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Supporting the next generation of Superyacht Crew

Make Smart Choices From The Outset

SAVE THOUSANDS. START WITH THE RIGHT QUESTION.

Don’t waste money on the wrong yachting courses. Before spending thousands on training courses, start with Introduction to Yachting — a short introduction to the yachting industry — and understand exactly where your time and money should go next.

Many newcomers asking how to start a yacht career are pushed into expensive certificates that only make sense after gaining real onboard experience. Without proper yacht career preparation and industry context, people over-train in the wrong areas, delay getting hired, and end up paying twice to correct early mistakes.

Start With Your End Goal In Mind.

Where do you want to be in your yachting career in 3–5 years?

Before you book courses, print CVs, or message crew agents, take a moment to think strategically about your long-term direction in yachting. The choices you make at the start will shape your opportunities, your learning path, and how fast you progress.

Start smart. Get clear on your direction before you invest — and put your time and money where it actually moves your yacht career forward.

Your Next Key Decision

Do you see yourself on larger yachts or smaller yachts? Both paths offer great careers - but they lead to very different experiences

Why choose a large Yacht

On larger yachts, crew are hired into specific departments (deck, interior, galley, engineering). This lets you specialise quickly and build deep expertise, but your role is more siloed, with less day-to-day exposure to the full operation of the yacht.

Take a Tour of a Large Luxury Yacht

Why choose a small Yacht

Working on a smaller yacht gives you hands-on exposure across every part of yacht life — from deck operations and guest service to basic engineering and problem-solving. With fewer crew onboard, everyone wears multiple hats, which means faster learning and broader real-world experience.

Take a Tour of a Small Luxury Yacht

Choose your yacht. Choose your future.

Big yachts offer structure and specialisation. Small yachts offer speed of learning and hands-on growth. If you are asking how to get into yachting, the Full Package gives you the foundation to understand both pathways before you commit.

Still unsure? No problem.
Start with the Introduction to Yachting.

Before You Contact Crew Agents or Yachts, Do These 3 Things

Step 1

Choose the baseline knowledge that is right for you

Get yacht-ready with the PCCP learning path that fits your goal. Learn how yachts really operate, build the right yacht career preparation, show up confident on day one, and avoid wasting money on training you don’t need yet.

Step 2

Obtain Your ENG1 Medical
Certificate

Ensure you’re medically fit to work at sea

An ENG1 medical certificate exam normally costs about $142.

Find approved providers
Step 3

Get Your STCW Certification

This essential certification
is your first step.

A full STCW Basic Safety Training course there generally costs about $475.

Find approved providers

Step One gives you the context to make smarter decisions before you invest further.

Choose from the three PCCP options below and start your yacht career preparation with the learning path that best matches your goals.

From $90 to $366 — single courses or full foundation access.

Advantages and Opportunities

  • 12 months unlimited access
  • Completion certificate
  • 305+ lessons across 11 courses
  • Bonus reference material
  • Enrolment to an Apprenticeship
  • Stream anytime, anywhere
  • Self-paced, online training
  • Get a step ahead of your peers
Option 1 - The Full Package

For those who want clarity across the whole yacht before stepping onboard.

A comprehensive, subsidised e-learning programme designed to give aspiring yacht crew a solid foundation, essential industry knowledge, and the confidence to move toward a professional career in the luxury yachting industry.

Explore and buy $366

After you have completed step 1,2 and 3 Then, Make Yourself Available

Once you’ve met these three minimum requirements, it’s time to put yourself out there. Sign up with reputable crew agencies and/or walk the docks in key yachting hubs to secure your first role. Make yourself visible, available, and ready to step onboard when opportunity comes.

See our list of crew agencies that value prepared, PCCP-trained candidates.

Participating Crew Agents

Ephemeris Free CV Builder and E-Profile

Free CV Builder and E Profile for Yacht Crew. Automatically build and update your CV as you gain new certifications and experience. Seamlessly integrate with the crew recruitment application, making you instantly available to vessels and crew agents.

Get started now and create a professional yacht CV in just a few simple steps.

Sign Up for free

Discover what the PCCP E-Learning has to offer

Watch our YouTube video on how to sign up and purchases the PCCP E-Learning online course programme.

What Crew are saying about the Progressive Crew Career Programme Products

Discover testimonials from crew members who have completed the PCCP E-Learning and are now successfully working in the yachting industry.

Jethro Hurd

Jethro Hurd

Second year Apprentice approaching 3rd year

I completed all my entry-level courses and went to France to look for a couple’s job. After realizing how tough it was, I learned about PCCP and applying for...

