Superyacht Deckhand Course
Overview
If you would like to travel the world then a job on a Superyacht could be what you are looking for. Our Superyacht Deckhand Course gives you everything you need to start looking for work as a Deckhand.
Working as a Deckhand on a Superyacht is a job like no other. You will spend your days earning money working in the sunshine onboard an incredible yacht in some of the best locations in the world! To work onboard a Superyacht you’ll need to be hardworking and prepared to be away from home for long periods. There are fantastic opportunities to advance your career for the right individuals!
Superyacht Deckhand Course
Our most popular programme, includes all the skills and qualifications you need to start your new career. The course is split into two parts, the details of each part of the course can be found in the “full itinerary” section below.
Week 1 – is the mandatory STCW Basic Safety Training week, required by all crew working at sea.
Week 2 – the second phase of the course is designed around the role of a Deckhand to teach you your role on board. You will cover everything from rope work to washdowns, Powerboat level 2, Jet ski and so much more.
Finance available
If you would like to give your wallet some breathing space and pay back the course fees over time then you might like to consider funding your career. You would spread payment over 12 months through an interest-free finance agreement. Please contact us to discuss your options.
Preparing your CV
Having a perfect CV is one of the most important factors in landing that first job. We help you prepare, format, and write your CV during the course, including getting that all-important photo! We run a session on working in the industry that covers everything from paying tax to what to pack. Flying Fish customers benefit from our exclusive recruitment day in Antibes, run by one of our team who has worked in the industry for over 15 years.
Learn to drive a motorboat
The tenders (a smaller boat to accompany the yacht) on today’s Superyachts are getting bigger and bigger. With that in mind Flying Fish now includes a one-day motorboat handling course on our 36′ twin-engine motorboat. While onboard, you will show you how to handle lines, drive a twin-engine yacht, anchor, and navigate the general engine maintenance and housekeeping expected on a larger yacht.
If you have never set foot on a motorboat, then this is a great opportunity to pick up some valuable skills.
Where to stay
Almost all customers choose our accommodation option. the Flying Fish crew houses in Cowes are comfortable and centrally located. Just a 2-minute walk to the town and our training centre. You will be able to mix and socialise with other people on the course who, like you, will start a career in the Superyacht industry.
Have you completed an ENG1 Medical?
All crew who want to work on a Superyacht are required to hold an ENG1 Medical. We recommend you complete the ENG1 Medical before the start of your course, as it confirms you are fit to go to sea.
Why train with Flying Fish?
- Flying Fish limits student numbers to small groups. This means you have the opportunity for one-to-one time with our expert Instructors.
- Flying Fish are always happy to tailor your programme, elements can be added or removed.
- We provide shared self-catering accommodation in crew houses 5-minute’s from our training centre in Cowes.
- Flying Fish offers a free and exclusive Recruitment Event in Antibes. This event not only hooks you up with crew agents and helps you seek employment, we also give you knowledge on the local area and how to live there on a budget! Over a week’s worth of knowledge wrapped into one day!
No need to take our word for it check out what our past students have to say about their time with Flying Fish!
Inclusions
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- Superyacht Deckhand Certificate
- MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC)
- RYA VHF Radio
- RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
- Ropework, essential knots and splicing
- Maintenance day, teak work, repairs, washdowns, cleaning the stainless yacht maintenance
- One-day boat handling course
- CV Clinic, industry guidance and mentoring with one of our experts
- Industry preparation with one of our experts
- Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes
- Small student groups for a personal approach and one-to-one time
Dates & pricing
| Starts | Ends | Location(s) | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/03/2023 | 10/04/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | Waitlisted, Please Call (+44) 01983 280 641 | |
| 03/04/2023 | 17/04/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | Waitlisted, Please Call (+44) 01983 280 641 | |
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| 17/04/2023 | 01/05/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | Waitlisted, Please Call (+44) 01983 280 641 | |
| 01/05/2023 | 15/05/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 3 spaces available | |
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| 15/05/2023 | 29/05/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 1 space available | |
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| 22/05/2023 | 05/06/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 5 spaces available | |
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| 12/06/2023 | 26/06/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 4 spaces available | |
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| 26/06/2023 | 10/07/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 6 spaces available | |
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| 10/07/2023 | 24/07/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 2 spaces available | |
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| 17/07/2023 | 31/07/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 5 spaces available | |
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| 07/08/2023 | 21/08/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 4 spaces available | |
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| 14/08/2023 | 28/08/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 7 spaces available | |
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| 28/08/2023 | 11/09/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 6 spaces available | |
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| 11/09/2023 | 25/09/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 7 spaces available | |
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| 25/09/2023 | 09/10/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 5 spaces available | |
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| 16/10/2023 | 30/10/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 8 spaces available | |
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| 30/10/2023 | 13/11/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 7 spaces available | |
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| 13/11/2023 | 27/11/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 10 spaces available | |
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| 27/11/2023 | 11/12/2023 | Cowes, Isle of Wight | 10 spaces available | |
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Pre-requisite experience and qualifications
You must be 18 years old or older to train with Flying Fish.
