SUPERYACHT DECKHAND QUALIFICATIONS

The role of a Deckhand is physically demanding, requiring stamina and a strong work ethic. However, it is also a position that offers tremendous opportunities for those passionate about the maritime industry. Starting as a junior deckhand, there is a clear career path that can eventually lead to becoming a Captain.

To legally work on as a Deckhand on a Superyacht you only need to have STCW basic safety certificates and ENG1. However, there is number of other qualifications that may be required not fulfil legal requirements, but due to yacht operational requirements or preferences of the management company or Captain.

Below we will review some of these qualifications:

SUPERYACHT DECKHAND COURSE- this course can vary in price and duration. Some of the training providers offer 3 to 4 days course that give you general knowledge of yachting terminology, rules of the road, yachting operations, basic navigation knowledge, meteorology and ropes handling. Other could be 2 to 4 weeks and can offer in addition water sports qualification, tender driver course, work at heights, VHF operator and Designated Security Duties.

This course can be useful to both green crew and someone with a season or two experience as in busy operation often there is no time for the senior crew members to teach you new skills and you have to rely on what you seen and learn so far by experience. The benefit from attending this course is that skills and knowledge gained will make you valuable member of the team able to perform confidently more challenging tasks and will put you a step closer to the next step in your yachting career.

 

POWER BOAT LEVEL 2/  SMALL POWER BOAT AND RIB MASTER/  SKIPPER OF SEAGOING VESSEL UP TO 40 GT

These 3 courses can be used as prove for your tender driving skills. All of them do not require any previous knowledges and qualification, but they all have different durations and leaves you with different depth of skills and knowledge respectively.

POWER BOAT LEVEL 2 is a two days course that include knowledge for self-sufficient powerboating at a basic level. Course includes launching, mooring, anchoring and recovery plus all the boat driving skills required for basic competence in a powerboat.

SMALL POWER BOAT AND RIB MASTER is a 3 days course that include, VHF Radio operations, Launching and recover, anchoring and mooring, Nautical terminology, Boat handling under power, Man overboard procedures, Ropes and rope-work and Basic rules of the road knowledge

SKIPPER OF SEAGOING VESSEL UP TO 40 GT is a two weeks course that include theoretical and practical part.

The first week is reserved for theoretical knowledge of navigation and chart work, meteorology, rules of the road, Launching and recovery, Anchoring and Mooring, VHF Radio procedures, Emergency handling procedures, Yacht and crew documentation, Rope works and Nautical terminology. The second week is reserved for practical exercises of boat handling. In the end there is exams covering your practical and theoretical skills. Graduates will receive internationally recognised commercial all ocean license.

Skilled tender drivers are always among of the most valuable crew members of an yacht and graduating this course will put you in this category.

DESIGNATED SECURITY DUTIES - The course is mandatory for all seafarers who will work onboard yachts following the regulations of the International ship and port security (ISPS) Code and who during performance of their routine duties, will be additionally entrusted with duties aiming to achieve security of the yacht.

SAFE MOORING OPERATIONS- this is a one-day course that include studying of types of ropes used for mooring operations, personal protective equipment, the planning and conduct of mooring of a ship, the dangers and risks involved in mooring operations, the rules for safe operation of such operations, proper communication and signals during mooring.

The mooring operations are often some of the most challenging tasks among the junior crew and could be dangerous if you don't know what are you doing. Attending this course will give you confidence to perform well and will help you to remain safe during mooring.

SAFE WORK AT HEIGHTS- this is one day course that include applicable legislation and the principles of working at height, equipment and terminology, avoiding injuries and safety measures.

Work at height are normally saved for more experienced Deckhands due to level of risk involved. This course will give you set of skills and knowledge to safely perform at heights and be considered as one of the skilful seamen among your crew.

VHF LICENSE- this is one day course that will give you knowledge on the basic VHF radio communications. You will learn how to properly broadcast messages, standard phrases used in the radio communication, how to broadcast emergency messages, phonetic alphabet and how to handle VHF DSC and NAVTEX stations.

if you want to find out more information about the Deckhand qualifications please contact us at :