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What It Means to Be an RYA Recognised Training Centre
Alicante Sea Academy is proud to be a RYA Recognised Training Centre (RTC) — a status awarded only to organisations that meet the highest international standards in maritime training. As an RTC, we are authorised to deliver RYA-certified courses such as Powerboat Level 2, Day Skipper Motor, and Yachtmaster Motor, under the strict oversight of the Royal Yachting Association (UK).
Recognition means our instructors are professionally qualified, our training vessels are regularly inspected and maintained to the highest safety standards, and our courses follow a consistent, structured syllabus designed to develop real competence at sea. Being an RTC also ensures our students receive officially registered RYA certificates that are respected worldwide — whether for personal development, international chartering, or professional careers.
Our recognition is reviewed annually to ensure we continue to meet and exceed the RYA’s rigorous requirements for quality, safety, and instructional excellence.

OUR EXPERTISE

Training Excellence Since 2015

At Mediterranean Marine Academy, we train students from complete novices to professional mariners. Our high first-time pass rates reflect our commitment to excellence in maritime education.

Benjamin Appert – Principal

Ben is the Principal of Alicante Sea Academy. As a qualified RYA Cruising Instructor and Powerboat Instructor, he brings a wealth of hands-on experience and leadership to the school. Ben is responsible for the overall management of the training centre, ensuring that all courses meet the high standards set by the RYA. His focus is on creating a safe, professional, and enjoyable learning environment for students of all levels.

Noel Hutchinson – Chief Instructor

Noel is the Chief Instructor at Alicante Sea Academy. He holds the prestigious title of RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and is also a certified Powerboat Instructor. Noel oversees the delivery and quality of all training activities, ensuring that teaching methods, safety procedures, and vessel readiness align with RYA requirements. With his extensive experience in offshore and coastal navigation, Noel is dedicated to developing confident and competent skippers.

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• Student Satisfaction

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• Student Satisfaction

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MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

EXPERIENCE ALICANTE

Learn in Europe’s Finest Sailing Grounds

From our modern marina facilities to the stunning coastal training areas, our location offers varied learning environments from sheltered waters to open Mediterranean conditions.

Our Operating Area

Alicante Sea Academy operates primarily within the sheltered waters of Alicante’s bay and the surrounding coastline, including the renowned marine reserve of Tabarca Island. This diverse and well-charted area offers ideal conditions for practical training: from calm inshore waters perfect for beginners, to more challenging open-sea passages for advanced courses. The proximity to Tabarca provides opportunities for navigation exercises, anchoring practice, and coastal pilotage in a controlled and safe environment. All training activities are conducted within range of emergency support services, and the area has been thoroughly risk-assessed to ensure compliance with RYA safety standards.

Vessel Maintenance and Safety Standards

At Alicante Sea Academy, safety and reliability are paramount. Our training vessels — the high-performance Powerboat Marlos and the 12-metre Motor Yacht Keyolha — are maintained to rigorous standards exceeding the minimum RYA requirements. Both vessels undergo scheduled maintenance checks before and after each training session, including inspection of propulsion systems, steering, fuel, and electrical systems. Engines are serviced according to manufacturer guidelines and logged in detailed maintenance records. All onboard safety equipment — including lifejackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, VHF radios, flares, and MOB recovery aids — is inspected monthly and renewed before expiry. Vessels are equipped with full navigation suites including GPS, depth sounders, and magnetic compasses, all regularly calibrated. Prior to every training session, a risk assessment is conducted, and a full safety briefing is delivered to students. Keyolha, being used for advanced and cruising-level training, also carries additional offshore safety gear and complies with commercial coding standards under her flag state. These procedures ensure that every training experience is not only effective but also secure and compliant with RYA expectations.

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Certificate Issuance and Registration Process
At Alicante Sea Academy, we ensure that all certification is handled in strict accordance with RYA procedures.

For Powerboat Level 2, successful candidates receive their certificate directly from our training centre upon completion of the course. The certificate is completed, signed, and stamped by the instructor and the Principal or Chief Instructor. We also register the certificate through the RYA’s online Certificate Registration Hub, ensuring authenticity and enabling replacement if needed in the future.

For Day Skipper (Practical), once students successfully meet the assessment criteria, they are issued an RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate. Like the PB2, this certificate is logged internally and can be verified through the RYA’s system. Candidates are reminded that to gain the most benefit from this qualification, they should also hold an RYA Day Skipper Theory certificate and a valid SRC (VHF) license.

