FAQs

Access to boats

Unless you have easy access to a boat, one of the huge problems is how to get more practice! Well we are pleased to announce that our craft are now available to hire…. all of them:

Skippered charter available on:
Fenland Dancer, 11m Princess 368 Motor Cruiser on Twin 300Hp cummins engines, shafts
Swiss Too,  7.19m Highfield Honda 200Hp

If you have the appropriate qualifications you can bareboat charter our ribs from £380 per day (Terms and Conditions apply).

We also offer development, upskill and refresher days on all our vessels.

Can I stay onboard?

In exceptional circumstances we do occasionally allow students to stay on board Fenland Dancer for the duration of their course.

You need to bring your own sleeping bag, a pillow case and towel!  Please let us know at time of booking if you want to stay on board. Maximum 2 people – first come first served.

There is a nominal charge of £25  and you must keep and leave the boat clean and tidy – as you found it.

Course dates

What’s special about our course dates – well they actually run. Unlike many competitors we don’t call you and say “there is not enough people so it’s cancelled”.  On very rare occasions we may ask if you can slip a few days if we have two people wanting to do a similar course at a similar time.  But, simply put, if you book on a course we run it. It’s our job to fill them, yours to enjoy them.

Course times

ALL courses start at 9am unless otherwise advised in the joining instructions which we send a week before the course start date.

If the time changes it is generally due to tides or Sunset for late night manoeuvres.  Own Boat Tuition is as arranged at a mutually convenient time.

We have three sites that we operate from – Please ensure you check your joining instructions.

Our main office and Swanwick Powerboat Courses run from:
Mendez Marine
Hamble River Boat Yard
Bridge Road
Swanwick
SO31 7EB
Above the Fairline Office next to Harpers Steakhouse

Our classroom and Motor Cruising courses run from:
Deacons Marina (BoatFolk)
Bridge Road
Bursledon
SO31 8AZ
Be careful with the Satnav as it may take you to Bursledon Train Station

We have recently opened an RYA Powerboat Training Centre which runs out of:
Hythe Marina (MDL)
Shamrock Way,
Hythe Marina Village,
Hythe, Southampton
SO45 6DY

Expertise

Our team of instructors is second to none, they are chosen not just for their knowledge but also their ability to make it enjoyable. That way you learn quicker!

The Motor Cruising Team of Instructors will all hold a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or RYA Advanced Powerboat certificate of competence.

Our Powerboat team will hold, as a minimum, a Commercially endorsed RYA Powerboat Instructor certificate.

Flexible

Not only do we run a comprehensive list of course dates and options, but we can also tailor the training to suit your chosen dates, circumstances or special needs. Just call with your request, we will do our best.

I am running late – what should I do?

Our courses start on time, so if its not booked especially for you then please call us so that we know what’s happening!

07841659951 (Paul) or 07809619665 (Vanessa)

I have lost my paperwork?

Not a problem, call or email us and we can supply duplicates of joining paperwork.

Lost certificates however cost £20.00 each and you will need to supply a new photo if it was a photo card style.

Where are we?

The Sail Loft (Unit 1)
Deacons Marina (BoatFolk)
Bridge Road
Bursledon
SO31 8AZ

Your satnav may take you to Bursledon station!
If coming from the West go under railway bridge turn right.
If coming from the East go over the river and turn left BEFORE the railway bridge

contact numbers for all locations are:
01489 588977 (Office)
07841659951 (Paul)
07809619665 (Vanessa)

Why are we special?

We feel we are more than just a Training Centre, so what else do we do?

• Charter our ribs for practice.
• Offer friendly advice on all aspects of boating.
• Can help you achieve career goals for Commercial work or the Super Yachting World
• Offer practical boat handling and mile builders for those wanting to progress up the RYA Motor Cruising Scheme.
• Are open to suggestions for offering different experiences for new and more experienced boaters.
• Send quarterly newsletters so you know what is going on
• Are always pleased to see you for a cuppa and a chat about next steps.

Safety

All Mendez Marine craft are ‘Commercially Coded’ for the courses that we run, that means the level of safety equipment and the vessel itself are regularly inspected by the RYA / MCA to ensure compliance.

The weather

Sadly the UK is not always blessed with the greatest of weather. We do however always monitor the weather ahead to ensure that it is suitable for the level and knowledge of the course being run. It’s rare to have to cancel anything, but if we do, you will be rebooked at your earliest convenience and at no further charge. Rain as they say is not an issue – we have lots of wet weather gear!

Why do you collect feedback

Mendez Marine request and welcome feedback from students on courses and boat services

As a training school the RYA expect us to obtain feedback from students and customers and the RYA examine as part of our annual inspection.

The information is used to monitor our booking processes, the standard of instruction, facilities, and

The information is also used to offer additional training opportunities, discounts on courses which students may be interested in and share other relevant information regarding Mendez Marine.

Excerpts from feedback received may be used on our website, on our testimonial page.  Feedback is anonymised.

What if I want to make a complaint?

1. Mendez Marine are committed to providing exceptional training
2. Mendez Marine are committed to ensuring that all boats, equipment, training aids and facilities are kept in top condition and up to date.
3. Students who express dissatisfaction during the course are encouraged to raise verbally with their instructor in the first instance or with the chief instructor or one of the Principals as soon as possible.
4. The Principal will discuss the complaint \ expression of dissatisfaction, with the student as soon as practical and aim to overcome the issue. The Principal may suggest that a complaint is made to the RYA.
5. Written expressions of dissatisfaction or complaints are acknowledged within 48hours.
6. Dissatisfaction with instruction, instructors or school processes will be discussed with the instructor, the Principal and Chief Instructor and, as appropriate, with the RYA Chief Instructor Power.
7. If appropriate or necessary, the RYA Chief Instructor will contact the complainant on the RTC’s behalf.
8. The RYA Chief Instructor or the School Principal will follow up any complaint and feedback to the complainant within 7-days.
9. Any instructors who break the RYA code of conduct and work outside of Mendez Marine operations manual will be removed from our books.
10. Where appropriate recompense may be offered to the complainant in the form of discounts on further courses or consideration made to refunding part of any course fees.