Asia locations. Cape Panwa offers direct access to Phuket's southern islands and longer cruising routes, while Mai Khao provides convenient access from Phuket Airport and a relaxed training environment. Compare Cape Panwa and Mai Khao training bases →

Yes. If you'd prefer to read offline or share the information with friends and family, you can download a printable PDF version below.

Waterproof roll bag, light deck shoes, shorts or long trousers, t shirt, sunglasses and sunblock.

Sailing Gloves, SiA T shirts, SiA Caps and Log Books.

Course fees typically include tuition, use of training vessels, certification fees where applicable and course materials. Specific inclusions are listed on each course page.

Yes. We can recommend a range of nearby accommodation options to suit different budgets and locations. Please contact us before booking if you'd like advice on the most convenient place to stay.

We accept a range of payment options, including credit card, Wise, KBank transfers and international bank transfer. Our team will confirm the most suitable payment method when your course availability has been confirmed.

Discounts may be available for courses booked well in advance or for multiple course bookings. Please contact us for current offers and availability. Our standard discounts for this course are listed above

Your Sailing Journey Starts Here

Whether you're taking your first steps into sailing or progressing towards higher ISSA qualifications, our experienced instructors are here to help you achieve your goals in a safe, relaxed and enjoyable learning environment.

Need advice before booking?
Not sure which course is right for you? Our team is happy to answer your questions, discuss course options, recommend accommodation and help you choose the training programme that best matches your experience and goals.
Contact us by email or WhatsApp — we're here to help.