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.

Dec 03 2020
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CATEGORIES OF SMALL VESSELS

By Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay Skippers Training Check out our new Skippers Bookings WEBSITE > https://sodwanabayskipperstraining.co.za “Category”, in relation to a vessel, means the particular category of vessel determined as follows: Categories: Category A — vessels operating any distance from shore; Category B — vessels operating less than 40 nautical miles from shore; > BOOK NOW! Category C — vessels operating less than 15 nautical miles from shore; > BOOK NOW! Category D — vessels operating less than 5 nautical miles from shore; Category E — vessels operating not more than 1 nautical mile from shore and 15 nautical miles from an approved launch site; Category R — vessels operating solely on inland waters. (Now defined as all water areas accessible to the public and contained within ports and fishing harbours lagoons, rivers, dams, wetlands and lakes in the Republic) As stated in Small Vessel PDF > Download Here   Make your BOOKING TODAY > BOOK NOW!

Oct 16 2020
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In which year was SAMSA established?

By Sodwana Bay

SAMSA South African Maritime Safety Authority Sodwana Bay Coastal Skippers License Training Courses. Did you know? The South African Maritime Safety Authority​ (SAMSA) was established on the 1st of April 1998 under the SAMSA Act 5 of 1998.

Sep 25 2020
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Sodwana Bay MAP on Google

By Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay Map Sodwana Bay National Park  is one of South Africa’s BEST Holiday destinations with loads to do and see. Located in the lush Dune Forests of Kwa-zulu Natal and nestled inside the boundaries of a World Heritage site you surely will enjoy every moment of your stay here.  Famous for Scuba Diving and Fishing, Sodwana also offers loads of fun things to do like Quad rides – Horse Riding, Turtle tours and much more! Ask us how > info@sodwanabayinformation.co.za

Dec 05 2019
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Borders to Cross @ Sibaya – Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

https://www.gosodwanabay.co.za Joshua 1:9 New International Version (NIV) 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” For those who are familiar with Sodwana you’ll know that it is not a big town – if you can call it a town what so ever – maybe a quaint little rustic village?!? It’s real secluded and when I do talk to people about Sodwana most people will confuse it with Saldanha bay or they think it is in Mozambique… Yes it is strange… why do people not know about Sodwana – it is such an awesome place. As we recently relocated down to Sodwana Bay just a week ago – basically everything’s new to us. We still not sure if this is real or just a dream but I suppose it will take some time getting used to. We’ve been dreaming and talking about moving down for so long and now we are here – Not that we haven’t been here before – we’ve been coming to Sodwana for a while now and fell deeply in love with the rural rusticness of SODWANA’S BEAUTY. The opportunity came along for us to make the leap of faith – so, we packed our belongings – 7 Chickens – 2 Dogs and a cat – got in our car and took on the road to our new LIFE! If I am honest at all – I would say that this was one of the scariest things I ever done… I am real blessed to have an awesomely beautiful wife which also took this jump with me – she is such a STAR!!! What would I be without her…? So we have fears to overcome and be brave! We also have a YouTube Channel GO SODWANA which we will load our content onto – please subscribe and like as this will help us make this dream even a better one. #sodwana #scuba diving #sibaya #rustic #relocate #gosodwana

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.