how to become a yacht deckhand
They must have basic knowledge of vessel operations and maintenance, a good understanding of maritime safety practices, … "publisher": { Flying Fish124 High StreetCowes, Isle of WightPO31 7AY, mail@flyingfishonline.com+44 (0)1983 280641© Copyright 2017 - 2021 Flying Fish Online, © Copyright 2017 - 2021 Flying Fish Online, Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD), Gap Year Water Sports Experience (Greece), Become a Water Sports Instructor in Greece. The second mate is in charge of navigation and watchkeeping. This career offers an alternative schedule to the traditional nine-to-five, good pay and the opportunity to travel and work on the water — just a few of the reasons people love working aboard large offshore vessels. This day is exclusive for Flying Fish customers. What if you know for sure that you want a career in the maritime industry, though? We've determined that 22.6% of deckhands have a bachelor's degree. A deckhand is supposed to take complete charge of looking after the boat’s exterior for its functionality. To do this, they must have a basic understanding of vessel operations and best practices to protect passengers, cargo and the environment. "@context": "https://schema.org", The first actionable step you need to take to become a Yachtie is gaining an ENG1 medical certificate. If you love practical work with engines and mechanical systems, this could be an excellent opportunity. How to become a Deckhand. The chief mate generally is in charge of cargo management operations. With the release of her updated, second edition, Julie hopes to continue to help wannabe “yachties” get into this awe-inspiring industry—if not simply entertain those intrigued by such a career path. Some of the lower-level jobs that don’t take any prior experience or training are obviously on the lower end of the pay scale and can be minimum wage. It is a physically demanding position that requires determination and hard work. ", Crew area also required to complete an ENG1 medical to prove you are fit and healthy to work at sea. We like to break down the journey to become a Superyacht Deckhand into four stages: "@type": "Organization", How to become a Deckhand There are not any educational requirements for becoming a deckhand, but you may find that it is easier to get a job if you participate in a deckhand certificate program. Many people get into the maritime industry by applying for jobs as deckhands that don’t require any specialized training or licenses. You drive the tender (smaller boat that ferries back and forth between the yacht and dock). Thinking of becoming a Deckhand? Here are few: If these points seem doable for you, the benefits of working at sea can far outweigh the cons. Some large ships have a Chief Officer in charge of deckhand supervision called the boatswain. Learn more about the role including real reviews and ratings from current Deckhands, common tasks and duties, how much Deckhands earn in your state, the skills current Employers are looking for and common education and career pathways. All rights reserved. Do you have a good work ethic and are interested in working on boats or large ships — but you don’t know where to begin? Toll-Free: (866) 656-5568 You may pitch in and help the Interior crew during busy turn arounds. To be a Bosun, one needs to have adequate knowledge of the activities of the deckhand. How to become a deckhand, from STCW Basic training to a watch rating. Tips to Become a Yacht Deckhand. "headline": "How to Become a Certified Deckhand", A deckhand is an entry level position aboard a mid- to large-sized yacht with primary duties including cleaning and maintenance of the exterior of the vessel. Generally, yachts spend the summer in the Med and winter in the Caribbean. Throughout this article, we’ll cover everything you’ll want to know about: How to Recruit Maritime Employees Tips […], Importance of Leadership |What Makes a Good Leader | How to Develop Leaders | How Leadership Can Affect Your Career | Take Leadership Courses From global trade and passenger transport to national defense and more, the maritime industry plays a critical role in the world. }, In terms of higher education levels, we found that 1.9% of deckhands have master's degrees. Many community colleges offer this certification. However, the credentialing exams are difficult and, without a … This IYT Deckhand Training Course is a professional qualification unlike the recreational sailing “Competent Crew” course which is being offered through other superyacht training providers. The third mate is in charge of vessel and passenger safety. This video series is about Super Yacht Stewardess and Deckhand Jobs, made by Baker Manning of Bravo TV's hit reality show -Below Deck. Small vessels may have one or even no engineer, but large ships will have several. In general, deckhands are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of a vessel and its mechanical, on-deck equipment. This 2 week course provides the essential qualifications needed to enter the Superyacht industry as a Deckhand, including STCW Basic Safety Training. Just what exactly is a deckhand? "datePublished": "2019-05-28" Fax: (206) 519-6698 You’ll also have the opportunity to work your way up the ranks for significant pay increases. Deck officers help