STCW Superyacht Deckhand
Our Superyacht Deckhand course at Flying Fish UK is packed full of the essential qualifications and skills required by the deck crew on a superyacht. It provides a superb springboard into your first job.
Description
Working as a deckhand on a superyacht is a job like no other. You live and work onboard an incredible yacht and travel to some of the world's most remote and exotic destinations. And you get paid, too!
You'll need to be well-presented, hardworking, a team player, and comfortable away from home for long periods to do well in this industry. The rewards can be significant for those who fit in, and there are great opportunities to advance your career.
The Flying Fish Superyacht Deckhand Course has been refined over 17 years. It includes all the skills and qualifications you need to start your new career.
Course programme
STCW Basic Safety Training - 6 days
STCW basic safety training is compulsory for ALL crew who work on Superyachts. The course comprises the following training modules.
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting.
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
- Proficiency in Security Awareness.
- Personal Survival Techniques.
- Elementary First Aid.
VHF Radio Operators Course - 1 day
RYA Radio VHF Short Range Certificate (GMDSS/DSC) teaches you marine radio techniques and emergency procedures.
Motor Yacht Familiarisation course – 1 day
Spend a day on our twin-engine motor yacht and learn driving skills, knots, terminology, anchoring, picking up mooring buoys, and basic navigation.
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!
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance – 1 day
The course teaches you about engine operation, fuel, water and cooling systems, as well as fault finding and common problems.
Superyacht Maintenance – 1 day
We will be on board one of our yachts, learning the detailing procedures used on a superyacht. How to use an acid wash, clean teak, polish topsides, portlights and stainless steel.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course – 2 Days
A legal requirement for yacht crew who need to drive the yacht tender.
RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC) – 1 Day
This fun, practical 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 safely! On completion of this course, you will gain your Personal Watercraft licence.
Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes, France
There is no additional charge for this. Our staff in Antibes help you through the process of seeking employment. The event includes looking at local crew agencies, what to expect, presentation, do’s and don’ts, dock walking, and a final polish of your CV before you begin your career in the superyacht industry.
Flying Fish UK
Our experienced training partners at Cowes, Isle of Wight, run the Superyacht Deck Crew course—the yachting capital of England.
Where to stay whilst you are training
If you book accommodation with us, you will stay in comfortable, self-catering crew accommodation very close to our training centre in Cowes.
Book your accommodation with us as an optional extra when you book your course.
The price for shared room accommodation for the course duration is $1150. Or you can book a single room for $1890
Before you start
- The course is suitable for complete beginners who want to achieve commercial qualifications for deckhand work.
- You must be at least 18 years of age
What's included
Qualifications and learning outcomes
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- 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
- Yacht detailing, teak work, repairs, washdowns, stainless care
- One-day boat handling course
- CV Clinic, industry guidance, and mentoring
- Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes.
What next?
- Looking for a career in yachting? Check our Yachtmaster Fast Track programme.