FAQ – Deckhand Training
I already have RYA Powerboat Level 2 - can i get a discount on my Deckhand Training?
Our Deckhand Training Course is a complete package offering much more than powerboat level 2. The Course includes training to RYA Advanced Powerboat
We appreciate some of our students may already hold an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate. Our course includes so much more powerboat training than just a Powerboat Level 2.
Your Deckhand Training include Williams Jet Tender Training as they are very different to driving a propellor driven powerboat and found on most yachts as tenders.
Being a competent tender operator is much more than just holding a powerboat level 2, so if you already hold this certification, use this time to improve your skills and become more competent.
Unfortunately we are unable to discount the course.
can you help me with finding accommodations?
We do not include accommodation, but we have a list of hotels and crew accommodation. As our courses are run out of high season, we are often able to help find very affordable accommodation. As part of the booking conformation, you will receive a list of hotels and crew rooms.
Why do many Yachts want their Deckhands to hold a Yachtmaster RaTing?
The RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is highly respected qualification and shows any employee that you have trained to a high standard. The prerequisites requires 2500 nautical sea miles to gain this qualification which is impossible for anyone new to the industry.
Many Yachts have insurance and crewing requirements that require you to be a Yachtmaster.
Your Deckhand Training includes RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Theory, this will show employers that you are capable of doing navigational watches and understand collision regulations etc. You can then build your miles and experience and look to take your RYA YM Practical Exam once you have some more eperience.
However, by completeing the RYA Yachtmaster Theory Course you can show any prospective employer that you are competent to Yachtmaster standard and able to carry out watches and assist with navigation, weather and passage planning.
Once you have the practical experience you can take the RYA Yachtmaster practical examination.
For more information on the RYA Yachtmaster click here
Where is the course run from?
The Competent Deckhand Training Course is run from our classroom in central Palma, Port Calanova is our water training base, this is approximately 4 km from the centre of Palma and on the bus route from central Palma. We provide transport from the classroom to water base for those who need it.
Why should i pick your course over other courses?
Our Competent Deckhand Training Course has been developed by experienced Yacht Captains and RYA Instructors who have experienced first hand the gap in knowledge and training of those trying to enter the yachting industry.
No other organisation offers such an complete course of Deckhand Training covering everything you need to become a deckhand.
Being based in Palma we have contact with many yacht captains and we understand the issues they face with trying to find Competent Deckhands.
These Captains don’t have the time to provide full training to new employees as they are also under immense pressure to provide a financial return to their owners.
Being a competent deckhand is so much more than just completing your basic STCW and a few RYA courses, Our 14 day course has been designed by Captains with thousands of sea miles that know exactly what skill you need, It covers everything you need to show you employer that you are the right person to employ.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes subject to status, The checkout process allows an option to select payment using Klarna which allows you to spread the payment over 4 instalments.
Can you help me get a job
Once you have completed your Deckhand Training you will receive a Competent Deckhand ID card with a QR code link to your CV, this will allow you to show your prospective employers that you have been trained. We also offer CV and job seating advise on how to progress.
After your training you will be very well placed to show any Yacht that you are ready to start work
DO i need any prior experience
You can start your course with no experience but to legally work on any Yacht you need to have your STCW Certification and ENG 1 Medical but you do not need this prior to the course.
As the STCW and the ENG1 is required to Commercially Endorse some of your qualifications, it is better to do come to the course with these qualifications.
The RYA Yachtmaster Theory course is an intensive 5 day course followed by a day of exams, the course is taught in English and you need a reasonable level of spoken and written English to do the course.
It is a great idea to spend some time reviewing collision regulations and other RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory videos that are available online via a Google search. These include:
RYA Yachtmaster Chartwork
RYA Yachtmaster Tidal Streams
RYA Yachtmaster Tidal Heights
RYA Yachtmaster Course to Steer.
Any pre course learning you do will help you on your course.
If you need any assistance you can contact us for more information.
IS there any study before the course
There is a lot to get through on the course and the Yachtmaster Offshore Theory is an important part of your deckhand training. It would be great to come to the course with a knowledge of collision regulations and lights, shapes and sound.
There is online learning for this on our learning section that will help prepare you for the course.
We generally say to our students to come with a good knowledge of collision regulations, you can do this by using the safeskipper app this is a great easy way to learn.
It is a great idea to spend some time reviewing collision regulations and other RYA Yachtmaster Offshore theory videos that are available online via a Google search. These include:
RYA Yachtmaster Chartwork
RYA Yachtmaster Tidal Streams
RYA Yachtmaster Tidal Heights
RYA Yachtmaster Course to Steer.
Any pre course learning you do will help you on your course.
If you need any assistance you can contact us for more information.
where is the best place to get a job
Palma is probably the busiest Super Yacht centre in the world with hundreds of yachts based or operating here. You could also consider the South of France with places like Antibes or Cannes.
It is important to be physically local when you are applying for jobs as some jobs may start immediately and you often see comments like ‘only apply if you are physically in Palma’.
Of course its difficult when you are working to a limited budget but you can find crew accommodation for around € 30 per night in Palma.
If you are based on Palma and keep a good look out on social media you could also find daywork which will generally pay €120 per day and often leads to more work.
how much does it cost to be a deckhand
Unfortunately there are some costs associated with becoming a Deckhand, you must legally have STCW and ENG1 Medical
You also need some Deckhand Training
These two requirements will probably cost you around € 1400.00 depending where you go.
The Competent Deckhand Course costs € 3295.00 and represents excellent value when you look at your course completion certificates. The best chance you have of gaining your first job is to make your CV look better than others.
With these three qualifications you could start work in the industry with the knowledge that you have the training and knowledge to make a difference on day 1.
When is the best time to look for work
The season in Europe starts in April – May so the best time to be in Palma is in March each year. Many yachts start looking for crew and being based in Palma will certainly help you.
It is important to have all your training complete and your CV ready. We run our Deckhand Training Course in the winter for this reason
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