direct the operation of a ship alongside the Captain. "author": { With maritime training programs, deckhands can rise through the ranks quickly to higher positions. It is designed for those interested in becoming a Deckhand on a private or charter yacht but are not sure how to best prepare or apply for a position. "image": [ Search for courses, paths, blog content or more general information. Deckhand As a deckhand, you generally clean and wash the exterior of the boat. To Work on a Yacht Without Experience – Make a Plan By Rupert Connor. On a day-to-day basis, a deckhand’s role can be very different — depending on the type of vessel you work aboard and what your position on that vessel is. A super yacht deckhand Deckhand is the entry-level position for crew who want to work on in the exterior department onboard a super yachts. Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 "https://www.mitags.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-Apply-for-Unqualified-Positions-1.jpg", Ship engineers are responsible for maintaining a vessel’s propulsion system — in other words, the engine, boilers, pumps, electrical systems and other machinery. We often get asked the question, what do I need to become a deckhand on a yacht.With no experience there are courses that you must take to ensure you are qualified to become a Superyacht deckhand. There are two broad categories in the maritime world — near coastal/inland vessels and offshore vessels. Our program is a mixture of in-class and at-sea training that gives you real-world experience and readies you to become a qualified officer. When we researched the most common majors for a boat deckhand, we found that they most commonly earn bachelor's degree degrees or high school diploma degrees. To search for jobs, please visit our recruitment section. You take out the garbage, change light bulbs, do maintenance on the tender outboard engine when … Over the past decade I’ve worked all types of different jobs, but I would have to say my favorite by far has been working in the yachting industry. "@id": "https://www.mitags.org/become-deckhand/" Flying Fish can provide all the qualifications and skills you need to get going. We offer an all-inclusive program that takes you from an inexperienced student to a professional mariner. Being in charge of the Deckhands also requires strong communication and organizational skills. Along with qualifications, you will need key skills and an understanding of the role of a Deckhand if you want to find that dream job. When you know the type of work you’ll be doing aboard certain vessels and what your schedule will be like, you can make a more informed decision as to which one is right for you. Some common causes for crowd control on board passenger vessels include waiting lines at special events, public gathering spaces like pools, bars and buffet tables or hazardous situations like storms and fires. "url": "https://www.mitags.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/MITAGS-logo-v1-horz-1C.jpg" When you go through these programs, you fast-track your maritime career and can start to climb the professional ladder more quickly. The day is designed to complement our course, delivered by our industry expert who live in France and work for a major recruitment agent. It is an essential qualification to progress on deck. If you know that a career on the water is for you and you want to work aboard large ships, then there’s no better way to get a job and enter the industry than maritime training. For a ship to function as it needs to, every […], Crowd management is the act of aiding and controlling large crowds aboard your ship and keeping passengers calm during emergencies or chaotic circumstances. As an engineer aboard a ship, you may be responsible for the following: As we mentioned before, there are several different types of vessels you can work aboard as a deckhand, and the right one for you will depend on your personality. "@type": "BlogPosting", Deckhand (GPH) Course 3 vacancies 0700 - hours variable Click here to enroll or Click here for more information. "name": "MITAGS Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies", Toll-Free: (866) 656 5568 Apply to Deckhand, Tug Boat Jobs and more! All crew working on yachts require basic Safety qualifications called STCW. Email: admissions.west@mitags.org, Washington State Ferry Maritime Apprenticeship Program, How to Become a tugboat captain | Why Get a Captain’s License, How to Become a Deckhand on a Boat or Large Ship, Benefits and Disadvantages of Being a Deckhand, Learn More about Maritime Apprenticeship Programs, Crowd Management in the Maritime Industry. Some colleges, such as Hinds Community College in Mississippi, offer certificate programs that train prospective deckhands how to wear respirators and life jackets … How do you become a deckhand with no experience? A deckhand is a key crew member for any size vessel. You need to be able to interact with boat passengers in a positive and pleasant manner. "@type": "WebPage", Maritime training programs teach you the skills and the knowledge you need to start a career on a large merchant vessel, as well as a good understanding of maritime safety practices. }, As in any industry, the recruitment and retention of excellent employees are critical to the success of