STCW Superyacht Deckhand

Work onboard luxury yachts, travel the world, and get paid. A superyacht deckhand role offers a unique mix of adventure, responsibility, and clear career progression from day one.

You’ll need to be professional, hardworking, and comfortable spending time away from home. For the right people, the rewards and opportunities are significant.

The Flying Fish Superyacht Deckhand Course has been refined over 17 years and provides the essential skills and qualifications to launch your career.

Designed and taught by industry experts

This 15-day programme focuses on the practical skills and standards Captains expect, combining recognised certifications with hands-on training to help you stand out.

Delivered by experienced instructors, with input from active crew and Captains, the training is current, relevant, and aligned with industry expectations.

Our focus is simple: helping you secure your first job.

Course programme

This course combines essential certifications, practical training, and real-world preparation for life and work onboard. See the full breakdown in the FAQ below.

Training includes STCW Basic Safety Training, marine radio certification, motor yacht handling, ropework, maintenance, and tender driving qualifications.

You’ll also develop practical deck skills, equipment handling, and onboard procedures used on working superyachts.

The programme is designed to give you the confidence, competence, and qualifications needed to step straight into your first role.

Superyacht recruitment event in Antibes, France

Included at no extra cost. Covers agencies, dock walking, presentation, and CV preparation to help you secure your first position.

Flying Fish UK

Delivered by our training partners in Cowes, Isle of Wight — one of the world’s leading yachting centres.

Where to stay during your training

Optional self-catering crew accommodation is available close to the training centre in Cowes.

See more details in the FAQ below.

• 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

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.

• Looking for a career in yachting? Check our Yachtmaster Fast Track programme. 

• Booking information
  • To secure your place, a 20% holding deposit is required using the booking links above. This reserves your place until 60 days before the course starts, when the remaining balance is due.
  • Your deposit is non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event with sufficient notice. We recommend booking early as places are limited.
• What does the course include?
  • Our two-week Superyacht Deckhand Programme combines internationally recognised qualifications with practical, hands-on training to prepare you for your first role onboard.
  • Week 1 – STCW Basic Safety Training
    Mandatory safety certification covering sea survival, fire fighting, first aid, personal safety and responsibilities, and security awareness.
  • Week 2 – Professional deckhand skills
    Practical training includes:
  • RYA VHF Radio (SRC)
  • PDSD (MCA approved)
  • Motorboat handling and seamanship
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • RYA Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski)
  • Ropework, splicing and soft shackles
  • Yacht cleaning, detailing and maintenance
• Will Flying Fish help me find work?
  • Yes. Alongside your training, you'll receive CV guidance, recruitment advice, interview preparation, industry contacts and up to six months of post-course mentoring.
  • Many graduates secure their first superyacht position through the skills, contacts and friendships developed during the programme.
• Why choose Flying Fish?
  • Flying Fish has been training professional yacht crew for more than 25 years and has helped thousands of graduates launch careers throughout the global superyacht industry.
  • Learn from experienced instructors using professional equipment in realistic training environments that reflect life onboard.
  • Small class sizes ensure plenty of individual coaching and hands-on practical experience.
  • Our premium crew accommodation allows students to live, train and socialise together, building friendships and professional networks that often continue long after the course has finished.
  • More than just qualifications, our focus is helping you secure your first job and build a successful career in the superyacht industry.
• What's included?
  • Internationally recognised qualifications including MCA STCW Basic Safety Training, PDSD, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Personal Watercraft and RYA VHF Radio.
  • Extensive practical training in boat handling, navigation, ropework, yacht maintenance and professional onboard procedures.
• Where can I stay?
  • Most students choose to stay in our premium Flying Fish crew accommodation, located just a five-minute walk from Cowes Yacht Haven and the town centre.
  • Accommodation options include:
  • Twin-share self-catering room: A$1,250 for the full course duration.
  • Single self-catering room: A$2,400 for the full course duration.
  • Our fully furnished crew houses include modern kitchens, Wi-Fi, washing machines, dishwashers, comfortable living areas, multiple bathrooms and outdoor spaces. Every student receives their own key.
  • Living with fellow students is a fantastic way to build friendships and professional networks, with many graduates continuing to travel and work together after completing their training.
• Where is Flying Fish located?
  • Flying Fish is based at Cowes Yacht Haven on the Isle of Wight, one of the world's most famous sailing destinations and home to the internationally renowned Cowes Week regatta.
  • Our accommodation and training centre are within easy walking distance of each other, with restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, marinas and the waterfront all close by.
  • Training takes place on the Solent, one of the world's premier sailing and powerboating areas, providing varied real-world conditions that are ideal for developing professional skills.
• Can I customise the programme?
  • Yes. If you'd like to tailor your training or spread it over a longer period, contact us and we'll be happy to discuss the options.
• What career opportunities are available after the course?
  • Graduates typically go on to work as deckhands aboard sailing yachts, motor yachts and superyachts throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, United States and worldwide.
  • Learn more about working on yachts here.

• Fleur
• Superyacht Deckhand Programme
• 
• "The best two weeks I've spent. The instructors were knowledgeable, supportive and genuinely wanted everyone to succeed. I learnt an incredible amount, made great friends and left feeling confident and excited to start my career in the superyacht industry."
• Rhi
• Superyacht Deckhand Programme
• 
• "I started with STCW and enjoyed it so much that I stayed on for the full Deckhand Programme. It was one of the best decisions I've made. The training was practical, professional and great fun, and I finished the course feeling ready for my first job onboard."
• Queenie
• Superyacht Deckhand Programme
• 
• "An amazing experience from start to finish. Every instructor was approachable, patient and highly experienced. The accommodation, the atmosphere and the practical training were all excellent. I'd recommend Flying Fish to anyone looking to start a career in yachting."