Overview

If you’re aiming to start a career as a Superyacht Deckhand, this package brings together the key entry-level qualifications and practical training into one intensive 14-day programme we deliver with our highly experienced staff and partners. You’ll leave with internationally recognised safety certification, RYA qualifications, and job-relevant deckhand skills—so you’re ready to step into your first role with confidence.

What you’ll achieve

By the end of the package, you’ll have:

• STCW Basic Safety Training completed (the industry foundation for working at sea)
• RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship  – foundation navigation knowledge and practical deck skills
• RYA Personal Watercraft (PWC) ideal for yacht toys / jetski operations
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 & Tender Operator for practical small RIB tender handling qualification for running guests ashore and activities
• RYA Marine Radio (SRC) VHF (online) to build professional competence in using the radio (completed pre-course), with the option to sit the SRC exam during Week 2
• Hands-on deckhand skills that directly match day-to-day superyacht operations

Course structure (14 days)

Week 1 — STCW Basic Safety Training (All modules)

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
• Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
• RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship

Week 2 — RYA + Deckhand Skills Intensive

• RYA Diesel Engine
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• RYA Marine Radio (SRC)
  • Theory: completed in your own time before the course starts
  • Optional exam: available during Week 2 (highly advisable if wanting career progression and get qualifications commercially endorsed in the future, we can organise this for you at an additional fee of £76.00)
• Deckhand Skills Training (hands-on) including typical superyacht competencies such as:
  • knots, ropework & line handling
  • fendering, warps, basic mooring protocol
  • deck safety, best practice and working routines
  • practical onboard standards and professional expectations

Important: ENG1 medical

Anyone pursuing a career working at sea is strongly advised to obtain an ENG1 medical. This is the recognised medical certificate commonly required for professional seafarers and is an important step for superyacht employment. We can arrange this for you at an additional cost of £115.00.

Who this is package for?

• New entrants looking for a structured pathway into superyacht deck roles
• Career changers wanting a fast, intensive route to core qualifications
• Candidates who want practical, job-relevant training—not just certificates

Pre-course learning (SRC)

To maximise time on the practical elements during your 14 days, the RYA SRC theory is completed online in your own time before the course begins. An optional SRC exam can be arranged during Week 2 at an additional cost.

Terms & Conditions