Regardless of your background, the deckhand job market is open and inclusive. If you have no experience in yachting, it doesn’t mean you won’t be considered for a deckhand job. Captains value diverse experiences, including hospitality and hotel work, tour leadership, cruise line experience, engineering, mechanics, diving, and more. What matters most is a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
If you’re interested in getting your deckhand certification, check out our yacht deckhand training in Florida here.
Who Is A Deckhand?
A deckhand is a junior position or entry-level post in the deck department. The deck department deals with the outer part of the vessel and its functions, such as docking and undocking, anchoring, and keeping a lookout.
Find a job as a yacht deckhand
Roles and Responsibilities Of A Yacht Deckhand
The structure of the deck differs depending on the size. The roles and responsibilities of the solo deckhand/mate will be different when working in a small vessel than in a superyacht. Generally, duties are more structured in larger yachts, with more division of the work as opposed to the smaller yachts which have a concept of everyone doing everything on board.
From the windows in their homes to sports equipment, from putting new covers on their sun loungers to applying a new coat of varnish to guardrails. You will also assist in mooring and management of tenders. It is also necessary that no matter the type of vessel you work on, activities are being performed in a professional manner by adhering safe working practices.
Essential Requirements for A Yacht Deckhand Training In Florida
Every person has to start somewhere, and this may be seen as a starting role in the workplace. Other than where experience is mentioned as necessary, you will essentially have to have had some level of prior experience, understanding, or interest in water, whether recreational or sporting.
It is anticipated that the candidate would possess general seafaring ability, some basic understanding of navigation, boat handling, its engines, and radio gadgets.
In addition, there are a couple of need-to haves and a few nice-to-haves:
- STCW Basic Safety training
- ENG1 Medical Certificate by MCA certified doctor
- RYA Power Boat Level 2
- PWC (Personal Watercraft) Certificate
- Crowd Management
- Proficiency in Security Awareness
- Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
Deckhands do not need to be qualified boaters, but possessing the aforementioned certifications is useful. The content of all these courses is mostly similar but depends on the training provider. The syllabus included industry protocols, general deck procedures, cleaning and wash-down procedures, line handling, knots and bends, maintenance, and lifesaving skills.
What Happens In A Yacht Deckhand Training In Florida?
The training starts off with an overview of deckhand duties, as explained above, and the importance of teamwork onboard. It then entails basic safety training, elementary first aid, fire prevention and firefighting, personal survival, and safety techniques. You will also gain an understanding of the following:
- Line handling, anchoring, and mooring operations
- Basic navigation tools and use of GPS
- Launching and recovery
- Tender driving in confined areas
- Water sports activities
- Safe guest transfer procedures
- Rope work and knot tying
- Understanding of ISPS code
- Vanishing, polishing, and painting
- Maintenance of deck equipment
The learners will also learn how to build portfolio and write CV/resume to open their career pathways. They will be shared with interview techniques and day work tips.
Complete Information of Yacht Deckhand Training in Florida
How to Get Yacht Deckhand Training In Florida?
The good news is that there are training centers in almost every part of the globe where you can take the STCW course and get your accreditation. It is also vital to make sure that the certificates you have issued are in English and that the course is accredited by MCA or the National Maritime Association of the country in which you complete your course.
Book your Full STCW Deckhand Training in Florida with Yachtiecareers. We offer an exclusive chance for you to practice deckhand skills with captains and other experienced deckhands. Simply go to our website and select your date for the training week.
Is The Superyacht Deckhand Training in Florida Available Online?
You can start online and will have access to all YCA training courses for life. You can also obtain your certificate for the STCW Security Awareness, Personal Survival, Techniques, Crowd Management & Crisis online. STCW Basic Safety has to be performed in person, and we are partnering with the STCW Training Centre in Tampa, Florida.
Things to Remember Before Joining Yacht Deckhand Training In Florida
- Be polite to the higher-ranked crew and always ensure that commitments are done to the optimum possible
- Some of your tasks and responsibilities of working as a deckhand will depend on size of yacht and how many deck staff are on the yacht.
- Ask questions and just make sure that you are operating in a safe manner.
- It is not just about working when there is a charter or ‘boss visit’ but also work during maintenance as well.
- Working as a deckhand requires the individual to portray professionalism in their working persona all the time.
- The more acquaintances you make while in the industry, the higher your chances will be
Will Yachtiecareers Assist Me In Acquiring A Deckhand Position?
At Yachtiecareers, we’re committed to helping you find your first deckhand position. We’ll provide job references, an agency list, assistance with your CV and reference letter, and tips for interviews and contracts. We’ll guide you through the process of securing your first job, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Conclusion
Ensuring that you are ready for your duties will assist you in performing all the roles expected of the deckhand on board effectively, taking up more responsibilities, and getting your investment back in less than a couple of months. This yacht deckhand training in Florida will enable you to step up, shine, and take control of your destiny for a hectic and lucrative career.
Start online from Florida with Yachtiecareers!
Yachtiecareers offer so many different courses related to Deckhand and Stewardess that is truly going to set you apart from the competition.
- Get full life-time access to Certificates and YCA Training Online. Complete all the training at your own pace 24/7 and get your certificates.
- We write your CV and start the job search.
Full STCW and Yacht Training with Yachtiecareers (Florida Crew)!
- You get added to our crew community and WhatsApp groups with 24/7 access.
- STCW in person 7 days training and crew accommodation in Croatia with the other crew. Get your ENG1 + your new CV photo and final CV.
- We connect to agents, yachts and start the job search.
- Get first job and we set up bank account.