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Divan Pretorius

Divan Pretorius

First year Apprentice

The PCCP E-Learning program has been an invaluable resource, strengthening my knowledge of all aspects of yachting and boosting my confidence in my career. Its use of diverse...

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Liyabona Njingolo

Liyabona Njingolo

First year Apprentice

I loved that the PCCP E-Learning covered all departments and tasks onboard. It made me feel like I didn’t even need to attend a training school—PCCP provided everything at...

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Annabel Bird

Annabel Bird

First year Apprentice

PCCP E-LEARNING has been a game-changer for me. It’s incredibly easy to use and has boosted my confidence in performing my duties. As someone who learns best with visuals...

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Luke Gowar

Luke Gowar

Second year Apprentice

While job hunting in Fort Lauderdale, I discovered PCCP E-Learning and knew it was the right fit for my dream of becoming a boat captain. The course boosted my confidence...

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Megan Robinson

Megan Robinson

Third year Apprentice

I love learning new skills and teamwork, and PCCP E-Learning was a perfect fit. It covers various departments, helping me choose where I fit best. As a visual learner...

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Arno van der Berg

Arno van der Berg

Completed the Apprenticeship and progressed to Captain for 2 years

PCCP E-Learning is an excellent resource for anyone entering the yachting industry, especially if you’re unsure which department to...

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Christiaan Scheepers

Christiaan Scheepers

First year Apprentice

The program has been an invaluable tool for tracking my progress, setting clear standards, and holding me accountable. The interactive courses provide plenty of information...

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Cansu Şengül Nathrass

Cansu Şengül Nathrass

6th year Stewardess, Head of Interior, Interior Trainer

My training sessions are easier and more effective with the PCCP e-learning, especially for practical applications. Having crew review the...

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Gareth Ball

Gareth Ball

Second year Apprentice

The PCCP E-Learning has helped me understand my role in the industry and serves as a valuable guide. The videos were especially helpful, as I learn best by doing.I appreciated that the E-Learning ...

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Kamil Kum

Kamil Kum

Completed Apprenticeship and second year as a crew member

The PCCP E-Learning made me realize how much I didn’t know about the yachting industry and hospitality.I’m the kind of person who gets motivated...

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Thomas Nicholas

Thomas Nicholas

First year Apprentice

I decided to do the E-Learning after a friend was accepted into the course and encouraged me to give it a try. It's been a great experience, learning lot about the industry in a short amount...

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Daniel de Kock

Daniel de Kock

Completed the Apprenticeship and progressed to Captain for 3 years

The PCCP E-Learning program provides a well-structured, in-depth foundation for working onboard, making...

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Nathan Pretorius

Nathan Pretorius

Second year Apprentice

I decided to join the PCCP E-Learning program after a friend recommended it.Their positive experience made me confident it would be the right way to gain essential knowledge...

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Sena Kavas

Sena Kavas

Cook-Stewardess

The E-learning system has greatly supported my career and personal development by offering up-to-date information and flexible training that fit my work schedule...

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Teegan Hayward

Teegan Hayward

First year Apprentice

After school, I explored various job options, but the PCCP opportunity stood out as the best choice for me. I entered the E-Learning not knowing much about the industry, but the videos...

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Sercan Keskin

Sercan Keskin

Master/Captain

I decided to pursue eLearning when I realized the need to improve my skills and stay competitive in my field.The flexibility to learn at my own pace while balancing other responsibilities made...

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JP Nathrass

JP Nathrass

Captain and PCCP deck trainer

I went from being a diving instructor and skipper assisting luxury yachts to becoming a captain of a luxury yachtin in just three months.The PCCP content is very well laid out and easy...

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Shawn Vermaak

Shawn Vermaak

First year Apprentice

I was focused on my prelims when a friend in the yachting industry encouraged me to consider this career path. After searching online, I found many yachting websites, but...

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Dyllon Wilson-Moore

Dyllon Wilson-Moore

Completed the Apprenticeship and progressed to Captain for 2 years

PCCP E-Learning has kept me on top of drills and operations while making training my crew easier.The courses are packed with valuable information,...

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Ross Cole

Ross Cole

Fleet Manager/Captain

I’ve used the PCCP courses to keep growing and learning my craft, identifying both strengths and weaknesses.Helping to construct some of the courses has allowed me to share...

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How to Get Started

Watch this short video to learn how to buy, what to expect, and how to contact us if you need help.

Make Yachting Great Again

Supported and endorsed by:

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Promotes global advocacy protecting seafarers’ rights and dignity.

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A human rights consultancy specialising in the maritime environment globally

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Protecting Crew Lives is an independent, advocacy-led, informational community