Chieftain Training

RYA & STCW Courses – Sail, Power, Super-Yacht & Workboat

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About Chieftain Training

Chieftain Training’s Key Objectives

1. “Provide high quality vocational training for those wishing to pursue a career in the marine industry.”

2. “Facilitate participation in the sports of sailing, yachting, jet skiing, sub-aqua, water skiing, ocean rowing, powerboating and angling by the provision of moorings, equipment storage, changing facilities, refereeing, judging, training and coaching.”

3. “To support lifeboat charities, whose primary objective is to prevent loss of life at sea.”

Chieftain Training History

Chieftain Training was founded in 2018 in Bitterne Park, Southampton, with a clear and deliberate focus:
to deliver exceptional, hands-on maritime training while facilitating access to boating and watersports.

From the outset, we chose to specialise. We do not operate charter boats or consultancy services. Our sole purpose is professional instruction and participation, ensuring that resources, staff expertise, and facilities are entirely focused on training outcomes.

Key milestones include:

  • 2013- A century old boat yard in the River Itchen is acquired and renamed Mariners Wharf. Those who already berth here promote a friendly club atmosphere. Over the next few years Doug and Pindar install more pontoons, increase water access and add more berths

  • 2018 – Chieftain Training is founded in Bitterne Park, Southampton, delivering powerboat and maritime training on the River Itchen.

  • 2020 – Despite the pandemic Chieftain pushed ahead with expansion into Scotland, establishing a second training base.

  • 2021 – As Southampton operationsgrow, shorebased training is relocated to a third training base at Willments Shipyard while retaining Mariners Wharf and the Bitterne Park classroom for on-water powerboat instruction.

  • 2023 – Acquisition of the Quality Time Training brand.

  • Late 2024 – Securing a 15-year lease in Hamble, establishing a permanent MCA and RYA shore-based training centre and our company headquarters.

  • 2025 – Opening of our London training centre.

  • 2025 – Acquisition of a 50% shareholding in Haven Ambulance, our long-standing partner and the UK’s market leader in STCW medical training.

  • 2026– New Year’s day sees us take over SWAC (Southampton Water Activities Centre), a long standing purpose built marine training site and the largest of its type in the Southampton and Hamble area. Chieftain’s Powerboat Training will soon be relocated to this site

Today, Chieftain Training operates across Hamble, Southampton, London, and Helensburgh, remaining proudly independent, with headquarters based in Hamble.

Chieftain Training Brand

Chieftain Training is the public-facing brand and trading name of three separate Not-for-Profit organisations:

  • STCW Ltd,
  • Southampton Boat Club Ltd. and
  • Southampton Water Adventure Centre Ltd.

Though distinct in legal structure and operational focus, all three entities are united by a shared mission: to promote maritime safety and competence through high quality affordable access to training, facilities, and the sea.

STCW Ltd.

STCW Ltd. is an MCA and RYA Approved Training Centre specialising in the delivery of professional-standard courses for both leisure and commercial seafarers. We train:

  • Individuals seeking careers in the marine sector

  • Professionals working in the recreational boating and commercial maritime industries

  • Experienced mariners updating or expanding their qualifications

Courses are delivered year-round at our training centres in Hamble, London, and Scotland, and we are recognised for hands-on, engaging, and career-focused instruction. The centre is approved for a wide range of STCW and RYA training courses.

Company Number: 13003690
Registered Address: 26 Compass House, Ensign Way, Hamble, SO31 4R

Southampton Boat Club Ltd.

Southampton Boat Club has existed in various forms for over 50 years, originating as an informal community of sailors, powerboaters, and sea anglers operating from Mariners Wharf on the River Itchen.

In 2018, the club was incorporated as a Limited Company to formalise its operations and strengthen its ability to serve the local boating community.

Based at Mariners Wharf, Bitterne Park, the club continues its long-standing mission of making boating accessible by providing:

  • Affordable moorings

  • Seasonal haul-out facilities

  • Access to training courses

Company Number: 11624464
Registered Address: Mariners Wharf, 59 Whitworth Crescent, Southampton, SO18 1GN

Southampton Water Adventure Centre Ltd. (SWAC for short)

SWAC is our newest organisation and focuses on grassroots access to watersports for Southampton residents and schools. SWAC will provide:

  • Sailing

  • Powerboating

  • PWC

  • Windsurfing

  • Paddle-boarding

  • Canoeing

In addition, SWAC will deliver RYA Instructor Training, supporting the development of instructors and strengthening the wider sailing and watersports community.

Company Number: 16764500
Registered Address: 26 Compass House, Ensign Way, Hamble, SO31 4RA

Not-for-Profit Commitment

All three organisations operate as non-shareholder, not-for-profit entities. This means:

  • There are no private owners or shareholders

  • No dividends are paid

Instead, all surplus income is reinvested into:

  • Facilities and infrastructure

  • Boats and safety equipment

  • Training resources and staff development

  • Charitable and community initiatives that directly support our objectives

This structure ensures that everything we do is focused on long-term maritime safety, education, and access to the sea.