Chieftain Training is accredited by several external bodies and we are audited/inspected by several national organisations.
IMO Standards of Training Certification & Watch-keeping (STCW)
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has 174 members states (countries) and sets the global standard for STCW training for seafarers. In the UK the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) interpret that standard and the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) carry our the actual approval inspections. We are MCA approved to deliver;
- STCW Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- STCW Update Personal Survival Techniques (UPST)
- STCW Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
- STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Awareness (PDSD)
- GMDSS Long Range Certificate (LRC)
- GMDSS LRC Satellite Module (Sat Mod)
- STCW GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC)
- STCW GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC).
- STCW Human Element, Leaderships & Management Opertraioanl (HELM O)
- MCA Small Craft Stability
We are the co-owner of Haven Ambulance, which holds additional approvals for
- STCW Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- STCW Medical First Aid (MFA)
- STCW Medical Care PMC_
- STCW Medical Care Update UPMC)
Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognition
The RYA is the governing body for power-boating, sailing, windsurfing and PWC in the UK. They manage the most internationally recognised training scheme in the world for skippers and crew. We are recognised by the RYA to deliver their full range of
- Powerboat Courses
- Motor Cruising Courses
- PWC Courses
- Shorebased & Theory Courses
- RYA Interactive online courses
- Dinghy Sailing Courses
- Keelboat Courses
- Multihull Courses
- Windsurf Courses
Our team includes several RYA Trainers who have been appointed to deliver RYA Instructor training on behalf of the RYA and several RYA Examiners who have also been appointed by the RYA. Our Centre Manager is a RYA Centre Inspector.
Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA)
Under UK law, for a training centre or water-sports provider to deliver taster session or courses to schools and/or members of the public who are under 18, the provider must hold a license. The Licensing scheme is overseen by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) on behalf of the UK government. The following activities are within the scope of the licensing scheme:
- caving
- climbing (climbing, traversing, canyoning, abseiling and scrambling)
- trekking (walking, running, pony trekking, off-road cycling, off-piste skiing)
- watersports (canoeing, rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and winging)
If you are booking any of the above activites for your child or school, please please check the provider is licensed, this is your guarantee that the provider is running a safe and legal operation for your child.
Paddle UK
We are a Paddle UK Delivery Partner. Paddle uK is the National Governing Body for;
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Paddle boarding
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Our Food Safety Courses are accredited by the CIEH. This ensures our courses and certificates comply with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and are therefore accepted by the MCA for those involved with food preparation on commercial vessels. Three of our crew are CIEH Instructors.
Nautilus Slater Fund
Chieftain Training is an Approved Provider to the Slater Fund.
Workboat Association (WA)
The Workboat Association is the trade, skills and safety standards association for the workboat industry. Since its inception in 1994, the association has acted as a crucial point of liaison between its membership and key regulatory and industry bodies, such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It has also driven the creation of safety, technical and best practice standards, provided a unifying platform for industry lobbying and debate, and delivered industry-recognised training and certification opportunities. Chieftain Training is a current member of the WA. This helps us keep at the forefront of the industry and best practice.
British Marine (BM)
British Marine is the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry. They exist to support members, providing expert advice, facilitating connections and championing our interests on a global stage.
Superyacht UK (SYUK)
Superyachts are luxury yachts (power or sail) that are over 24m (some are over 100m). Superyacht UK is a membership only association, whose mission is to represent the interests of the UK Superyacht industry both at home and internationally. As one of the UK’s well know super yacht training centre it makes sense for Chieftain to be a member.
Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC)
In 2026 our Principal joined AHOEC, an association of leaders in outdoor learning who hold senior positions in outdoor learning provisions across the UK. AHOEC is committed to quality in outdoor learning, inspirational experiences, challenging activities, excitement and fun, all with a lifelong positive impact.
