About Us
International maritime experience, delivered in Pattaya
About Marine Certification School
“To provide professional, practical, and safety-focused marine training in Pattaya, Thailand, helping students develop the confidence, knowledge, and skills required for responsible boating.”
Our Founder
Meet Our Founder – Captain John Stubbs
Founder – Marine Certification School · British
Captain John Stubbs
Captain John Stubbs is a British maritime professional with extensive international experience in yacht operations, vessel delivery, navigation, maritime safety, powerboat handling, and marine training.
His maritime background spans several international cruising and operating regions, including the South China Sea, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.
John previously established Marine Certification in Pattaya, Thailand, and is also associated with the ownership and operation of MC Yacht Charters.
John's professional journey in Thailand began with a 1,500-mile yacht delivery from Hong Kong to Pattaya, after which he was asked to stay and teach. He went on to found Marine Certification Ltd, grew a maintenance flotilla of 43 yachts, and later transitioned into charter operations with MC Yacht Charters.
His experience in both professional maritime operations and practical training provides the foundation for Marine Certification School.
Professional Qualifications & Maritime Experience
Captain John Stubbs – Maritime Experience & Qualifications
Professional qualifications
MCA
- 3000 Ton Officer of the Watch
- Navigation & Radar (APAR)
- GMDSS General Operator's Certificate
- Advanced Powerboat Level 2
- Stability
- Advanced Sea Survival
- Advance Fire Fighting
RYA
- Yachtmaster Ocean Sail
- Yachtmaster Offshore Motor
Maritime and instructional experience
- International yacht delivery and vessel operations
- Delivery skipper in the South China Sea
- Mediterranean sailing flotilla skipper
- Caribbean yacht skipper
- Norway to Arctic Circle sailing
- Tug boat operations
- Maritime navigation and passage planning
- Powerboat handling and seamanship
- Marine safety and practical training
- Diving and marine support operations
- Vessel management and charter operations
- IYT Sailing & Powerboat Instruction
- Rescue Diving
- Technical Diving
- Marine Diving Support
- Surface Technician
- Tri-mix & Nitrox Gas Blender
Our Training Philosophy
Why Choose Marine Certification School?
Experienced Maritime Leadership
Founded by a British maritime professional with international yacht and powerboat experience.
Practical Powerboat Training
Hands-on time at the helm of a RIB, building real-world skills on the water.
Professional Training Environment
Structured, well-organised sessions delivered to a high standard.
Sattahip, Chon Buri Location
Train on the waters of Thailand's Eastern Seaboard.
International Student Focus
Training delivered in English for residents and international visitors alike.
Safety-Focused Learning
Safety and good seamanship sit at the heart of every session.
Training
Our Training Courses
Our training is practical and hands-on, delivered on the water at Sattahip, Chon Buri with a strong focus on safe boat handling, good seamanship and confidence at the helm.
Current courses: IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master (MCA Recognised) · Marine Communications (VHF-SRC). Marine Communications (VHF-SRC) sales and enrolment are not yet open. See our Courses page for details.
Training Location
167 Moo 5, Sattahip, Chon Buri 20250
Practical powerboat training is planned using the school's own RIB powerboat, operating from Sattahip, Chon Buri — giving students direct access to the open waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Classroom theory sessions will take place in suitable local training facilities. Venue details are confirmed with each student on enquiry.
Ready to take the helm?
Send an enquiry and we'll get back to you personally.