The short STCW security ticket most yachts now expect from all crew.
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) is a short STCW security course, usually a single day, that most professional yachts now expect every crew member to hold, not just security officers. It covers your responsibilities under the ship's security plan, threat recognition and controlled areas. Because it's a quick, box-ticking requirement, the main thing is finding an MCA-approved centre with a date that suits you. Here are good options, led by Flying Fish.
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My own starting point. I trained with Flying Fish back in 2018. Purpose-built superyacht training base on the water in Cowes, RYA Training Centre and MCA-approved, with one of the widest course ranges in the UK: STCW, deckhand and interior packages right through to Yachtmaster. Onsite accommodation can be booked directly with them at a good price alongside your course. Book online and hold a place for 48 hours.
Liverpool-based STCW centre, MCA-approved and GWO-accredited, handy for crew training in the north.
Edinburgh-based STCW and safety centre, MCA-approved, covering the core mandatory tickets including security and refresher courses.
Clydebank centre near Glasgow, MCA-approved with GWO and OPITO offshore accreditations.
Major Fort Lauderdale training campus, MCA / USCG / RYA approved, the main US hub for crew training either side of the Atlantic.
English Harbour, Antigua. MCA and RYA approved, offering Yachtmaster and offshore miles in the Caribbean.
Phuket-based, MCA and IYT approved, one of the leading superyacht training hubs in South-East Asia.
Large charity-run academy in Cowes, MCA-approved and an RYA Training Centre, also running full cadetship pathways for crew who want the professional route.
This is our shortlist. See every provider offering PDSD in the full PDSD directory →
Want to see the prices side by side? Compare prices from 8 schools for PDSD (Designated Security Duties).
Looking wider? See our best Ship Security Officer courses →
My PDSD was part of the Flying Fish deckhand package rather than a separate booking. It's a short course, so it made sense to have it bundled in alongside STCW rather than sourcing it separately later.
For PDSD specifically:
It's a box you need to tick, so the main thing is not overpaying or overplanning for something that only takes a day.
PDSD stands for Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. It is a short STCW security course covering a crew member's duties under the ship's security plan, including threat awareness and access control.
Most professional yachts now expect all crew to hold PDSD, even though the full Ship Security Officer (SSO) qualification is only needed by the designated officer.
PDSD is usually completed in a single day. It is often taken alongside STCW Basic Safety Training or a Ship Security Officer course.
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