We are a national maritime charity, based on the Isle of Wight, with a vision to widen access to maritime training and to enhance life skills and employment in the sector. UKSA was founded in 1987 by Noel and Sylvia Lister, who wanted to use sailing and watersports to educate and enrich the lives of young people. Thirty years on, this ethos remains at the core of everything we do. UKSA offers a unique breadth of aspirational pathways – from inspiring and engaging a school child taking part in watersports for the first time to enable them to build confidence, broaden horizons and develop life skills, through to training young people looking to begin or progress in careers in the maritime industry.
As the world’s largest maritime training centre, we offer various training options to help you start an exciting new career in a number of sectors within the yachting & watersports industry. As well as providing first-class training, our dedicated student services team provide knowledge, information and advice to give you the best chance of securing a job in the industry:
UKSA are recognised throughout the industry as being world-class providers of MCA deck officer training. We have expert teachers and a newly refurbished dedicated training facility on our all-inclusive, residential site. As the largest single site MCA training centre in the world, we offer the most comprehensive range of professional training modules.
If you want to get started on the water, improve your existing skills, or gain RYA qualifications, you’re in the right place. Everyone is welcome at UKSA! From children taking their first trip out to adults learning a new skill.
We welcome over 7,000 school children to UKSA every year. Our bespoke activity programmes offer young people of all abilities a fun, safe outdoor environment in which to learn important life skills, whilst having the time of their lives. Based on the Isle of Wight, we excel at watersports and team building and with our-all inclusive facility, every need is accommodated.
Funds raised and income from paid-for programmes help to fund disadvantaged children from schools and groups as well as career students without the financial means to afford the training. Your donations enable us to continue to offer programmes and world class training; in up-to date facilities to children and young people who needs us now more than ever.
As the world’s leading provider of maritime training, we offer over 100 industry-leading courses to ensure all your learning needs are catered for. We also offer a suite of inspirational on-the-water educational experiences for school and group trips.
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Over 2018/19 nearly 1,300 individuals received training at UKSA for a career in the yachting and watersports industries. 84% of whom were aged 25 or under.
Thousands of students attend UKSA each year with the aim of gaining the skills and qualifications needed to build a successful career in the maritime industry. Here we share some of their inspirational stories.
For a woman seeking a career within the maritime industry, UKSA provided the perfect solution.
Laura Ellis – Superyacht Cadetship
Providing a unique pathway into the superyacht industry. Our flagship course, the Superyacht Cadetship is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry.
Provides you with the qualifications required to work in the UK and also around the world.
UKSA can change you and show you what you can do with your life.
Perry Anderson – Watersports Instructor Traineeship (WIT)
UKSA provides a unique environment to challenge and inspire change in students
The Greville Primary School – Schools & Groups
Our bespoke programmes are designed to build confidence and encourage teamwork using watersports and the great outdoors as a catalyst for positive outcomes.
Have a site tour and explore our all-inclusive facilities for yourself. Meet our Instructors and have any questions answered by our dedicated careers advisors.
