A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional exterior crew jobs on yachts. A deckhand can be male or female, and as with all other jobs on board, you’ll be expected to do a variety of jobs and pitch in across the board.
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As a ‘Deckie’ you’ll take care of basic maintenance on the boat. Most of the boats are pretty new however so often the maintenance is quite superficial and can get monotonous. You’ll also be responsible for various cleaning duties such as washing down the vessel, polishing and deck cleaning. Although they sound simple enough, crews have specific ways of performing these duties. You’ll certainly find you’ll spend much of your time polishing and polishing and polishing things that are already clean and shiny! Deckhand duties will also include taking guests wakeboarding and waterskiing off the main yacht. |
If you prove yourself a competent and enthusiastic staff member the Captain will often pay for your further education on board - be it scuba courses or yacht masters! No prior qualifications are necessary to attend the course however any first hand experience in painting, sanding, varnishing, carpentry, buffing, polishing and finishing can only be an asset. |
The Deck Hand Course
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The Full Deckhand course comprises the following; STCW 95, Deckhand Course, Power Boat Level II, Competent Crew Certificate and Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates. We HIGHLY recommend that anybody considering working as a Deckhand on a Super Yacht completes this fully comprehensive 22 day course.Alternatively you can pick the courses that you feel will be sufficient for your needs and career aspirations. Remember that any investment that you make into your Super Yacht Career can be recouped within the first few months of working on board one of these vessels. |
STCW 95 – 7 Days
Basic Safety Training (BST) – The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch Keeping) Code requires that you take this 7-day course of instruction. BST is actually 4 courses:
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Basic Fire Fighting |
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Personal Survival |
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Personal Safety and Social Responsibility |
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Elementary First Aid. |
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Super Yacht - Deckhand Training Course – 3 Days
This Super Yacht training course is held on the 35m Super Yacht Kiara at the Waterfront. Crew get their first induction on board a Motor Yacht as well as their first reference for Day work into the industry. The course covers every aspect of a deckhands job on board as well as interesting topics specific to Super Yachting such as Day work, dock walk, visas, crew agents, placement, career development, guest interaction etc.
The idea behind the practical scenarios on board such as the maintenance days and the course in general, is to give new crew entering the industry the experience needed to step on board a new vessel and start the job professionally from day one. Crews will learn how to assess damaged super structure and begin the repair process, starting with damage control and protection of surrounding areas. It is important to note that the students are under continuous supervision by the course instructors. They are also given constant advice and helpful tips throughout the course.
Because driving the tender is such a big part of a deckhand’s duty on board, close quarter maneuvers become a large part of the Tender practical day, as does water sports instruction, anchoring procedures, line handling, lifting and dropping of tenders and toys as well as guest interaction. All are discussed and practiced during training. Students receive a 100 page refresher manual as well as course completion certificates, seaman’s discharge books(SA Citizens), Crew portfolio’s (including CV’s and Business cards), training record books for future training, as well as their first Super Yacht reference from M/Y Kiara. |
Power Boat Level II (RIB) - 2 Days
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A RIB (Ridged Inflatable Dingy) qualification has become one of the “must haves” for working overseas as most charter vessels have RIB’s for transportation between the vessel and the shore. This additional certificate will enhance your chances of employment as a RIB qualified crew member is always needed. |
Super Yacht Training - 3 Days
This course covers the basic maintenance skills and etiquette required for working aboard Super Yachts. Maintenance falls to the whole crew in between charters or visits from the owners and having this knowledge is essential if you want to be in a position to choose between working on a Super Yacht or a sailing vessel.
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Tender handling (rubber duck)
Sanding & varnishing (including damage control, working with oils, anti-corrosive primers and deck treatments)
Watches
Turning the boat around
Anchoring & tying up
Channels of communication
Water sports including wakeboarding, skiing and tubing, beach launches
Preparation of CV’s
Where to go and stay
Do’s and Don’ts with guests & staff
CV’s and interviews |
Day Skipper – Theory - 5 Days
This shore-based course lays down the foundations of navigation for day skippers. A full understanding of the topics covered here is vital before attempting the Coastal Skipper Theory course. Accommodation is included in the cost of this course and three meals per day are prepared for you during your stay at the Ocean House. |
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| Syllabus: |
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Nautical Terms |
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Rope work |
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Anchor Work |
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Safety |
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Collision Regulations |
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Definition of position, course & speed |
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Navigation charts and publications |
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Compass |
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Chart work |
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Tides and Tidal Streams |
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Visual aids to navigation. |
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Meteorology |
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Passage Planning |
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Navigation in restricted visibility |
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Pilotage |
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Marine Environment |
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Day Skipper – Practical - 5 Days
This course is for those who have completed the Day Skipper (Theory) or for those who have had sufficient previous yachting experience. The course teaches to the standard required to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters. |
Essential training for Deckhands
Entry-level Training for Deckhands
Optional Extra for Deckhands - See Additional Courses page |
| COURSE FEES |
DURATION |
AMOUNT |
| STCW 95 Basic Training Course |
7 DAYS |
R3500 |
| Super Yacht Deckhand Training Course |
3 DAYS |
R4100 |
| RYA Power Boat Level II |
2 DAYS |
R3150 |
| RYA Competent Crew Course |
5 DAYS |
R 6000* |
| Day Skipper Practical |
5 DAYS |
R 6000* |
| Day Skipper Theory |
5 DAYS |
R 6000* |
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