General information
How do I book a course?
You can either send us an email to <[email protected]> or alternatively phone us on +254 - 702 309433. You will be asked to pay for your training in advance but please check out our terms and conditions here.
What time do the courses start?
All training courses start at 8.30am and end at 5pm with an hour's break for lunch between 1 - 2pm. There will also be coffee/tea breaks in between during classroom sessions for you to stretch your legs and refresh the brain.
Do you provide meals on the course?
(a) At the STCW training facility in Mida, Watamu we have built an outside catering area where lunches will be served between 1 - 2pm each day of the STCW basic safety courses for which there may be a small additional fee. (b) However, meals are not provided at the RYA training centre in Mombasa as there are ample options available nearby, or during any of the boat handling courses.
Where can I get accommodation?
We maintain a list of accommodation providers suitable for most budgets in the office that are available upon request.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment during the boat handling courses will be continuous throughout the training and your instructor will provide constant feedback as to how you are doing. Most of the STCW courses and other specialist courses may include short written or oral assessments.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you will receive a certificate for any course that you do at IOMTC, assuming that you pass of course. (a) RYA courses - all successful candidates receive an internationally recognised certificate; (b) IOMTC courses - all successful candidates will receive an attractive IOMTC certificate; and for (c) STCW courses, we will present all successful delegates with a course completion certificate, which you will need to take to KMA who will issue you with your official STCW certificates, one for each course.
STCW courses
Why have I been asked to provide photo ID?
In order to help reduce incidents of certificate forgery we ask that you bring along, either your passport or a government issued identity card. We will use the passport or ID number on your certificate together with other personal details.
How long do the STCW courses last?
The Basic Safety Training Week includes all 5 mandatory courses and lasts for 5.5 days.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, you must be over 18 yr to do the STCW courses and all RYA courses have age restrictions that vary depending on the course.
What do I need to bring to the Sea Survival (Personal Survival Techniques) course?
You should bring a swimming costume and a clean t-shirt, shorts or trousers to wear in the swimming pool.
What happens in the practical swimming pool sessions?
We will launch a life raft, which each person will take in turns to right along with other exercises. The practical session can be quite demanding so we ask that you declare any physical difficulties you may have especially back, neck, knee or shoulder problems. Similarly, we would like to know if anyone suffers from conditions such as claustrophobia, asthma or diabetes so that our instructors can be made aware of any potential difficulties you may have.
If I am a non-swimmer will I still be able to do the course?
Yes, we will fit you up with a suitable life jacket and there will always be life savers available to provide assistance to anyone that may require it. However, it is very important that our instructors are made aware beforehand of any potential difficulties that you may have.
In the fire fighting course is real fire used or fire simulation?
During the practical exercises we use real fire and smoke in and around the purpose-built complex.
What about protective clothing?
We provide you with fire suits, gloves, helmets, boots and breathing apparatus, exactly the same as used by professional fire services in the UK and elsewhere.
What do I need to bring with me to the fire-fighting course?
Bring a t-shirt and lightweight trousers (not jeans since they are too heavy) or shorts to wear under your fire suit plus a pair of thick socks to wear inside the fire boots, and we have showers at the centre so bring along your toiletries and a towel.
In order to help reduce incidents of certificate forgery we ask that you bring along, either your passport or a government issued identity card. We will use the passport or ID number on your certificate together with other personal details.
How long do the STCW courses last?
The Basic Safety Training Week includes all 5 mandatory courses and lasts for 5.5 days.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, you must be over 18 yr to do the STCW courses and all RYA courses have age restrictions that vary depending on the course.
What do I need to bring to the Sea Survival (Personal Survival Techniques) course?
You should bring a swimming costume and a clean t-shirt, shorts or trousers to wear in the swimming pool.
What happens in the practical swimming pool sessions?
We will launch a life raft, which each person will take in turns to right along with other exercises. The practical session can be quite demanding so we ask that you declare any physical difficulties you may have especially back, neck, knee or shoulder problems. Similarly, we would like to know if anyone suffers from conditions such as claustrophobia, asthma or diabetes so that our instructors can be made aware of any potential difficulties you may have.
If I am a non-swimmer will I still be able to do the course?
Yes, we will fit you up with a suitable life jacket and there will always be life savers available to provide assistance to anyone that may require it. However, it is very important that our instructors are made aware beforehand of any potential difficulties that you may have.
In the fire fighting course is real fire used or fire simulation?
During the practical exercises we use real fire and smoke in and around the purpose-built complex.
What about protective clothing?
