A comprehensive maritime training centre in Fort Lauderdale offering MCA, USCG, and RYA accredited courses from STCW safety through to Yachtmaster, engineering, GMDSS, and superyacht interior and deck programmes.
Book direct →Maritime Professional Training (MPT) is one of the largest and most established maritime training institutions in the United States, based in Fort Lauderdale — the global hub of the superyacht industry. MPT delivers a broad portfolio of accredited courses spanning the full crew career ladder, from entry-level STCW Basic Safety Training through to USCG Master Oceans upgrade programmes, MCA Officer of the Watch certificates, and advanced engineering qualifications.
The school holds accreditations from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), giving graduates internationally recognised credentials for working aboard commercial yachts and ships worldwide. Training takes place in dedicated on-site facilities including purpose-built engineering labs, delivered by a faculty of experienced maritime professionals.
MPT's curriculum covers the full breadth of superyacht crewing needs: safety and security training (STCW, PDSD, HELM), deck and navigation qualifications (Yachtmaster, OOW, Master 200/500/3000gt), engineering licences (MEOL, AEC, Y-tickets), radio operator certificates (GMDSS), interior and guest services (PYA GUEST), and medical pathways including Medical First Aid and Medical Care Provider. Regular course intakes mean crew can plan their certification journey year-round.
Covers personal survival techniques, basic fire fighting, elementary first aid/CPR, personal safety and social responsibilities, and security awareness. Sessions run regularly throughout the year at the Fort Lauderdale campus.
Book on MPT →STCW Basic Training Refresher (Course 165) providing revalidation in personal survival, fire fighting, elementary first aid/CPR, and personal safety and social responsibilities — essential for crew renewing their STCW certification.
Book on MPT →Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD/PDSD), Course 567, with multiple scheduled class dates throughout the year. Required for crew assigned specific security responsibilities under the ISPS Code.
Book on MPT →RYA Yachtmaster Offshore / Yachtmaster Coastal / Master of Yachts 200 (Course 300). Serves as prerequisite training for an MCA OOW 3000gt CoC and as a certificate of competence for yachts up to 200 tons.
Book on MPT →USCG Master Oceans upgrade programme covering the 500/1600/3000gt routes, plus the Master of Yachts Unlimited Tonnage Marshall Islands capstone course. USCG OUPV and Master to 100/200 tons also offered.
Book on MPT →Marine Engine Operator Licence (MEOL – Yacht), MCA Course 441, plus MCA chief engineer certificate programmes. Training takes place in dedicated engineering labs at the Fort Lauderdale campus.
Book on MPT →Electro-Technical Officer and AV/IT systems training for superyacht crew, covering the electrical, electronic, and IT competencies required for modern vessel systems — a growing specialisation across large yacht programmes.
Book on MPT →GMDSS General Operator Certificate: a 10-day USCG version (Course 152) and a 10-day MCA AMERC version (Course 404). Required for deck officers or radio operators on GMDSS-equipped vessels.
Book on MPT →PYA GUEST interior department training, including Yacht Interior Administration and HR (Course 806), taught by a certified PYA GUEST course writer and instructor — covering the full scope of interior management for superyacht crew.
Book on MPT →Medical Care Provider (Course 153) and related first aid and medical care courses within the STCW medical pathway. Suitable for officers and crew seeking MFA or Medical Care Provider certification for STCW compliance.
Book on MPT →Superyacht Crew Watchstanding and Deckhand Course (Course 808), designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of watchstanding crew on superyachts. Efficient Deckhand (EDH, Course 417) also offered for those entering the industry.
Book on MPT →Human Element Leadership and Management (HELM) Operational Level, MCA Course 416. A 5-day management-level HELM(M) / Leadership and Managerial Skills course (Course 616) is also available for senior officers.
Book on MPT →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Maritime Professional Training (MPT) before booking.
A 4-star beachfront resort with a private beach, two outdoor pools, and three restaurants, located directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
View options →An adult-only B&B resort in Wilton Manors, offering three outdoor pools, free weekend breakfast, and free parking, steps from the bars and restaurants of Wilton Drive.
View options →Marina-side furnished apartments on the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Isle of Venice Drive, offering one to three bedroom suites with canal views, two pool areas, and free private parking — well suited to those arriving by boat or needing longer stays.
View options →Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) sits approximately 4 miles (6 km) south of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to downtown takes around 15–20 minutes and costs roughly $20–35. Broward County Transit (BCT) Route 1 bus runs from Terminal 1 to downtown and is the cheapest option (under $2) but is slower and not ideal with luggage. Tri-Rail has a station at FLL, with a free shuttle from the terminal every 15–20 minutes, connecting to downtown Fort Lauderdale station.
Airport transport info →Fort Lauderdale Station (Brightline) at 101 NW 2nd Ave sits in the city centre, with high-speed intercity services to Miami (~30 min) and West Palm Beach (~30 min), and onward connections to Orlando. Tri-Rail (commuter rail between Miami and West Palm Beach) calls at Fort Lauderdale and at the FLL Airport station. Brightline's Airport Connector shuttle runs every 15 minutes between FLL and downtown, making it a practical car-free option from the airport. Amtrak long-distance services also call at Fort Lauderdale (SW 21st Terrace station).
Balearia Caribbean operates ferry sailings from Port Everglades (Terminal 21, 2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316) to Bimini, Bahamas (approx. 2 hours, from $199 round trip) and to Freeport/Grand Bahama (approx. 3 hours, from $219 round trip), with 2–3 sailings weekly per route.
Balearia Caribbean →Fort Lauderdale sits on the I-95 corridor, approximately 30 miles north of Miami and 45 miles south of West Palm Beach. US-1 (Federal Highway) runs through the city. From Miami take I-95 North; from Orlando take the Florida Turnpike South or I-95 South. Street parking and paid garages are available downtown and along Las Olas Boulevard; beach parking can be busy in peak season, and hotel parking typically costs $20–55/night in central or beachfront locations.
Open in Maps →Fort Lauderdale is well connected by air via FLL, which sits just 4 miles from downtown. Brightline high-speed rail is the standout option for inter-city travel. Ferry services to the Bahamas operate from Port Everglades. There is no significant local metro or subway; taxis, rideshare, and the Broward County Transit bus network cover local journeys.