Nov 07 2025
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Coastal Skippers – Category B and C + Surf Launch Endorsement.

By Sodwana Bay

www.skipperslicense.co.za SODWANA BAY SKIPPERS TRAINING If you’re aiming to skipper a vessel along South Africa’s coastline, especially in surf zones like Sodwana Bay, earning your Coastal Skipper Category B or C license with a Surf Launch Endorsement is essential. This blog breaks down what each category means, why the endorsement matters, and how to get certified. 🚤 What Is a Coastal Skipper License? In South Africa, anyone operating a small power-driven vessel must hold a valid Certificate of Competence (CoC) issued by SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority). The Coastal Skipper license is part of this certification system and is divided into categories based on operational range: Category C: For vessels operating up to 15 nautical miles from the coast. Category B: For vessels operating up to 40 nautical miles from the coast. These licenses are typically required for recreational boating, fishing charters, diving excursions, and other coastal activities. 🌊 Why Add a Surf Launch Endorsement? South Africa’s coastline is famous for its dynamic surf zones. Launching a boat through breaking waves demands specialized skill and safety awareness. The Surf Launch Endorsement certifies that a skipper is trained to: Navigate surf zones safely Handle launches and beach landings Manage crew and passenger safety during high-impact conditions This endorsement is especially critical for skippers operating in areas like Sodwana Bay, where surf launches are routine. 📚 What Does the Training Involve? Training for Category B or C with Surf Launch Endorsement includes both theory and practical components: Theory Modules: Coastal navigation and chart work Weather interpretation Safety protocols and emergency procedures SAMSA regulations and vessel handling Practical Training: Minimum of 12 surf launches on a specially rigged training boat Vessel handling in surf conditions Real-time navigation and safety drills Optional dive skipper endorsement for those operating dive charters Courses are typically run over 4 to 5 days, often in locations like Sodwana Bay, and may include accommodation and meals. 📝 Certification Requirements To qualify for the Coastal Skipper license and Surf Launch Endorsement, you’ll need: Valid ID and passport photos Medical and eyesight certificates Proof of sea time (logged hours) Completion of theory and practical assessments SAMSA-approved training provider (often affiliated with SASCA) 🧭 Final Thoughts Whether you’re launching a dive boat, guiding a fishing trip, or exploring the coast recreationally, a Category B or C Coastal Skipper license with Surf Launch Endorsement equips you with the skills and legal credentials to operate safely and confidently. It’s not just a certification—it’s a commitment to maritime safety and professionalism. If you’re based near Mbazwana or planning to train in Sodwana Bay, this could be the perfect next step in your marine journey.

Sep 27 2019
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Our new Q&A (Questions & Answers) page @ Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

Have you heard of our new Q & A page? This is a fun New page where tourists, locals and the Sodwana Bay informatiom team can all interact together. Where you can ask any question about Sodwana Bay. Such as where  to eat, sleep, best tourist attractions etc. But that’s not all you can ask, ever wonder about the biodiversity of fish and coral under the water. Take a picture add it to the comments below and if you know the answer to the question you can add your comment of the answer. Remember no question is to stupid to ask. Please do not judge questions that are asked on this site. There are always things that might seem obvious to others but to some they have not seen or heard of these objects or creatures yet.

May 28 2019
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Activities – Skippers License Training Courses @ Sibaya – Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

