UK Sailing Academy (UKSA)

UK Sailing Academy (UKSA)

Contact details

Website: https://uksa.org/ 
Contact page: https://uksa.org/contact-uksa/ 
Telephone: +44 (0)1983 294941 
Email: reception@uksa.org 
Postal address:
UKSA
Arctic Road
Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7PQ
United Kingdom 

What this organisation does

UKSA is a maritime charity and training provider based on the Isle of Wight. It aims to inspire, educate and equip people for a life in or around the sea through maritime education, careers training, personal development programmes and professional development opportunities. 
The organisation works with young people, aspiring maritime professionals and existing seafarers by providing maritime training, welfare support during training programmes, mentoring and career development opportunities. UKSA also works to remove financial and social barriers that may prevent people from accessing maritime careers. 
For seafarers and those considering a maritime career, UKSA offers recognised training pathways, career-focused programmes and opportunities to gain qualifications and industry experience. 

Who can use the service

UKSA supports a broad range of individuals, including:
  • Young people exploring maritime careers. 
  • People seeking their first role within the maritime industry.
  • Existing seafarers looking to develop professional skills or progress their careers. 
  • Individuals interested in sailing, watersports or maritime training. 
  • Students who may require financial assistance to access training opportunities. 
Eligibility varies by programme, course and qualification. Some courses are aimed specifically at young people, while others are designed for professional seafarers or those working within the maritime sector. 

Support available

UKSA offers a wide range of maritime education, training and career development services, including:
  • Maritime careers programmes and introductory pathways. 
  • Professional maritime qualifications and certifications. 
  • MCA-accredited and RYA-accredited training courses. 
  • Superyacht, deckhand and cadetship training programmes. 
  • Continued professional development opportunities for maritime professionals and seafarers. 
  • Watersports and sailing instruction. 
  • Welfare, mentoring and personal development support while undertaking training. 
  • Funding opportunities through selected programmes and charitable support initiatives for eligible applicants. 

Features and benefits

UKSA may be particularly useful for seafarers, aspiring maritime workers and family members seeking training and career progression because it offers:
  • Structured routes into maritime employment and careers.
  • Industry-recognised qualifications and accredited courses. 
  • Access to experienced instructors, mentors and maritime professionals. 
  • Training designed to improve confidence, practical skills and employability. 
  • Opportunities for professional advancement within the maritime sector. 
  • Potential access to financial support where funding schemes are available. 
  • Residential training facilities at its waterfront campus in Cowes, Isle of Wight. 

How to get help

  1. Visit the UKSA website to explore available programmes, qualifications and career pathways. 
  2. Use the course finder or browse the courses section to identify suitable training options. 
  3. Contact UKSA by telephone, email or through the online enquiry form if you would like advice on training or career routes. 
  4. Ask about funding opportunities if cost may be a barrier to participation. 
  5. Follow any course-specific application or enrolment instructions provided by UKSA. 

Things to check before contacting them

Before making contact, it may be helpful to:
  • Identify the training course or programme you are interested in. 
  • Check any age requirements, qualification requirements or experience criteria that apply to your chosen programme. 
  • Enquire about available funding if financial support is needed. 
  • Confirm accommodation arrangements if attending a residential programme. 
  • Check current course availability and start dates directly with UKSA.

Useful links