your business — no matter what the size. The day provides the knowledge you need to start looking for that dream job. Read our guide on Superyacht salaries. But there's more to working on a yacht … A Deckhand perform the work for captains on vessels. Other degrees that we often see on boat deckhand resumes include associate degree degrees or master's degree degrees. These are a few of the most popular kinds of offshore ships you can work aboard: Payscale reports the average annual salary for a deckhand to be between $27,503 and $60,432. If you like the idea of traveling long distances and seeing the world on a ship, then offshore vessels might be the better choice for you. Most crew members say that the Number 1 quality yacht owners and operators look for in their onboard staff members is a love for yachts and the ocean. There are typically three levels in this particular maritime career path, and each is assigned their own duties: Mate positions are what most deckhands aboard large ships strive to become — they are prestigious achievements and come with a significant increase in salary. The key to finding your first position onboard is preparation. Our streamlined, comprehensive training programmes for Deckhand, Yacht Stewardess, Master V and First Mate were designed by professional instructors with world-wide personal experience. Yacht salaries start from €2,000 a month for Deckhands and Stewardesses, rising to €4,000+ for more senior roles. This 1-day course will enable the use of the VHF radio equipment on board and no previous experience is required. This search facility will trawl through our site to find you exactly what you’re looking for. The lowest level of certified deckhand on large ships is called an Ordinary Seaman, or OS. This entry level Deckhand course is a great introduction to working as a deckhand on a yacht. This guide is all about entry level yacht jobs, what they’re like, and how to get hired as a stewardess, deckhand, or deck stew with no prior experience. We provide a NSW Maritime Boat Licence FREE of charge if you enroll in and complete a full Deckhand or Coxswain Course. MITAGS is the primary training center for members of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (IOMM&P). As a deckhand seeking your first job in the yachting industry, it is advisable to complete a VHF course. You can either apply for entry-level unqualified deckhand positions or attend a maritime training school. ], }, If you’re interested in the idea of working on the water, becoming a deckhand is the best way to enter the maritime industry — it’s a unique career path that offers exciting and rewarding opportunities. Main: (410) 859-5700 STCW Basic Safety Training is the minimum requirement for anyone wishing to work on a commercial. Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Deckhand What does a Deckhand do? If you are a candidate for membership in the relevant union and have the qualifying certification and documentation, we can offer you a specialized training program that will complete the skills you need to become a Deckhand. A successful deckhand often has some experience in the superyacht industry, or on board private vessels, and is keen to learn and work hard. Yachts do hire people with no experience in yachting. Fax: (410) 859-5181 Your graduation certificate will be accredited by International Yacht Training (IYT) Worldwide, who has recognition with 25 governments … Click here to reset it. It’s no surprise that Superyachts spend all of their time in the sunny parts of the world. And if you have any other questions or would like more information about our courses, please contact us today. Watch this video if you want to learn about Yacht Stewardess & Deckhand Salary To Get Paid To Travel! { Working as a deckhand on a luxury fishing yacht requires a different attitude and skillset from commercial fishing vessels. The Deckhand Training Program includes 10 days of in-harbour hands-on training and classroom instruction. Main: (206) 441-2880 692 Maritime Boulevard Your first job as a deckhand on a larger size superyacht will consist of learning the basic duties of a deckhand. Questions? How to become a Deckhand Deckhands undertake a wide range of fishery and maritime work on land and at sea, including communications, supply, seamanship, hospitality and stores. A Deckhand’s role will be is vast varies depending on the size of the vessel, however, the primary responsibility for a Deckhand is the meticulous cleaning and maintenance of the exterior of the yacht, which must be kept in pristine condition at all times. During maintenance periods, you will help out with some of the routine maintenance tasks that can’t be done while on charter, including varnishing, painting, Awlgrip and repairing the various toys, like Jet Skis, which the yacht will have onboard. There are mandatory qualifications required by all yacht crew, including STCW Basic Safety Training. Working in a team while learning from experienced crew members is the key to becoming a successful deckhand. Here’s a look at the two types and what deckhand jobs and associated job descriptions they offer. Before looking for a job as a superyacht deckhand, it is important to have a good understanding of the duties associated with the role. However, any experience in water sports, diving