PYT Cape
Professional Yachting Courses
We offer practical & theory yachting courses in Cape Town – Hout Bay, Simons Town & Knynsa.
PYT Cape
PYT Cape Offers Yachting Courses Based Out Of Our Cape Town & Knysna Training Centres
Get Personalized Training
We know every student’s path into yachting is different, so we offer hands on guidance tailored to your background, whether you’re brand new to the industry or building toward an officer qualification.
- Guidance from experienced maritime instructors
Help finding your first placement on board
Support building real confidence on the water
Hands On Practical Training
Our courses are built around real vessels, real equipment, and real conditions, so you leave with skills you can actually use on day one, not just a certificate.
Training on real powerboats
Small class sizes for more individual attention
Practical assessments that reflect real crew duties
Internationally Recognised Courses
Every course we run is aligned with recognised maritime standards, so your qualification is respected by employers, flag states, and crew agencies worldwide.
STCW and MCA aligned training
Certificates accepted by international employers
Clear pathway from deckhand to officer level
Introductory Courses
Yachting courses that prepare you for tomorrow: All while connecting with a global network of learners. Our curriculum evolves with the latest trends!
4 Week Superyacht Deckhand Course
A complete entry level programme covering everything needed to start working on board superyachts, from safety training to hands on deck skills.
Small Powerboat and RIB Master
Learn to confidently handle and command small powerboats and RIBs, a key qualification for tender operations and day to day yacht duties.
Yacht Rating (Course Completion Certificate)
Covers the core skills and knowledge required to work as a rated crew member on a yacht, recognised as a foundational certificate in the industry.
Approved Engine Course (AEC 1)
An introduction to yacht engineering, giving crew a working understanding of engine room systems and basic maintenance.
Approved Engine Course (AEC 2)
Builds on AEC 1 with more advanced engineering knowledge, preparing crew for greater responsibility around a yacht’s mechanical systems.
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)
The mandatory international safety certification for anyone working at sea, covering firefighting, first aid, survival, and social responsibility.
Advanced Yachting Courses
Professional Advanced Yachting Courses in Cape Town that prepare you for tomorrow: All while connecting with a global network of yachting gobs for our qualified learners.
Master of Yachts (200GT) Limited
A commercial qualification allowing you to command yachts up to 200 gross tons within coastal limits, a common step up for career crew.
Master of Yachts (200GT) Unlimited
Builds on the Limited certificate, removing the coastal restriction and allowing command of yachts up to 200 gross tons anywhere in the world.
Master 500GT / 3000GT
An advanced command qualification for larger vessels, aimed at experienced officers progressing toward senior roles on bigger yachts.
OOW (Officer of the Watch)
Qualifies crew to take charge of a navigational watch, a core step for anyone moving into an officer track on deck.
Efficient Deckhand Course (EDH)
Develops practical seamanship skills beyond entry level, covering ropework, boat handling, and general deck competency.
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) Course
Trains crew to launch, operate, and manage survival craft and rescue boats during an emergency at sea.
Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
Covers the use of digital navigation systems now standard on most commercial vessels, required for officers responsible for passage planning.
What our students are saying …
Sasha Amor1/12/2026Awesome teaching staff and super friendly, allowing me to get my dream job on a boat and move up in my position with the courses I did there. Awesome team and great place to do it, Hout bays amazing.Peter Hardwick12/05/2025I've done all my yachting courses through PYT and I'll continue to do so. Great facilities, instructors and everything inbetween.Thanks guysEgor Fedorets12/04/2025Awesome quality of OOW modules. I’ve done EDH, PSCRB and GSK. All instructor are people with real marine experience and know how to explain.Office also working on professional way and readily to help.Kairan Eloff11/17/2025Zurette taught me theory and Rob took me for practical, both great at their jobs, Rob is an absolute legend. Had a great time on course and will be back in the future!- Thinus Opperman10/18/2025Excellent courseWayne Jones10/17/2025Terry is an absolute legend, Knysna is a great location to do courses as well. Really recommend PYT cape !JARROD VAN STRAATEN10/17/2025Terry is an amazing lecturer. He is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects. He is always helpful and patient. PYT has never let me down and I look forward to continuing my studies with them.100% recommend!!Christopher Smit1/11/2025Highly recommend 👌🏼 If you want to do your Yacht Training
- Marnus Kriel11/13/2023Exceptional training facility!Alex Battle1/09/2023Did my STCW-2010 and the AEC1 - I can highly recommend doing them at PYT. I did the AEC with Emile, who was particularly great! The theory courses are up-to-date and the hands-on practicals were very useful. All the lecturers are exceptionally knowledgeable - they gave us plenty of advice about the industry, the job requirements and safety onboard. There were plenty of humorous personal stories as well. As soon as the AEC2 is approved by the MCA, I'll be back!Luigi Corna10/09/2021Best training facility, lecturers and examiners always willing to help and give advice for further studies and courses for your career and they have an great training facility as well as co-facilities (SAMTRA)Armand jaanse van rensburg11/16/2020The Best training centres and school in Southern hemisphere by far.Have the friendliest Staff and Top class lectures 👌
- Allen Metcalf10/22/2018Did my MoY (200t) Limited and Unlimited here and it was a fantastic 3 weeks. Terry was an awesome instructor
learn anywhere, succeed everywhere
Not just courses, a career on the water
Every course we run is designed around what actually happens on board a superyacht, not just theory in a classroom. You’ll leave with skills you can use from your very first day of work.
Whether you’re chasing your first deckhand role or working toward an officer qualification, our instructors have spent real time at sea and bring that experience straight into your training.
Find Out More
Guides on what courses are required
Ready to join? Get started
Take the first step toward a career on the water. Our enrolment process is quick and straightforward, so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time preparing for life on board.
Your Yachting Course Specialist