We provide you with fire suits, gloves, helmets, boots and breathing apparatus, exactly the same as used by professional fire services in the UK and elsewhere.
What do I need to bring with me to the fire-fighting course?
Bring a t-shirt and lightweight trousers (not jeans since they are too heavy) or shorts to wear under your fire suit plus a pair of thick socks to wear inside the fire boots, and we have showers at the centre so bring along your toiletries and a towel.
Boat handling courses
Does the Kenya Maritime Authority approve these courses?
Yes, the Kenya Maritime Authority is very appreciative of the high standards set by the RYA and upheld by IOMTC.
Who is the RYA?
The Royal Yachting Association is a United Kingdom organization responsible in that country for all training related to boats less than 24m length. The RYA has existed for more than 130 years and their courses are now taught in at least 46 countries including Kenya. The RYA Powerboat Scheme is generally recognised as the best small boat training programme in the world. Our centre undergoes an annual inspection by the RYA to ensure standards are met.
How will I benefit from doing a course?
There is always something new to learn and the more we learn the more we enjoy our boating. These courses enhance your skills and instil an understanding of best marine practices making us safer to ourselves and to others on the water, as well as boosting our confidence. If you own boats as part of your business it is important to ensure that your employees are competent to handle your investment, especially in adverse weather conditions. There is also the increasing risk of litigation should an accident happen on board your vessel if the skipper does not hold a recognised certificate of competence.
How do I choose between doing a RYA course and a STCW course?
The RYA courses are specially designed for small craft less than 24m long, whereas the STCW courses are tailored for working on larger vessels. However, it should be noted that even some vessels less than 24m long may require STCW '95 courses.
Can I do the training on my own boat?
Yes, if you are based outside of Mombasa we are able to teach the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course at any location within East Africa. Your boat must meet certain minimum safety standards though, check here for details.
Do RYA courses apply on inland waters?
Yes, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is exactly the same only that navigation, tides and tidal streams are omitted. Both the Intermediate and Advanced courses must be taught on our own training boat in Mombasa, which has been specially approved by the RYA. Certificates done on inland waters will be endorsed accordingly since it does not qualify the holder to drive a boat on coastal waters, although a coastal certificate may be used anywhere. Since Rift Valley lakes are more like mini oceans than the small UK lakes and reservoirs it is advisable to seek further training beyond the Level 2 course, which IOMTC can provide - see here for details.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, there are minimum ages for all RYA courses and these are indicated against each course here. Either a parent or a guardian must accompany all your persons of less than 16yr on the course.
Yes, the Kenya Maritime Authority is very appreciative of the high standards set by the RYA and upheld by IOMTC.
Who is the RYA?
The Royal Yachting Association is a United Kingdom organization responsible in that country for all training related to boats less than 24m length. The RYA has existed for more than 130 years and their courses are now taught in at least 46 countries including Kenya. The RYA Powerboat Scheme is generally recognised as the best small boat training programme in the world. Our centre undergoes an annual inspection by the RYA to ensure standards are met.
How will I benefit from doing a course?
There is always something new to learn and the more we learn the more we enjoy our boating. These courses enhance your skills and instil an understanding of best marine practices making us safer to ourselves and to others on the water, as well as boosting our confidence. If you own boats as part of your business it is important to ensure that your employees are competent to handle your investment, especially in adverse weather conditions. There is also the increasing risk of litigation should an accident happen on board your vessel if the skipper does not hold a recognised certificate of competence.
How do I choose between doing a RYA course and a STCW course?
The RYA courses are specially designed for small craft less than 24m long, whereas the STCW courses are tailored for working on larger vessels. However, it should be noted that even some vessels less than 24m long may require STCW '95 courses.
Can I do the training on my own boat?
Yes, if you are based outside of Mombasa we are able to teach the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course at any location within East Africa. Your boat must meet certain minimum safety standards though, check here for details.
Do RYA courses apply on inland waters?
Yes, the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is exactly the same only that navigation, tides and tidal streams are omitted. Both the Intermediate and Advanced courses must be taught on our own training boat in Mombasa, which has been specially approved by the RYA. Certificates done on inland waters will be endorsed accordingly since it does not qualify the holder to drive a boat on coastal waters, although a coastal certificate may be used anywhere. Since Rift Valley lakes are more like mini oceans than the small UK lakes and reservoirs it is advisable to seek further training beyond the Level 2 course, which IOMTC can provide - see here for details.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, there are minimum ages for all RYA courses and these are indicated against each course here. Either a parent or a guardian must accompany all your persons of less than 16yr on the course.