Our recommendation: Indian Ocean Skippers www.skipperstraining.co.za Tel: 012-3612617/012-3489078 or info@skipperstraining.co.za Get your Skippers License now!  Everybody who owns a boat or is interested in buying a boat sometime in the near future needs a Skippers License. Unfortunately just like getting your drivers License for a car, you will also need a license to drive your boat on the open waters (no matter where you go!). Luckily these days Skippers Licensing Courses are not so hard to come by. But that is easy if you live near a lake, dam, or the Sea. But for most this can become a tricky and expensive course if you can’t find the right trainers. Here are a few things you should do to start and complete your course: The first thing you have to do when getting your license is applying for a course that will suite your budget and needs. Remember to make sure the course you choose suits your needs. E.g Inland Skippers Course or Coastal Skippers course. Whats the difference you ask? The difference is that Inland courses will restrict you from venturing into the open seas, whilst Coastal Skippers License Training will  allow you to drive on the open oceans and allow you to go for a day out fishing on the dam or lake! Although the Coastal Skippers Courses are a bit more expensive than the normal Inland Courses it is worth the while, sort of like  getting a manual car License instead of  going for an automatic license. Its easier to pass but can screw you around in the future. So once you have established which course you want to or are willing to  take the next logical thing will be to decide which Skippers inland or Coastal Skippers training course you would like to apply  for and  which Skipper Licensing training company you would like to train with. Try if possible go for a company that will allow you to do your theory in your home town, there is unfortunately not much you can do if you live far away from a water bed that will suite your courses needs. Next step is to pay attention in class! If you are done with school this can be an annoying process (Unless you liked tests and exams in School). You have applied for your course and now have to attend the theory part of your License. This includes attending classes (most times over weekends to accommodate those who can’t make it during the week). You should really try pay attention during these courses and take as many notes as you possibly can, or maybe even take voice notes from the instructor while he is giving his lesson. Theory like most other tests are really important to getting your License, it shows your instructor that you truly understand the course and what  you should do practically. Once you pass your Theory test you will be able to move onto your Practical test.  Practical is where you will either make it or break it? Your actual Practical Skippers Licensing test is where your instructor takes you out on the water bed to see if you can actually put your Theory that you have learned so far into the practical world. Of course you will have a few days of Practical Training before doing your actual test. So make sure to pay as much attention as possible  to your instructor to achieve the maximum results on your final test. Sodwana Bay is a great place to do your Coastal Skippers License as you will have to learn to do a surf launch instead of just a normal dock launch, which will give you a great advantage all over the world. Check out our listings to find out which lodges and Trainers are available to get  your Coastal Skippers License from!

Apr 09 2019
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Sodwana Bay Tourist guide lines @ Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

So we were fortunate enough to go back to Sodwana Bay for our third trip and every time we go, we find something new and fun to do down there. As we explore we realize that we are missing in our tourism/travel kit. For instance – the first time we went down to Sodwana Bay we tried using our Tablets and Cellphones to take pictures of all the cool things we discovered in Sodwana and that you need a back pack that you don’t mind messing up and getting full of see sand when you pick up shells! Solution to this problem – get yourself a waterproof camera if you can afford it. Its hard to carry Tablets and cellphones on the beach as you are always fearful of them getting wet. We saw a girl using a clear bag for her phone and it seemed to be water proof (I would suggest researching that before submerging your expensive phone in the water). Second pointer – Often times you wanna pick up shells on the beach. Its a fun activity to do and also pass the time, especially when your little ones are curios and excited about everything. So what should you do with all these shells and odd objects that they pick you up? Well you could just put them in your pockets (if you have some) or carry as many as you can till you have no more space, but that can be annoying if you still wanna go swim or do more activities on the beach that day. Best solution that we found was getting the cheapest bag you possibly can find that drains water easily but doesn’t necessarily drop all your treasures out again. This way if you still wanna go for a swim after shell hunting you can do so or just go dump everything in the car. Next pointer is Shoes –  Shoes are really important when you wanna go to the rock pools, plus the sand can sometimes really get hot and burn your feet, but I wouldn’t suggest going with normal flip flops – 2 Reasons for that: One is I have lost 2 pairs of my flip flops due to they tend to break a lot by your toes, because of the force of the water when you walk and also they like to float away from you. Solution for this – get sturdy hardish shoes or closed airing shoes. I found a great pair of running shoes that look very similar to booties (water shoes) that are covered in small holes right down to the sole of the shoes as well. They are light weight, a breeze to walk with in the water and dry fairly quickly.  Never try buy clothes and shoes at Sodwana Beach shop –  Unless you don’t have a low budget and don’t mind spending R300 – R1000 on shoes I would not suggest buying clothing or shoes in Sodwana Bay unless for a memorabilia. Unfortunately as beautiful as Sodwana Bay is, it is still a tourist town, meaning almost everything that you find there will be expensive. If looking for a souvenir and don’t wanna spend all your money buying one item I would suggest go to small trinquete  shops and buying small items. Snorkeling and Diving – So most people will go to Sodwana Bay to Scuba Dive, but what about the times where you are not scheduled to dive or you are not a qualified diver.  I know that some people will never be able to dive for various reasons, some have or had lung diseases or their lungs are not strong enough or even some people just simply get panic attacks when going to deep under water. What can these people do while in Sodwana Bay? Well here is a great solution: Snorkeling! Snorkeling is a great way to explore the rock pools, discover some new fish and just have fun! We only took our Snorkeling gear with the second time we went down to Sodwana, but were very disheartened at first as we couldn’t see the fish on the surface, but we decided to take a leap of faith and go for a swim any way, once we had our snorkeling gear on and submerged our faces in the water we discovered a whole new world with fish and everything right under our noses. It was incredible the fish were right by us and we couldn’t even see them through the surface. Every time since then, we make sure to have our camera on hand ready to shoot for any exotic creatures we might find (in a later article we will reveal our most exciting find so far). One caution I must advise you guys on is that its not a great idea to go Snorkeling in High Tide, (you can check out the tides by googling Sodwana Bay Tides there are lots of accurate weather apps there.) When in High tide you can easily be swept onto the rocks which could cut you or even be pulled in by the current and pummeled by the sea. (We were caught like that).  Well that’s all for now. Hope this info can help a few people out.   

