See full version: How do you become a deckhand on a yacht
Regardless of how you use it, owning a yacht is an asset when you make it an investment. The truth is that yachts are a depreciating asset, like a sports car. Though there are far more costs to maintain a yacht than a sports car, but the sentiment is the same.
Required Certification Qualifications and certification are not normally needed to become a deckhand – experience is generally more important, but RYA qualifications such as Day Skipper, Power Boat Level 2 and VHF/SRC Radio Operators Certificate or IYT Tender Driving Licence may be beneficial. [links]
Compensation for chief stews runs anywhere from $3,450 to $5,650 a month on smaller yachts (80 to 140 feet) to $5,200 to $8,000 a month on yachts over 140 feet. It is very common now to see $65K and $70K salaries, or even $90K+ on the much larger vessels. [links]
Getting a Yacht Job – The Recruitment Process here
Self-employed status A fisherman is considered self-employed (and not an employee) and required to pay SE tax if he/she meets the following conditions: Receives a share of the catch or proceeds from the catch. The share depends on the amount of the catch.
The average salary of deckhands on a yacht is $35,880 a year (around $18.40 an hour). Novice yacht deckhands can make about $20,378 a year. Experienced yacht deckhands can make up to $59,659 a year. Yacht deckhand salaries can also depend on how large the yacht is and also in which area you are working.
The STCW ensures that all crew are competent and willing to engage in safety and survival operations that one may encounter while working at sea.
As a deckhand seeking your first job in the yachting industry, it is advisable to complete a VHF course. This 1-day course will enable the use of the VHF radio equipment on board and no previous experience is required. It is an essential qualification to progress on deck. The sooner a deckhand member becomes familiar with this equipment the better. It is, therefore, a good course for green deckhands to have. Additionally, qualifications like this reflect long-term industry commitment. It is also a prerequisite for a Yachtmaster / Master of Yachts 200GT.
Certain training schools around the world will also make it possible for ‘green crew’ to complete courses and qualifications that usually require industry experience and/or previous qualifications. This is made possible by gaining the necessary sea time and miles through the training school. It is often referred to as the ‘zero-hero’ method and is most commonly used for the Yachtmaster qualification.
All Crew who have been assigned designated security duties under the Ships Security Plan (SSP), must hold a Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) certificate. Although it is the Proficiency in security awareness that is the mandatory course, we strongly advise new crew members to complete the PDSD course instead as a large number of yachts are seeing it as a requirement for all of their crew. [links]
Firstly, you will need the STCW Basic Training certificate. This is a requirement for all yacht crew and comprises of the following modules:
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Elementary First Aid (Basic First Aid)
Course Cost: $990 ($595 Assessment Only)
Course Duration: 4 Days
Course Location: Orlando here
Does this training give me any formal qualifications? [links]
You will learn valuable deckhand skills that includes Seamanship, Knot Tying, Mooring/Anchoring Operations, Basics of Navigation, Safety and communications. We show you the process for applying for a deckhands position. more
Crew will learn:
You can take the course along with our exclusive 2 day STCW basic training blended course (Hybrid - Online and 2 day practical training) and the required STCW Maritime Security online course (Personnel with Designated Security Duties).
1. Navigation Rules Pro
2. ColRegs: Rules of the Road
3. Marine Rules & Signals
4. Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations
5. Freds Oral Prep Quiz [links]
1. STCW Basic Training
2. ENG 1 (Seafarers Medical Certificate)
3. Passport and visas, if applicable
1. MCA Yacht Rating Certificate
2. RYA Day Skipper
3. Powerboat Level 2
4. PWC Ticket
5. Mechanical skills
6. Scuba Diving and any other water sports instructor tickets (e.g Kite Surfing)
7. VHF/SRC Radio Operators Certificate
8. Exterior Maintenance such as varnishing, painting, fibreglass works, carpentry skills etc.
9. Photography or Drones are great hobbies
10. Personal Trainer qualifications
11. Navigation and Boat Handling skills
12. Carpentry, Mechanical and Engineering Skills
Deckhand jobs are extremely competitive, if you are looking to secure a position as a Deckhand but not sure where to start, check out our choices of Crew Accommodations. It is also a great way to network and land your first Deckhand job. [links]
Being a deckhand is also considered a “front of house” position when assisting guests with water sport and yacht toys such as jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks and more. It’s important to interact with owners and guests in a professional manner when teaching them how to operate the equipment on their own.
Onboard a smaller yacht with a smaller number of deckhands, some of the deck responsibilities for deckhands will increase to more hands-on duties such as; tender driving, anchoring, mooring procedures, sanding, varnishing and painting etc. And on occasion, you will be expected to assist within the galley or interior operations, which is generally more common on smaller yachts.