Superyacht Deckhand Course

Our flagship course, equipping you with all the skills to launch your career as a Deckhand. Includes STCW.

15 day(s)

£3,320

Cowes, Isle of Wight

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Superyacht Deckhand Course

Overview

Our Superyacht Deckhand Course is your gateway to adventure, unparalleled experiences and earning a good income on the world’s oceans.

This 15-day course is designed specifically for newcomers and gives you all the qualifications and experience you need to start in this industry. Whether you’re an aspiring captain or just looking for an adventure, this course delivers everything you need to confidently step into your first role as a Deckhand.

Here’s an overview of what you’ll learn on the course:

STCW Basic Safety Training: The mandatory safety certification for working on Superyachts.
Bespoke Deckhand Training: We teach you everything you need to know to work as a Deckhand. Our training fully prepares you for the demands of life onboard, such as boat maintenance and rope work.
RYA Powerboat Level 2: Master essential powerboat skills.
Jet Ski Proficiency: A fun, yet critical skill for working as a Deckhand on Superyachts.

And much more, including real-world advice from experienced instructors and industry insiders.

As a Deckhand, you are at the heart of keeping a Superyacht pristine and ready for action. From maintaining the yacht’s exterior to assisting with operations and guest services, your work ensures every journey is smooth and professional. While specific tasks vary between yachts, the essential skills are universal and we’re here to teach you all of them. For a closer look into the role, check out our guide on becoming a Superyacht Deckhand.

Designed and taught by industry experts

We’ve designed course to equip you with the practical skills and professional insights that Captains value most in their crew. Over 15 action-packed days, you’ll gain a combination of technical certifications, hands-on experience, and soft skills that will give you a competitive edge in the industry.

You’ll not only learn, but you’ll also enjoy the journey by training alongside like-minded people, guided by our instructors who’ve been where you want to go. Our course goes beyond just training and you’ll also benefit from 6 months career support, ensuring you’re fully supported both before and after you embark on your exciting new career.

We essentially teach you how to find work, because we know landing a job is the ultimate goal.

Full course information

Prerequisites & medical requirements

Whether you’re male or female, young or experienced, this course is perfect for anyone ready to launch their career as a Superyacht Deckhand. No prior experience is required, and many of our students don’t have any sailing experience, what is more important is a willingness to learn.

You must be 18 years old or older to train with Flying Fish.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

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.

What's included?

On our Deckhand Course, you will gain internationally recognised certifications from two of the most respected organisations in the maritime industry, the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and the RYA (Royal Yachting Association). Flying Fish is an approved MCA and RYA training course provider.

Certifications

MCA STCW Basic Safety Training

MCA STCW Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention
MCA STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
MCA STCW Sea Survival Techniques
MCA STCW Elementary First Aid
MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC)
RYA VHF Radio

Practical experience

Ropework, Knots, and Splicing
Master essential knots and learn the art of splicing to secure lines safely and efficiently.

Two days aboard a functioning vessel

Motorboat handling – Hands-on practice in boat operations.
Lines, fenders, and mooring protocol – Understand the essential docking procedures.
Digital Navigation – Learn how to navigate using modern digital tools.
Vessel management and crew skills – Develop key teamwork and leadership skills required for yacht management.

Boat maintenance skills

Teak work – Gain experience in maintaining the teak deck of a superyacht
General repairs – Learn how to handle basic repairs and maintenance tasks
Washdowns & cleaning – Learn to keep the yacht looking pristine
Maintaining stainless steel – Care for stainless steel components to ensure they stay in top condition.

Soft skills development & career support

CV clinic – Receive tailored advice and support to create a standout CV.
Industry guidance and mentoring – Benefit from the experience of our maritime experts to guide you as you enter the industry.

Full course itinerary

Our Superyacht Deckhand Course combines action-packed practical exercises and essential theory, helping you gain the certifications needed to start your career as a Deckhand. Here’s an example breakdown of the course structure:

Week 1: STCW Basic Safety Training

STCW Basic Safety Training is mandatory for all crew members working on Superyachts. This six-day course equips you with the essential safety qualifications required in the yachting industry. The training includes:

Fire Fighting – Learn how to manage onboard fire emergencies effectively.
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) – Understand the safety protocols and responsibilities of working as a crew member.
Sea Survival – Master survival techniques and equipment for emergency situations at sea.
Elementary First Aid – Develop the skills to respond to medical emergencies onboard.
Security Awareness – Gain an understanding of basic security measures to ensure safety on the yacht.

Week 2: Deckhand Essentials

In your second week, you’ll develop the practical skills required for life as a Deckhand. Each day is focused on a specific aspect of your role:

VHF Radio Operators Course (1 Day)
Learn marine radio techniques, including how to operate a VHF radio, and understand emergency communication procedures. Earn your RYA Radio VHF Short Range Certificate (GMDSS/DSC).

Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) (1 Day)
This MCA-approved course prepares you to handle security responsibilities on yachts over 500 Gross Tonnes. Essential training for ensuring safety and security onboard.

Motorboat Training (2 Days)
Spend two days aboard our 40’ motorboat mastering key skills such as:

Twin-engine boat handling.
Knots, terminology, and navigation.
Anchoring and picking up mooring buoys.
Practical seamanship techniques.

Ropework Skills (1 Day)
Learn advanced knot-tying techniques and ropework skills, including:

Splicing braided and three-strand ropes.
Creating and using soft shackles.

Yacht Maintenance (1 Day)
Gain hands-on experience in maintaining a Superyacht to impeccable standards, including:

Cleaning techniques for different surfaces like teak, stainless steel, and windows.
Using professional products for polishing and preserving the yacht’s exterior.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Certification (2 Days)
Essential for operating tenders, this practical, hands-on course covers:

Safe tender operations.
Navigation and basic boat handling.
A fun and highly engaging introduction to working with powerboats.

Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) Course (1 Day)
Learn the skills to operate Jet Skis safely and confidently. Since these are often part of a yacht’s “toys,” this exciting course ensures you’re ready to assist guests and manage equipment.

Career support

Flying Fish doesn’t just train you; we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Career Support Service is tailored to help you transition smoothly into your new career with:

Personal mentorship: One-on-one guidance throughout your course and beyond.

CV writing: Writing a CV can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first one! Many of our students choose a career in yachting because they thrive in hands-on roles rather than traditional academics, and that’s okay. Whether you struggle with writing or just don’t know where to start, during the course we’ll work with you to craft a standout CV that gets you noticed in the yachting industry.

Industry insights: Learn how to navigate recruitment, secure visas, open bank accounts, and more through our expert-led sessions.

Networking opportunities: Join our exclusive WhatsApp group and meet up regularly in yachting hubs like Antibes.

6 months of ongoing career help: We’re with you for help and guidance as you secure your first job.

Accommodation

Self catering twin room

£580 for the full course duration

View accommodation details >

Almost all our students choose to stay in our premium self-catering accommodation, which is located just a 5-minute walk from both the town and our training centre at Cowes Yacht Haven. From shared meals to relaxing evenings, our houses are the starting point for friendships that often last far beyond your time in Cowes. Many of our students continue their journeys together, travelling as a team to find work after completing their courses.

The accommodation option will appear after you select a course date here.

Your lead instructor

George Jenks

Lead Deckhand Instructor

George joined the team in 2023 as our Deckhand Instructor. Previously he had worked on superyachts starting off as a Deckhand working his way up from Lead Deckhand to Bosun on vessels ranging from 50-90+m. During this time, he achieved his Yachtmaster Offshore, EDH, celestial navigations and many more modules, aiming towards Officer Of The Watch 3000gt for yachts.