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Not sure about your English language skills? Then we can help!

We offer courses in Maritime English, for non-native speakers. They will be taught by Duncan Pell.

About Duncan Pell

Duncan has a passion for sailing and a love of teaching. He trained with Via Lingua as a teacher of English as a foreign language, was the founder of The London English School in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine and is a RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Commercially Endorsed. He has a MBA from Warwick Business School and is the author of four novels (available from Amazon and other major book distributors!).

About the courses

For overseas students we recognise that English may not be your first language oral or written and offer coaching and tuition to bring your communication skills up to the required level for MCA Commercial Endorsements. We also understand that many of our students may benefit from English Language Coaching for any of our leisure courses. Duncan Pell is here at Blue Oyster to deliver advice and English Language tuition.

The vocabulary of sailing

Lessons will cover the vocabulary of sailing, navigation, meteorology, the diesel engine and collision regulations as well as ensuring you are competent to give safety briefings, write passage plans and command a vessel in English.

Individual lessons or small groups

Lessons will be individual or in groups of a maximum of three students. They can be in the evenings (90 minutes) or at weekends (full or part-day) to fit with your wishes.

Maritime English language training

From our bases in Barcelona and Gibraltar, we support all of our courses for overseas students with comprehensive Maritime English Language Training. You can complete your courses and include the Language tuition as you go or you can complete bespoke training prior to your course starting.

Pre-booked Language courses

English Language Training is provided on a pre-booked basis for any of our RYA/MCA Courses. If you have difficulties after starting the course or suddenly decide you just want to develop your English language skills, Duncan will (subject to his availability) provide lessons on a pay as you go basis. But pre-booked students will get priority.

English language training for commercial endorsements

If you are having problems completing any of the commercial MCA Courses such as PPR then a Maritime English Course could make the difference between a commercial or leisure licence. The RYA/MCA Professional Practices and Responsibilities Course essential for commercial students is a test of your English. Make sure you are ready to pass this test with Duncan Pell and Blue Oyster Maritime English Language Training.

How to book your English language lessons

Courses should be booked when signing-up for your RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Fast Track course, and paid for prior to arrival.

We offer a 50% discount on our published language tuition rates for the second person if you make a joint booking for RYA/MCA Yachtmaster 15 Week Fast Track and intend to study English together.

  • Maritime English for RYA/MCA Yachtmaster students 18 hours £220
  • Maritime English for Yachtmaster students wanting commercial endorsement (e.g. VHF, PPR, Exam Preparation) 30 hours £350
  • One of the above courses plus conversational and written skills
    additional 20 hours £220

Barcelona English Language Training for RYA/MCA Master of Yachts 200gt Fastrack Yachtmaster Power & Sail Maritime English.


18 hours

£220

30 hours

£350

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