See full version: Superyacht Deckhand job description
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. As an alternative the MCA approved Yacht Rating Course is acceptable. As you progress you will be expected to achieve the MCA Yacht Rating Certificate. here
You may be required to hold the MCA STCW Basic Safety certification, and if you wish to progress from the deckhand role this certification is likely to be required for higher positions. here
If you’ve never worked on a yacht before, it doesn’t mean that you are unsuitable for consideration. Captains have, in the past, hired crew with a variety of backgrounds such as hospitality and hotels, cruise lines, recent graduates, mechanics, engineers, tour leaders, divers and anyone who can prove they have the willingness to learn and the right work ethic. here
The deckhand is also normally responsible for the general day to day operation and maintenance of jet-skis and other toys and tenders.
The deckhand’s role is incredibly varied and gives an excellent opportunity to learn about the general operations on board a superyacht.
Any skills or experience in any of the above mentioned tasks would be a distinct advantage over other candidates. more
A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional crew jobs on superyachts. The deckhand position will encompass many responsibilities, but most importantly, he/she will maintain the exterior of the yacht and keep it in pristine condition at all times. You could be the only deckhand on board, but on larger superyachts there may be as many as five or more deckhands working.
The deckhand is also normally responsible for the general day to day operation and maintenance of jet-skis and other toys and tenders.
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. As an alternative the MCA approved Yacht Rating Course is acceptable. As you progress you will be expected to achieve the MCA Yacht Rating Certificate. more
You don’t have to have boating qualifications to be a deckhand, but it helps. Certainly having general seafaring skills will put you ahead of other applicants, as is navigation, boat handling, engine and radio equipment knowledge. more
Deckhand is your typical entry-level job for almost any professional crew position on a superyacht.
When you go for a deckhand interview, find out how big the yacht is and how many other deckhands on board? Depending on the size, you could either be the only one or part of a team.
Deckhands come from a wide variety of backgrounds, so don’t lose heart if you don’t have direct yachting experience. Transferable skills are really valuable too. If you’ve worked in hospitality, hotels, spas, floristry etc you'll have great experience to offer and likewise engineers, divers, yoga instructors and mechanics all have great skills invaluable to an employer too. more
This department is responsible for serving food to the crew and passengers, cleaning accommodation and public areas and serving customers on passenger vessels. The department is headed by the Chief Purser / On-board Services Manager who is in charge of the Cooks and Stewards. [links]
For more comprehensive information on certification please click here to view the latest from the MCA.
All must be valid including those that previously had no expiry date. [links]
UK qualified Seafarers serving onboard ship must, as from 01/01/17, have documentary evidence of either having completed the STCW training course or update their STCW training within last 5 years.
Seafarers are required to hold specialist maritime certification to work at sea. We have provided a Help Guide below outlining the role of each rank on-board and the minimum entry requirements.
Deckhands clear the decks, prepare and maintain equipment and handle the catch on offshore fishing vessels.
There is no set time to complete it. You work to an individual training plan until you have all the work experience you need.
If you have some sea-going experience, you may be able to find work by contacting vessel skippers directly and training on the job.