Yacht training college UKSA to close during Covid-19 pandemic

The Nautilus yacht sector partner UKSA has decided to suspend operations from Sunday 22 March 2020 to help limit the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.

Based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the college is a leading provider of training for professional yacht crew from around the world, with many courses leading to STCW qualifications and certificates endorsed by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

In a statement issued on 19 March, UKSA chief executive Ben Willows said: 'UKSA has been closely monitoring the developments surrounding the current coronavirus pandemic which is affecting all of our families, our businesses, our communities, and our way of life.

'As a direct result of the various measures the UK government are putting in place, more specifically the forced closure of schools, UKSA has taken the decision to suspend operations from Sunday 22 March until the end of April (although the exact duration will be determined by the situation as it progresses).'

He added that UKSA is helping those currently on site to stay safe and well as they prepare to return home, and all students will have left the college by 23 March.

Nautilus members enrolled at UKSA can contact their industrial organiser if they have concerns or queries.