or sailing will help. The deckhands together make up the deck crew and are responsible for maintaining the ship — other than the engine and other systems that are the responsibility of onboard engineers. Each of these superyachts needs 6-10 crew who all work together to ensure the smooth running of the luxury vessel. if you don’t have any experience then there is a great blog on how you can improve your chances. A Deckhand is the entry-level position for crew who want to work on Superyachts. The ENG1 medical is an examination by an approved MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) Doctor to make sure you are fit and able to work at sea. Being a Deckhand possesses necessary certifications. FREE NSW Maritime Boat Licence. We like to break down the journey to become a Superyacht Deckhand into four stages: Our Superyacht Deckhand Course combines everything you need into an all-inclusive two-week course. Flying Fish deliver regular recruitment days in Antibes, France for all graduates of our Superyacht Deckhand and Steward/ess courses. The IYT Deckhand Training Course certification is the only internationally recognised qualification for deckhands. If you're interested in becoming a deckhand, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. Just because you aren’t working aboard a large ship doesn’t mean you’re wasting your time — you can document your hours of work aboard any vessel and use that sea time to earn licenses and certifications that will advance your career. Don’t have an account yet? In this quick guide, we’ll take you through how to get into the maritime industry, what it’s like to work as a deckhand and some of the benefits and disadvantages of working on the water. Do You Want to Become a Yacht Stewardess or a Deckhand? Also, you’ll gain valuable basic knowledge of vessel operations. "description": "This guide walks you through on how to get into the maritime industry, what it’s like to work as a deckhand and some of the benefits and disadvantages of working on the water. If you want to join the maritime industry but don’t like the idea of being away for months at a time, working aboard a vessel that stays near shore might be the best choice for you. The first edition of her book, "The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess," has been a must-read guide for yacht crew since 2006. If you have a good, positive attitude then you will go far. "mainEntityOfPage": { These jobs are usually aboard inland vessels — meaning those that don’t operate in the ocean. The average salary of a deckhand varies significantly based on the job you get. Motivated, well-prepared employees are invaluable to your company and critical to long-term success. Washdowns (cleaning the yacht from top to bottom), cleaning windows, polishing stainless steel and scrubbing the teak decks are high on the … There are several different career paths open to you if you want to work aboard large ships, and there are specialized education paths to help you reach each of them. "logo": { People can spend months at a time at sea, followed by long periods of time off and competitive salaries. The entry-level positions which offer new crew the best opportunity to learn the “ropes” in yachting are: junior deckhand, stewardess, steward, or cook. What exactly is a deckhand and what do they do? How do I stand out as a Deckhand from the rest of the yacht crew? "@type": "ImageObject", 4. The duties of deckhands will vary greatly depending on the size and function of the vessel, but some of their general duties include the following: If you earn maritime certifications through a training school, you can begin to work your way up in the ranks to higher positions. Email: admissions.east@mitags.org, 1729 Alaskan Way South Throughout this article, we’ll cover everything you’ll want to know about: There are several different types of jobs that fall under the ‘deckhand’ category, and your duties and experience as a crew member will vary greatly depending on what kind of vessel you work aboard. Meals are prepared by the Chef onboard, and you very rarely need to buy any groceries or toiletries. You need to maintain a professional temperament and appearance. A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional crew jobs on superyachts.. Deckhands help keep water vessels clean and in sound mechanical condition. } There are several types of inland/near coastal vessels with deckhand jobs in this category, and these are some of the popular ones: Inland/near coastal maritime careers can still offer good salaries. Check out our Maritime Apprenticeship Program, which instills the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on the duties and responsibilities of a deck officer. Maintain deck surfaces — resurfacing and painting, Handle lines and assist with berthing and unberthing, Follow the Captain’s orders and help senior deck officers, Ensure the safety of passengers and crew members, Ensure best environmental practices while working, Help steer the vessel and monitor water depth — this is more common on smaller vessels, Clean the inside crew quarters of the ship — unless on a large vessel with stewards. Just like any traditional job, working at sea comes with its own drawbacks. Training programs are best for those who want to work aboard large vessels like cruise or container ships and work their way up to eventually become a senior deck officer, engineer or captain. Let’s get into the different duties deckhands may have in various positions in the maritime industry, as well as jobs you could work your way up to. Generally, there are two categories depending upon the yacht’s size; Junior Deckhand and Senior Deckhand. "https://www.mitags.