For Yachtmaster Coastal/Offshore, candidates must first pass an independent practical examination conducted by an external RYA examiner. Upon successful completion, the examiner submits the results to the RYA headquarters. The official Yachtmaster certificate is then issued directly by the RYA and sent by post. Yachtmaster certificates can be commercially endorsed upon providing additional qualifications such as the RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) course and a valid ML5 or ENG1 medical.

Our team ensures full guidance throughout the process, helping candidates prepare, register, and understand the value and application of each certificate.

Emergency Procedures

At Alicante Sea Academy, safety is our highest priority. All instructors and crew are trained in emergency response protocols and first aid. We follow a structured approach to handling incidents at sea:

• Pre-departure Briefing: Before each course or session, students receive a full safety briefing covering lifejacket use, man-overboard (MOB) recovery, fire safety, first aid access, VHF emergency channels, and abandon ship procedures.
• MOB Response: All vessels are equipped with retrieval systems and follow RYA MOB drills. These procedures are practised regularly and taught during appropriate courses.
• Medical Incidents: Instructors are first aid certified and carry a well-stocked marine first aid kit. Emergency contacts and procedures for summoning shore-based medical assistance are clearly posted on board.
• VHF Protocols: All vessels are equipped with VHF radios. Instructors monitor Channel 16 and local working channels at all times. Mayday and Pan-Pan procedures are reviewed with students.
• Incident Reporting: Any serious incident or near miss is documented and reviewed internally. Where appropriate, reports are shared with the RYA under their incident notification protocol.
• Evacuation and Fire: Clear evacuation routes and fire extinguishers are present on all vessels. Fire drills are part of staff training.

Safeguarding Policies

Alicante Sea Academy is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all students, including minors and vulnerable adults. We follow the RYA’s safeguarding policies and uphold strict standards of conduct:

• Designated Safeguarding Officer: The academy has an appointed safeguarding lead who is trained to handle concerns confidentially and professionally.
• Code of Conduct: All staff and instructors are briefed on appropriate boundaries, behaviour, and communication. They are expected to act as role models and maintain professional standards at all times.
• Reporting Procedures: Any concerns related to physical, emotional, or sexual harm — or signs of neglect — must be reported immediately to the safeguarding officer. Reports can also be escalated to the RYA Safeguarding Manager.
• Parental Consent: For any students under 18, written parental or guardian consent is required before participation. Parents are provided with course details, emergency procedures, and contact information.
• Supervision: No child is left unattended. All youth courses include adequate adult supervision and gender-appropriate arrangements when needed.
• DBS Checks: Instructors and staff working with minors or vulnerable groups undergo the required background checks and are vetted in line with UK and Spanish safeguarding expectations.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATIONS

Powerboat Level 2

The essential qualification for powerboat handling, providing the skills and knowledge needed for safe day cruising. A must-have for watersports enthusiasts and a gateway qualification for industry professionals.

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INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATIONS

Day Skipper

Transform from crew to captain with this comprehensive course covering navigation, pilotage, boat handling, and seamanship. Perfect for recreational sailors and those beginning their professional journey.

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INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED QUALIFICATIONS

Yachtmaster Preparation

Our flagship course preparing experienced sailors for the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster examination, the gold standard certification recognized worldwide in the leisure and professional yachting sectors.

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Ben’s instruction on Marlos was absolutely first-rate! Having struggled with boat handling in the UK’s challenging conditions, learning in Alicante’s calm waters made everything click. His patient approach and clear explanations transformed my confidence at the helm. Two days well spent that have completely changed my boating experience.

James Wilson

Powerboat level 2

As a professional seeking my Yachtmaster, I needed comprehensive training that wouldn’t be interrupted by weather. My two weeks with Noel on Keyolha provided exactly that. His attention to detail and industry knowledge are unmatched. The challenging passages we completed built both my skills and confidence. Passed my exam first time!

David Foster

Yachtmaster prep

After postponing my Day Skipper twice in the UK due to weather, I booked with Mediterranean Marine Academy in Alicante. Best decision ever! Noel’s instruction aboard Keyolha was exceptional – professional yet relaxed. The consistent winds and minimal tides made learning so much more enjoyable. I accomplished more in five days than months of weekend sailing at home.

Emma Clarke

Day skipper