Course information
Theory
Your Deckhand Course contains all the theoretical knowledge you need to become a professional Deckhand.
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:
- STCW 95 – Click here for more information
- ENG 1 Medical – Click here for more information
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
Commercially Endorsed RYA Powerboat Level 2
Advanced Powerboat Certificate
RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory Course Completion Certificate
VHF SRC Certificate
Competent Deckhand Course Completion Certificate and ID card
All Books and Training Materials
Competent Deckhand T-Shirt
Course Modules
RYA Powerboat level 2
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 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