Nov 07 2025
Off

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.

May 30 2022
Off

Camp Ezihlahleni

By Sodwana Bay

Camp Ezihlahleni – Where the African bush meets the ocean. A special mix of the African Bush with a salty Sea Breeze… our camp is nestled in the heart of Zululand with friendly Zulu faces and beautiful African sunsets – all our cabins have a real rustic flair to them and BONUS your paw friends are welcome as each Cabin has its own enclosed yard. Well known for Scuba Diving and Deep Sea Fishing – Sodwana Bay also offers you the change at connecting with your SOUL again.  Book now!

Jan 25 2022
Off

WordPress Management

By Sodwana Bay

www.websiteup.co.za We offer various Design Packages and WordPress Management and Hosting services. Get your website up this year – start that dream business you have been planning for years. It is the perfect time to do a online Business, with more than 72% of businesses globally running a business from home – SO CAN YOU! We do MORE! Ask us how.    

Mar 30 2021
Off

Miriam – 10 star camp assistant looking for extra work @ Sodwana Bay

By Sodwana Bay

Looking for work… Hey guys our neighbor Miriam is looking for work… She is an amazingly hard worker and a single mother of 3. She usually helps out at Sodwana Bay’s Gwala-Gwala campsite as a cleaner in high seasons and her English is excellent. If you need anybody to be a camp assistant she’s your girl. She is very friendly and is not afraid of hard work. Please consider her for any openings you might have! Her specialties are: She will wash the dishes for you, wash laundry, and clean out your whole campsite and even willing to help work in the garden raking away leaves and chasing away monkeys! She never shy’s away from a challenge and is a quick learner. If you’re interested in helping out please contact her: 076 473 8280 063 351 4273 We at Sodwana Bay Information ENDORSE Miriam as a 10 STAR employee!!! If you need any References please ask us or Miriam.

Jan 21 2021
Off

Let a Local Advertise your Business

By Cherie Beling

  Lets get Sodwana Businesses supporting other local businesses. Check out our advertising PLANS  Lets be honest – SafariNow, trivago, tripadvisor and all these corporate travel agencies are great and convenient for customers and how you arrange bookings! But honestly unless you have returning clients and people who actually know about Sodwana Bay or have heard of Sodwana and would like to give it a try, you get lost in the system and have to compete with way more popular holiday destinations such as: Cape Town or Durban or even Mozambique and Richards Bay. Honestly this is truly not fair! Our team here at Sodwana Bay Information wants to help change all that. How do we propose to do this, you may ask? Well by putting Sodwana Bay on the map, by not just tryna recruit old clients in to coming back and a hand full of new tourists that happen to stumble upon this gorgeous rural gem, but we want to recruit new clients who have never been here from all over South Africa and Internationally! Not just the Germans and Hollanders, but what about Americans and the British, Asians  etc. Bring them to sunny South Africa. Yeah everybody is scared of crime. But its up to us as a community to chase the rif raf away! How we propose to put Sodwana Bay and your local Business on the map is by taking Sodwana to Social Media… Yeah our community has its Sodwana Bay Facebook groups and that is great!  But sadly this is not enough! I have been on countless SA groups and international groups, and I am sad to say – there are no mention of Sodwana Bay anywhere. Although I am totally in love with Sodwana Bay I only learnt this place existed after I turned 19 years old. How sad is that and how many countless people die not even knowing this hidden gem exists! Lets make Sodwana as popular as Cape Town, so famous that international tourists will rather wanna experience true Africa instead of just another Big City/Town! We can help with that. Check out our price list below and help make Sodwana and your business Famous again!