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-How-to-Become-a-Deckhand-3-1080x602.jpg", Keep a navigational watch alongside other crew members and the captain, Supervise and direct deck crew for different operations, Supervise and assist with the docking of the ship, Monitor navigational equipment, navigational aids and plot safe courses, Determine and control the speed of the vessel, Inspect cargo and ensure it is correctly stowed by crew members, Make announcements to crew and passengers, Ensure environmental compliance and safety, Supervise and maintain safety equipment and practices, Maintenance of propulsion, electrical, refrigeration and ventilation systems, Operation of the ship’s engine according to the captain’s orders, Recording mechanical information like services and routine inspections, Calculating and monitoring fueling and fluid changes as well as maintenance needs. It’s fair to say that most Superyacht crew don’t come from a boating background. The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS). A deckhand is the foremost responsible team member at a yacht irrespective of its size, location, or journey time. Here are a few reasons why people love maritime careers: If you’re serious about becoming a deckhand and starting your career at sea, then we at MITAGS know how to get you started. The biggest quality the Superyacht Captain looks for is attitude. "name": "MITAGS Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies" © Copyright 2019. "@type": "Organization", Supervises and coordinates the activities for the crew aboard the ship. Getting a deckhand job that doesn’t require certifications or a license is a great way to explore what it’s like to work in the marine industry. If the answer to that question is yes, then you are already half-way to becoming a yacht crew member. They may also use equipment such as nets, lines and traps to catch fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Thousands of hours of work as a deckhand are required to obtain the credentials needed to become a boat captain. It’s merely a matter of preference in career style. Like the deck department, the engineering sector of a ship has a hierarchy, with a chief engineer and lower-level officers. 219 Boat Deckhand jobs available on Indeed.com. You live onboard the yacht so there are no living expenses. Deck officers are expected to do the following: After you gain some experience as a deckhand, another path you may choose to pursue is becoming a ship’s engineer. On the other hand, if you go through maritime training programs and become a deckhand on a large ship or specialized vessel like a tugboat, your salary will be significantly higher. Having an engaging personality is also vital as the deckhand routinely interacts with guests. "https://www.mitags.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/3-Types-of-Jobs-You-Can-Have-as-a-Deckhand-1.jpg" The first of these you may strive for is a deck officer, also known as a mate. Seattle, WA 98134 Yacht Jobs: How to Become a Stewardess or Deckhand This guide is all about entry level yacht jobs, what they're like, and how to get hired as a stewardess, deckhand, or deck stew with no prior experience. Sign UpComing from the old system or Lost your password? If you like traveling then working on a Superyacht could be perfect. Qualifications and certification are not normally needed to become a deckhand – experience is generally more important, but RYA qualifications such as Day Skipper, Power Boat Level 2 and VHF/SRC Radio Operators Certificate or IYT Tender Driving Licence may be beneficial. Receiving professional training is the best way to get started as a deckhand. […]. There’s no better way to kick-start your maritime job training and prepare yourself for an exciting and rewarding career. Contact a school advisor here. As an alternative the MCA approved Yacht Rating Course is acceptable. Deckhands operate and maintain equipment on the deck of a vessel and assist with docking and other operations. It’s best to explore the different types and determine your ideal path before you try to enter the maritime industry to ensure your experience lines up with your career goals. become a deckhand on a large ship or specialized vessel like a tugboat, Stand watch and look for other boats and dangerous obstructions in the water, as well as navigational aids like buoys or markers. }, There are many positions available ranging from engineers to chefs but most crew start off as either a yacht stewardess or a deckhand. What is common among crew is the desire to work outdoors in the sunshine. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for water transportation workers will only grow over the coming years. A Deckhand’s role will be varied, however, the first responsibility for a Deckhand is the meticulous cleaning and maintenance of the exterior of the yacht, which must be kept in pristine condition at all times.