Overview
Becoming a Superyacht Deckhand is an exciting opportunity to travel and work worldwide. The Superyacht industry offers adventure and chances to explore the world.
If a career in yachting is Becoming a Superyacht Deckhand provides a clear career path for those looking at a long-term career change.
We designed our 15-day Superyacht Deckhand Course for crews just starting in the yachting industry. Our course provides precisely what you need to begin your career as a Superyacht Deckhand.
What does a Deckhand do?
A Deckhand is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the exterior of a Superyacht. Although the role varies from yacht to yacht, the core responsibilities remain the same. To learn more about the role, please visit our dedicated page.
Our Superyacht Deckhand Course is designed to provide practical and soft skills that Captains look for in Deckhands entering the industry.
Becoming a Deckhand
If you’re eager to learn more about the role of a Deckhand, then you can find out everything about the role in our blog Becoming a Deckhand.
Is the Superyacht Deckhand Course right for me?
This course has been designed for male or female crew members who want to work as Superyacht Deckhands. Our 15-day course provides precisely what you need to get started, including the STCW Basic Safety Training Course, our bespoke Deckhand Training Course, RYA Powerboat Level 2, Jet Ski, and lots, lots more.
You will have lots of fun, learn loads from instructors who are experts in their field, and meet like-minded people who are on the same path as you.
Find out what happens on our Deckhand Course.
Please don’t take our word for it; check out what our past students have to say about their time with Flying Fish!
In addition to the practical skills, you benefit from our Career Support Service, which is there to help with your CV and provide career guidance delivered by an X-Superyacht boss who has been there and done it!
Accommodation
Almost all customers choose our accommodation option. Flying Fish crew houses in Cowes are comfortable and centrally located—just a 5-minute walk to the town and our training centre. You can mix and socialise with other people on the course who, like you, will start a career in the Superyacht industry.
New for 2024 – Seafarers Tax Service
All crew working at sea must complete a Self Assessment Tax return at the end of each year to declare overseas income.
We realise that tax is the last thing on your mind, and from June 2024, your first year’s annual tax return is included within the Superyacht Deckhand course price, saving you £210 plus a lot of hassle in the process!
Flying Fish is a certified tax agent with HMRC, we help hundreds of Superyacht crew complete their Self-Assessment Tax Returns each year.
Our Career Support Service
As well as practical skills, customers benefit from our bespoke Careers Support Service, which provides mentoring and support to ensure you are ready to start your new career. Our Career Support Service has everything you need from CV guidance to prepare you for life in the Superyacht industry, including:
- A dedicated, personal mentor and coach will be on hand to support and guide you throughout your course.
- In one-to-one CV writing sessions, we guide you through writing a yachting CV, provide CV templates, and help you complete your Yachting CV.
- Industry presentation on ‘how to find work’ to prepare you for life onboard, registering with recruitment agents, visas, bank accounts, and more.
- Guidance with covering letters and employer references.
- Regular meet-ups in Antibes with one of our Flying Fish Mentors.
- Access to our exclusive Flying Fish WhatsApp group, where we and other course graduates share job opportunities.
- Six months of ongoing career support.
Why train with Flying Fish
- Flying Fish limits student numbers to small groups. This means you have the opportunity to have one-on-one time with our expert instructors.
- We are the only company providing hands-on, practical motorboat experience.
- Seafarers Tax Service
- Comfortable self-catering accommodation in crew houses 5 minutes from our training centre in Cowes.
- Our exclusive Career Support Service.
Key points
All crew who want to work on a commercial vessel, including Superyachts, must 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. However, it is not a booking condition, so you can book your course without it.
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- Two days aboard a functioning vessel covering:
- Motorboat Handling
- Lines, fenders and mooring protocol
- Digital navigation
- Vessel management and crew skills
- RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC)
- RYA VHF Radio
- Ropework, essential knots, and splicing
- Maintenance day, teak work, repairs, washdowns, cleaning the stainless yacht maintenance
- Careers Support Package
- CV Clinic, industry guidance, and mentoring with one of our experts
- Industry preparation with one of our experts
- Antibes career event
- Small student groups for a personal approach and one-to-one time
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.
The course comprises 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 qualifications 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.
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.
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
PDSD is for crew members required to perform a security-related duty onboard a yacht over 500 Gross Tonnes. The one-day, MCA-approved course provides the essential training to enable you to perform your role onboard.
Motorboat course – 2 days
You spend a tow days on our 40′ motorboat learning vital skills, 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 and tie a soft shackle!
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 and how to maintain the yacht to a high standard.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course – 2 days
The crew will need RYA Powerboat level two to drive the yacht’s tenders. This is a great fun, practical course, awesome fun and
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 the toys!
Exclusive Career Support Service
Our Careers Support Service is exclusively for customers enrolled onto our Deck and Steward/ess course. 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.
What our previous customers have to say
What an absolute honour and pleasure it was being a part of Flying Fish family for the 2 weeks I completed with them! From the professional, helpful and attentive staff to fun, laughter and memories.
Monika B
Staff are amazing and so kind! Great course and great accommodation. Lovely location and an all round great friendly atmosphere.
Ossia M
Book Superyacht Deckhand Course today!
Contact us for more information about financing your career, or click on the icon below, and we will contact you.
If you prefer to pay by card, choose a start date, then review your booking.
15 day(s)
£3,320
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Still not sure?
From training to career advise we’ll be happy to sit down and give you the guidance you need!
If you would prefer to work as a Steward/ess then you may like our Superyacht Steward or Stewardess course.
Superyacht Stewardess Course
This course is the right choice for anybody looking to become a Steward/Stewardess. Includes STCW.
15 day(s)
£3,320