MCA and IYT-accredited superyacht training across Durban and Cape Town — from STCW Basic Safety and entry-level deckhand packages through to Master 3,000t and Officer of the Watch certification.
Book direct →Professional Yachtmaster Training (PYT) is a South African superyacht training school operating across Durban and Cape Town, holding dual accreditation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the International Yacht Training (IYT) organisation. The school covers the full spectrum of deck and engineering qualifications needed to build a career in commercial yachting, from first-time crew looking to enter the industry through to senior officers pursuing Master 500t and Master 3,000t certificates of competency.
Entry-level students can join structured packages — typically four to five weeks in Cape Town — combining elementary seamanship, MCA Yacht Rating, STCW Basic Safety Training and a RIB Master tender-driving assessment. Interior crew and stewardess pathways are also available, covering service, mixology, housekeeping and presentation skills. Engineering students can study the MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC) alongside Y-tickets and MEOL qualifications.
On the advanced deck ladder, PYT delivers Officer of the Watch (OOW) preparation and IYT Master of Yachts 200t Limited/Unlimited, with a clear progression route to Chief Mate and Master 3,000t. Monthly STCW Basic Safety Training intakes make it straightforward to fit safety certification around other commitments. All courses are delivered in English and are designed to satisfy MCA commercial endorsement requirements.
STCW Basic Training presented monthly, covering Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Firefighting (3 days), Elementary First Aid (2 days), Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, and Security Awareness. An essential first qualification for anyone entering commercial yachting.
Book on PYT →Yacht Hand entry-level programme covering elementary seamanship, MCA Yacht Rating, STCW Basic Safety Training and a RIB Master assessment for tender operation. Designed as a complete launchpad for crew entering the superyacht industry for the first time.
Book on PYT →Interior Crew Training within the entry-level programme, covering mixology, bar and food service, cleaning, laundry, menu planning, table setting and presentation skills. Ideal for crew targeting interior or stewardess roles on private and charter yachts.
Book on PYT →MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC), listed among PYT's starting-out qualifications alongside Y-tickets and MEOL. Suitable for crew looking to build an engineering pathway within the commercial yachting sector.
Book on PYT →Deck officer training including Officer of the Watch (OOW) preparation, with IYT Master of Yachts 200t Limited and Unlimited also offered. A key step on the commercial deck-officer ladder for crew moving from Yacht Rating or Yachtmaster Offshore.
Book on PYT →Master 500t and Master 3,000t certificate-of-competency courses, with Chief Mate also offered on the advanced deck-officer ladder. PYT's most senior qualifications, preparing officers for command of large commercial and superyacht vessels.
Book on PYT →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Professional Yachtmaster Training (PYT) before booking.
Award-winning 5-star business hotel at 12–14 Walnut Road, located directly next to the Durban International Convention Centre and within 5 minutes of the beachfront, with outdoor pool, fitness centre and restaurant.
View options →Highly rated guesthouse at 18 Millwood Crescent in the Bluff area, offering en-suite rooms with private entrance, hot tub, free parking and garden views, a 10-minute walk from Ansteys Beach.
View options →Luxurious two-bedroom self-catering apartment in the Durban Point Waterfront development, with sea views, balcony, fully equipped kitchen and free parking, a 13-minute walk from uShaka Marine World.
View options →King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is approximately 35 km north of Durban city centre, near La Mercy. A private taxi or ride-hail (Uber) takes around 35 minutes and costs approximately R400–R500 (approx. £17–£21). Shared shuttle services run from approximately 07:30–22:30, taking 45–60 minutes and costing from around R100–R180 (approx. £4–£8). There is no direct public bus or train from the airport to the city centre.
Airport shuttles →Durban Station (also Berea Road Station for some services) is located at 65 Masabalala Yengwa Avenue in the city centre. Metrorail KwaZulu-Natal (PRASA) operates commuter lines north to KwaDukuza (Stanger), south to Kelso and inland to Cato Ridge. Services are commuter-focused and reliability has been variable; rail is not recommended as a primary option for visitors arriving from outside KwaZulu-Natal. No long-distance intercity passenger trains currently serve Durban.
Durban is accessible via the N2 highway from the south (Port Elizabeth/East London direction) and north (Richards Bay). The N3 from Johannesburg is the main inland route, approximately 560 km (5–6 hours). The city centre has metered parking and multi-storey car parks; secure off-street parking is strongly recommended in the CBD and beachfront areas.
Open in Maps →Note: Durban is South Africa's busiest port city and is well served by air and road. There is no intercity passenger rail of practical use for most visitors. No scheduled passenger ferry services connect Durban to other cities — harbour boat trips are tourist cruises only. Prices quoted are estimates based on 2025/2026 sources and may vary.