Marine Safety, Radio & Maintenance Training

Essential training for safe, compliant vessel operation

When it comes to safety at sea, prevention is always better than cure.

Incidents rarely have a single cause. Weather, tides, navigation errors, equipment failure, and human factors can combine quickly to create a deteriorating situation. Understanding how these risks develop allows you to recognise problems early and take effective action.

Equally important is knowing exactly how to respond when things go wrong. Emergency procedures should be familiar and practised — not something you are working out for the first time under pressure.

Good seamanship and safe operations are built through education and experience, supported by sound knowledge and training.

Our marine safety, maintenance, and navigation courses meet mandatory requirements for commercial skippers and Yachtmasters, and represent best-practice training for recreational sailors and motorboat operators.

Approved RYA Sailing School Sydney
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Marine safety courses - Sydney

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ACMA Marine Radio License (VHF, HF, GMDSS)

This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC

1 day

A$395.00

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Marine First Aid

This course has been specifically designed for those working in the marine environment and is ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers, and crew. The course leads to an internationally recognised first aid qualification.

1 day

A$395.00

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AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival

This two-day course meets the requirements of World Sailing (formerly ISAF), RYA and AS for crew planning to take part in offshore yacht races like the Sydney to Hobart race. The course is also highly recommended for anyone going to sea for any purpose. You'll learn essential emergency procedures and survival skills that could one day save your life. No prior experience needed.

2 days

A$795.00

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AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival Revalidation

This is a re-validation course for those who have completed the two-day AS/World Sailing Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course but whose certificates will soon expire.

1 day

A$495.00

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RYA Diesel Engines

This one-day RYA Diesel Engine course provides a practical introduction to the key systems of a marine diesel engine. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to carry out basic maintenance, prevent common causes of engine failure, and handle minor mechanical issues at sea—without needing workshop support.

1 day

A$395.00

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Outboard Engine Maintenance

This one day course is for the Sydney boating enthusiast who wants a basic understanding of the operation and maintenance of an outboard motor. We teach you how to take simple measures to prevent mechanical breakdown at sea and to rectify defects which do not require workshop support.

1 day

A$395.00

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Basic Yacht Maintenance

This course provides a grounding in the essential maintenance tasks required to keep a modern cruising yacht on the water.

3 days

A$1,495.00

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Essential Navigation and Seamanship - Online

This self-paced online course provides a beginner's introduction to the navigation theory and safety knowledge required to go boating safely at sea.

16 hours - self-paced

A$320.00

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RYA Day Skipper / Watchleader Theory

The RYA Dayskipper shore-based course provides a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology, safety, and seamanship and provides the underpinning theory knowledge essential for recreational skippers. It will help you make informed decisions on the water and feel confident about being in charge.

5 days

A$1,495.00

Which marine safety courses do I need?

Yachtmasters & commercial skippers

If you are training toward an RYA Yachtmaster qualification and plan to operate commercially, you must hold Marine Radio, Sea Survival, First Aid, and Diesel Engine qualifications to meet RYA and AMSA requirements.

Recreational inshore boating

For recreational sailors and powerboat operators, alongside the required boat licence, Marine Radio and First Aid are often required, while Engine Maintenance is strongly recommended.

Offshore sailing & yacht racing

Offshore sailors and race crew — including those entering events such as the Sydney to Hobart — are typically required to hold World Sailing–compliant Sea Survival, First Aid, and appropriate Marine Radio qualifications.

Safety management and compliance

Whether operating commercially or for recreation, going to sea involves risks that must be understood and managed. 

Vessels should operate under a documented Risk Assessment and Safety Management System (SMS) appropriate to their use, setting out standard operating procedures, emergency response plans, and maintenance requirements.

Commercial masters, Yachtmasters, and crew need to understand and apply their vessel’s SMS, and to maintain current safety, navigation, and communication knowledge through recognised training and certification.

Flying Fish can provide guidance on required safety qualifications and support the development or review of an SMS in line with regulatory and industry best practice.

  • ACMA Marine Radio License (VHF, HF, GMDSS)

    1 day
    This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC
    A$395.00
  • Marine First Aid

    1 day
    This course has been specifically designed for those working in the marine environment and is ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers, and crew. The course leads to an internationally recognised first aid qualification.
    A$395.00
  • AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival

    2 days
    This two-day course meets the requirements of World Sailing (formerly ISAF), RYA and AS for crew planning to take part in offshore yacht races like the Sydney to Hobart race. The course is also highly recommended for anyone going to sea for any purpose. You'll learn essential emergency procedures and survival skills that could one day save your life. No prior experience needed.
    A$795.00
  • RYA Diesel Engines

    1 day
    This one-day RYA Diesel Engine course provides a practical introduction to the key systems of a marine diesel engine. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to carry out basic maintenance, prevent common causes of engine failure, and handle minor mechanical issues at sea—without needing workshop support.
    A$395.00
  • Outboard Engine Maintenance

    1 day
    This one day course is for the Sydney boating enthusiast who wants a basic understanding of the operation and maintenance of an outboard motor. We teach you how to take simple measures to prevent mechanical breakdown at sea and to rectify defects which do not require workshop support.
    A$395.00
  • Basic Yacht Maintenance

    3 days
    This course provides a grounding in the essential maintenance tasks required to keep a modern cruising yacht on the water.
    A$1,495.00
  • RYA Day Skipper / Watchleader Theory

    5 days
    The RYA Dayskipper shore-based course provides a comprehensive introduction to chartwork, navigation, meteorology, safety, and seamanship and provides the underpinning theory knowledge essential for recreational skippers. It will help you make informed decisions on the water and feel confident about being in charge.
    A$1,495.00