Course information

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Theory

Your Deckhand Course contains all the theoretical knowledge you need to become a professional Deckhand.

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Practical

All the practical skills needed to drive a tender, handle water toys, tow water toys and handle lines and fenders

Community

Access to the Competent Deckhand Course Community where you can contact other  Deckhand and network

If you are serious about becoming a Deckhand, then you really need to do more than just your STCW and ENG1.

There are lots of different opinions on what you need to become a Deckhand, but why not train with an established RYA Training Centre with instructors who are experienced Yacht Captains and know exactly what it takes to make if as a Deckhand.

Our Deckhand Course will teach you all the skills you require to become a Competent Deckhand

How many other RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses provide Williams Jet Tender training? Nearly all Motor Yachts use Williams Tenders but few provide any training courses?

We see hundreds of new students who are looking to become deckhands but struggle to gain any traction due to a lack of practical experience.

The yachting industry is unlike any other industry and can be very exciting and rewarding, but it can also be very demanding with long hours and strenuous work.

We can also help you tailor your CV to help you progress in the industry and demonstrate your skillset.

For more information please contact us by clicking here

Pre-requisites – Deckhand Course

To legally work on any vessel you must hold the following certifications:

Once you have these two basic certificates you can begin your training to become a deckhand

Min Age: 18 years old

Course Length 14 days continuous

Non Residential

What You Get on your Deckhand Course

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Commercially Endorsed RYA Powerboat Level 2

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Advanced Powerboat Certificate

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RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate

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RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course Completion Certificate

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VHF SRC Certificate

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Competent Deckhand Course Completion Certificate and ID card

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All Books and Training Materials

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Competent Deckhand T-Shirt

Course Modules

RYA Powerboat level 2
RYA PB2

RYA PB2

The industry standard for all deckhand and a prerequisite for entry into the yachting industry. Two days of training including experience on Williams Jet Tender.

Powerboat levels 2 is a two day course giving you certification to drive a Powerboat unto 10m and recognised internationally

Our Course includes the use of a Williams Jet Tender which is one of the most popular tenders used on Yachts

Advanced Powerboat Training

Advanced Powerboat Training shows prospective employers that you are a competent powerboat operator with the ability to operate ant night.

RYA Tender Operator

RYA Tender Operator

RYA Personal Watercraft [Jetski] Certificate

Essential certification in many countries to allow you to legally operate a PWC.

An excellent addition to your CV to have Jet Ski competence

VHF Short Range Radio Certificate

An essential part of any marine qualification is to be legal and competent on the VHF radio. This allows effective and clear communication between vessels, ports and marinas

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory

An essential requirement for anyone looking to work in the industry allowing knowledge of collision regulations, Safety, Weather, Navigation and Tides etc.

Many yachts will ask for their Deckhands to hold a Yachtmaster Offshore practical certificate however the requirements for you to pass your Yachtmaster Practical includes having completed 2500 logged sea miles and being a competent Skipper, however, the completion of the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory shows any prospective employer that you are capable of carrying out watch duties and assisting with navigation and passage planning.

This module is an important part of your Yachting career and will be a big step towards achieving your Yachtmaster Offshore Practical Certificate of Competence.

 

PPR – Professional Practices and Responsibilities

How you fit into the professional maritime world, importance of correct manning, keeping skills up to date, safe management of commercial vessels, the compulsory carriage and maintenance of safety equipment and how to create and implement risk control.

Toys and Water Sports training

This is once of the most important skills you need to gain to become a successful Deckhand and a crucial part of any Deckhand Course. Many Yachts are looking for Deckhands with experience with water toys and towing skiers, wakeboards and inflatable toys.

This package includes Tender towing training, operation of Seabobs, Electric Foils, Stand up Paddle Boards etc.

No other course available provides you with this experience and trains you how to operate all the popular toys that are generally used on Yachts

 

Docking Skills

The role of a Deckhand is critical when arriving or leaving a dock, understanding the correct preparation, organisation, your positioning and effective communication

A full day practical training on a 15 metre motor yacht learning skills such as lines, fenders and much more

An introduction to Engines and Yacht Systems. Air conditioning, Water systems, Anchoring and. Electronic

 

Rope Work

Learn to tie all the necessary knots and understand their uses. Understand the different types of ropes and their benefits.

Rope coiling and storage

Fenders

Understand fender positions, heights, and use of roving fenders

Fender storage and preparation

Tender Launch and Recovery

Launching and recovery of tenders form an important part of any deckhand role, and there are many different configurations, including stern platform, garage, and crane options

Cleaning and Preparation

The yachting industry requires a totally different level of cleanliness and attention to detail.

Learn about daily deck routines

How to effectively clean GRP/fibreglass, teak, windows, upholstery

Tricks of the trade for removing stains and marks

Guest and Crew Interaction and Etiquette

Learn about correct guest interaction and understanding your customers’ needs.

Dealing with difficult customers

Living in confined areas with other crew

Personal presentation

Career Advice and CV Workshop

Understanding the different yacht types and how roles on yacht types differ

Understanding private and charter yachts

Making your CV stand out in a crowd

Schedule

This is an example of the schedule for your Deckhand Course. Timings could change due to weather or other factors

ALL  RYA TRAINING IS CARRIED OUT BY POLLENSA TRANING – AN RYA TRAINING CENTRE

 

Day 1 – Day 6

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory

Day 7– Day 9

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Tender Operator Training

Williams JetTender Training

 

Day 10

RYA VHF SRC – Online Course over the week

RYA PPR – Online Course over the week

RYA PWC

Day 11

Watersports Training and Toys Handling

Day 12 – Day 14

Deckhand Skills Training Including Practical Sessions