Understanding the Yacht Deckhand’s Role in the Crew Hierarchy: every superyacht operates within a structured hierarchy, and the deck department is no exception. The size of the deck team varies depending on the yacht’s size and may include the captain, officers, senior/lead deckhands, standard deckhands, and junior deckhands. This guide provides a detailed overview of the job description of a superyacht deckhand and outlines the steps to obtain yacht deckhand training in United States.
What Is Yacht Deckhand Training In United States?
A deckhand is one of the junior positions in the yacht’s crew responsible for general vessel cleaning and exterior of the luxury yacht maintenance. To get the job as a deckhand in superyacht, you need to be physically fit and certified with MCA-approved yacht deckhand training in United States.
Purpose of Yacht Deckhand Training In United States
The aim of yacht deckhand training in United States is to familiarize the candidates with the responsibilities and competencies that the deckhand possesses. This course is aimed at candidates with little or no experience in the superyacht industry.
How to Get A Yacht Deckhand Training In United States?
Get the best yacht deckhand training in United States and Fort Lauderdale, along with the 24/7 support at Yachtiecareers. We will equip you with the knowledge of anchoring, mooring, guest safety, jet ski, wash-down training, tenders & watersports, teak maintenance, and working aloft. Other benefits include:
- International recognitions and USCG-approved certificates
- MLC-approved medical certificates
- Mandatory STCW Basic Safety Training certificate for seafarers
- Unlimited yachting consultancy
- Frequent job offers around the globe
- Structure and write your CV as a yacht crew
- Hands-on training as well as online courses
- Interaction with experienced yacht crew for networking
Unlock career at seas as a deckhand
The Essential Requirements For All Crew
So, now that you know what being a deckhand entails and you have undergone the required training, it is time to move to the next step. Every crew must have an ENG1 medical certificate, which will ensure that they are fit to work on the sea. Some of the necessary formalities include having to get a visa to travel to super yachting destinations for interviews. You must be registered with crew agents and always apply for the jobs to be on the right side all the time.
What Is Included In Yacht Stewardess Training In United States?
Get enrolled in Full STCW deckhand training
STCW Basic Safety Training
The main aim of STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) training is to ensure the safety of everyone onboard a yacht. It’s a 5-day training course that can be online or in-class with the following modules:
- Personal Survival Techniques (A-VI/1-1)
- Fire Fighting Fire Prevention FFP (A-VI/1-2)
- Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (A-VI/1-4)
At the end of yacht deckhand training in United States, the students will be able to
- Survival at sea during emergencies
- Learn life-saving equipment and lifeboats
- Essential fire detection and prevention
- Elementary first aid skills and CPR
- Handle medical emergencies using available sources
- Rights and responsibilities of seafarers on duty
- Understand maritime security threats
- Report incidents
- Anchoring and tender management
- Learn about the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) code.
Basic Features of the Safety System And Navigation Tools
A deckhand has to learn basic features of the safety systems and equipment, some general aspects of the bridge and watch duties, together with using a limited number of navigational aids.
Having a good grounding in the above fosters confidence in absorbing more information in any yacht right from the onset, thereby increasing competency and the resultant value addition onboard.
Salary as Yacht Deckhand In United States
With this entry-level position, you will be paid nicely and get an excellent wage of $3,000 – $3500 on average per month, and usually, there are tips, too. It is crucial to understand that the wages will always differ based on an individual’s qualifications; training, certification, and other skills – along with the yacht requirements. Depending on locations and vessel types, some people may be paid daily or weekly.
Expert Day Work Tips for Deckhand
Here are a few tricks of the trade:
· Be flexible
While you are young and aspiring to gain more experience, you should be ready and willing to work as a dayworker in any given department. An aspiring deckhand should not be shy about cleaning an engine room or galley. All of it is very useful and will assist one in making new contacts and entering the doors.
· No Phone usage
Avoid using your phone or even glancing at it except during the breaks allowed for the activity. If you are waiting for a call regarding an interview or a job you have applied for, let the head of the particular department know at the beginning of the day, and they will not mind if you have to attend a call.
· Be as knowledgeable as you can
Keep quiet and try to listen, grasp as much knowledge as possible, and do not hesitate to ask questions and observe. Avoid arrogance and flaunting knowledge you do not possess. The experienced crew are able to see your experience and they are more likely to assist anyone who cares to learn.
· Network
Day working offers a great opportunity to network with the crew members, take them for a drink/dinner. If you have developed a good relationship with them, you should call on them even on their day off. If indeed they like you or appreciate how you handle your chores, they will refer you to other friends and crew in different boats, highlighting the value of networking in this industry.
Conclusion
To put it simply, yacht deckhand training is not obligatory, but it will not only give you an edge over the other candidates but also help you be safer and more valuable on board. Cultivating solid ties with the people involved in the industry is fundamental, so register with Yachtiecareers now!