ISSA Boat Master Course
– 5 Day Recreational Course

ISSA Yacht Crew Course
– 4 Day Recreational Course

Duration
5 Days

Level
Beginner

Location
Cape Panwa • Mai Khao

Certification
ISSA Recognised

Experience
None Required

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

Why take this Course?

Why take this Course?

  • Learn to safely operate and command a small powerboat with confidence
  • Build confidence through practical on-the-water training
  • Develop essential navigation and seamanship skills
  • Master launching, manoeuvring and anchoring
  • Understand weather, tides and collision regulations
  • Complete the ISSA VHF Radio Course
  • Gain the internationally recognised ISSA Boat Master Certificate
  • Progress towards the ISSA Inshore Motor Yacht Skipper Course

Your Boating Journey starts here :

The ISSA Boat Master Course provides the ideal starting point for developing safe, confident powerboat handling skills. Combining practical training with essential navigation, seamanship and VHF radio knowledge, the course prepares you to take charge of a small powerboat in sheltered coastal waters during daylight hours.

After gaining further practical experience — approximately 600 nautical miles or one season of regular boating — you can progress to the ISSA Inshore Motor Yacht Skipper Course, continuing your development towards more advanced motor yacht qualifications.

See the Course in Action

See the Course in Action

Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISSA Boat Master Course is a comprehensive five-day programme designed to develop the practical skills and essential knowledge required to safely operate and command a small powerboat. Suitable for newcomers to powerboating and those with limited boating experience, the course combines practical training with classroom-based instruction, including the ISSA VHF Radio Course.

Throughout the programme you'll develop confidence in boat handling, engine operation, navigation, passage planning, meteorology, anchoring and collision regulations, together with the seamanship skills needed for safe day-to-day boating. Training is delivered by experienced ISSA instructors using a balanced mix of practical exercises and theoretical learning.

Successful students are awarded the internationally recognised ISSA Boat Master Certificate, recognising their ability to safely operate a small powerboat in sheltered coastal waters during daylight hours. After gaining further practical boating experience, graduates can progress to the ISSA Inshore Motor Yacht Skipper Course, continuing their development towards more advanced powerboat qualifications.

Skills You'll Learn

Skills You'll Learn

Practical Boat Handling

  • Safe boat handling under power
  • Engine operation and basic systems
  • Launching and recovering a small boat
  • Anchoring techniques
  • Hull types and boat terminology
  • Essential seamanship skills

Navigation Safety

  • Navigation and position fixing
  • Passage planning
  • IALA buoyage system
  • Collision regulations (IRPCS/COLREGS)
  • Meteorology and tidal streams
  • VHF radio procedures and basic first aid

Official ISSA Student Textbook

Optional Study Guide - ISSA Student Textbook

SIA student textbook cover for issa boat master course showing a motor yacht moored at sunset

The Official ISSA Boat Master 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 attending the course to become familiar with the topics covered, while others use it afterwards as a valuable reference to reinforce the skills learned on the water.

Sample Pages:

  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for boat master course student textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about types of anchors and choosing a safe anchorage
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety first on issa courses
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about first aid at sea
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page of course test questions in multiple choice format
  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for inshore skipper textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety at sea
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about navigation including chart symbols and chart datum
VIEW TEXTBOOK DETAILS

Course Availability

Course Availability

  • 5 Day Course
  • Training Available from Cape Panwa & Mai Khao
  • Advanced Booking Recommended • Discounts may be Available
  • Available all year round • twice monthly

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

CHECK AVAILABILTY

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

  • 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

Ready to take the Next Step?

Ready to take the Next Step?

Send us your preferred dates and any questions, and our team will confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.

If this course sounds right for you, send us your preferred dates and details. We'll check availability, instructor scheduling and yacht allocation before confirming the next steps.

SEND COURSE ENQUIRY

Frequently Asked Questions about Boating Courses

No formal experience is required. The ISSA Boat Master Course is designed for students who are new to powerboating or have limited boating experience. Training begins with the fundamentals and progressively develops your practical skills and confidence throughout the course.

On successful completion, you'll receive the internationally recognised ISSA Boat Master Certificate, together with the ISSA VHF Radio Certificate. After gaining approximately 600 nautical miles or one season of regular boating experience, you'll be eligible to progress to the ISSA Inshore Motor Yacht Skipper Course.

This is a highly practical course combining classroom instruction with extensive on-the-water training. Throughout the programme you'll continually apply your boat handling, navigation and seamanship skills in real boating conditions.

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 →

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.

Early booking and multiple course discounts may be available from time to time. Please contact us to discuss current offers and availability.

Your Boating Journey Starts Here

The ISSA Boat Master Course provides the ideal foundation for anyone looking to develop safe, confident powerboat handling skills. Combining practical training with essential navigation, seamanship and VHF radio instruction, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to take charge of a small powerboat in sheltered coastal waters during daylight hours.

After gaining further practical boating experience, you'll be ready to progress to the ISSA Inshore Motor Yacht Skipper Course, continuing your development towards more advanced motor yacht qualifications.

Need advice before booking?
Whether you have questions about course suitability, available dates, accommodation or the next stage of your powerboating journey, our team is happy to help.
Contact us by email or WhatsApp — we're here to help.

CONTACT US