Sep 12 2018
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Activities in Sodwana Bay – South Africa @ Sibaya – Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

We recently had the privilege of taking a trip down to Sodwana Bay (South Africa). Our journey started in Pretoria, and took us (roughly/about) 8 hours to reach our destination – Emoyeni Dive Lodge, although the trip was long and most of the way kinda boring we were still holding out with excitement to see the ocean once again and to have an exciting adventure in Sodwana Bay! Our first day, we settled in our “new Chalet” which we would be calling home for the next 10 days. Packed all our clothes away, got comfortable with our new layout of things and went for a quick drive down to the beach (+- 15 min from our location). It was really awesome to take in the ocean after such a long drive – worth every penny spent. Quick tip if you are planing on going to the beach in Sodwana Bay, get yourself a Rhino Card which will set you back R250 per person. Its a once a year subscription fee that gives you access to any of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park gates for a measly R5 p/p per day – Community fee. You will be paying a hell of a lot more per day without this card. Trust me we did that once! Heres the link to the website – sodwanabayinformation.co.za/rhino-card Sodwana Bay is a great place for snorkelling  in the rock pools, and Scuba diving on the many reefs in the protected marine area, some dive charters cater for those who cannot dive and offer offshore snorkelling expeditions as well. Although this time round we stuck to the rock pools we still had massive amounts of awesome fun. There is plenty more Activities  to do in Sodwana Bay but that is a topic for another time… We had an amazing experience with Snorkelling in the rock pools on the days that were not so windy and the seas were a bit calmer. We got amazing video footage of the mesmerizing underwater world, and even caught a small Manta Ray on video swimming around in the rock pools near the ”preek stoel”. Luckily we never stepped on it as we only noticed it on our video when we got back home. Here is another tip: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see any fish on the surface above the water ‘cause most of the time they are keeping a safe distance from you, but are really close by, the moment you stick your head under the water you will get to realize how many fish truly are all around you. Also make sure to get yourself a pair of booties from your local dive shop. You will seriously need them walking in those rock pools. They are relentlessly sharp. Scuba diving is the most popular thing to do in Sodwana Bay. Although I do not have my Scuba Diving certificate yet, from what I have heard it is an amazing experience. Almost every Camp/Lodge I have heard of and seen all cater for scuba divers. Whilst we were in Sodwana Bay  we took a day trip out to Mkuze Game Reserve, which is also part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. (You can also use youre Rhino Card to gain access there). It is situated about 30 min drive from Sodwana Bay driving to Hluhluwe. Although we never saw the Big Five, we were able to see a few hippos in the hideout area and lots of bucks. We will at least try again next time we go. Remember there is picnic areas around the Pan, so take a “tjoppie” with to Braai. The park also caters for board and Lodge where you can stay over night in a Chalet or in a tent. There is a gift shop + take away area as well. So come join the Community of Sodwana Bay, Zulu land and experience all the great stuff this great land has to offer! A special Thanks to Emoyeni Dive Lodge for accommodating us during our amazing Holiday!

May 17 2016
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Coastal Skippers Training

By Sodwana Bay

Coastal Skippers @ Sodwana Bay Indian Ocean Skippers You always been dreaming of becoming a “Captain” – now make your dreams come true. All our Coastal Skippers course are on location in Sodwana Bay – with a Theoretical and Practical exam. Visit our website for more information. WINTER COURSE DATES:JUNE 10-14 : Coastal Skippers @ Sodwana BayJULY 29 – 2 AUG: Coastal Skippers @ Sodwana BayJUNE 8 & 22: Inland Skippers @ Pretoria shopJULY 20 : Inland Skippers @ Pretoria shopCoastal skippers: R6860 pp. (includes course materials, lectures, practical, SAMSA registration fees, 4nights tented accommodation, 4dinners/4breakfasts)Inland skippers: R2100 pp. (course materials, lectures, practical, SAMSA registration fees) Get certified this winter!  BOOK NOW? Visit Indian Ocean Skippers website… http://twobar.co.za/training-to-become-a-skipper/ Telephone: (012) 361 2617 Telephone: (012) 348 9078 Mobile: 079 116 5084 E-mail: info@twobar.co.za