The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who are looking to work as a Deckhand on a commercial yacht.
To work on a Superyacht you will need to complete an ENG1 Medical and we recommend you complete this prior to the start of your course, though this is not essential.
Full itinerary
The course is made up of fun, action-packed practical and theory exercises that will gain you certificates required to work as a Deckhand onboard a Superyacht.
Here is an overview of the course structure:
Week 1 – STCW Basic Safety Training
STCW Basic Safety Training is a compulsory set of qualification for ALL crew who work on Superyachts. This six-day course is made up of several elements
Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), Sea Survival, Elementary First Aid and Security Awareness.
Industry presentation/CV workshop
An introduction to working in the Superyacht industry part of our support to help you find your dream job. we will guide you through all the details about working on a yacht from paying tax to bank accounts, salary guides, your role onboard and how to write a yachting CV. All customers are given a mentor who will help you with your CV and support you during and after the course.
Week 2 – The day job
The next week is spent learning new skills you will need as a Deckhand.
VHF Radio Operators Course – 1 Day
RYA Radio VHF Short Range Certificate (GMDSS/DSC) teaches you marine radio techniques and emergency procedures. The £60 VHF (SRC) exam fee is included in the course cost. On completion of this course, you will have gained your VHF Radio licence.
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
PDSD is for crew members who are required to perform a security-related duty onboard a ship or Superyacht. The one-day, MCA approved Course provides the essential training to enable you to perform your role onboard.
Motorboat course – 1 day
You spend a day on our 36′ motorboat vital skills on everything from driving a twin-engine boat to all the knots, terminology, anchoring, picking up mooring buoys, Navigation and so much more
Ropework course – 1 day
Here you will learn more advanced knots. We will show you how to splice braided and three-strand rope as well as how to tie a soft shackle!
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance – 1 day
A lot of the Superyacht tenders will have inboard diesel engines, so it’s a great idea to understand the basics. The course teaches you how an engine works, the fuel, water and cooling systems works. How to keep the engine healthy, fault finding and common problems.
Yacht maintenance – 1 day
We will be onboard one of our yachts getting to know the products and cleaning techniques used on a Superyacht, how to clean the yacht, stainless steel, windows and polishing. You will learn how to clean teak, acid washes and how to maintain the yacht to a high standard.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course – 2 Days
This course is a legal requirement for crew who need to drive the yacht tender. You will be on the water in one of our RIBs focusing on slow speed manoeuvres plus theory knowledge needed to drive the yacht tender. On completion of this course, you will gain your Powerboat licence.
PWC (Jet Ski) course – 1 Day
This practical, exciting course will teach you all there is to know about Jet Skis and how to use one safely. Jet Skis are often found on luxury yachts and it’s the crew’s job to know how to use these toys! On completion of this course, you will gain your Personal Watercraft licence.
Superyacht recruitment event in Antibes
There is no additional charge for this Recruitment Event in the South of France. Our staff in Antibes help you through the process of seeking employment. The event includes: looking at local crew agencies, what to expect, personal presentation, dos and don’ts, dock walking, and a final polish of your CV before you begin your career in the Superyacht industry.
Related courses
If you would prefer to work as a Steward/ess then you may like our Superyacht Steward or Stewardess course.