Deck Department

How to Become a Yacht Deckhand

How to become a yacht deckhand, what the job involves day to day, the certificates you need before you start, and how to find your first season.

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A deckhand is entry-level exterior crew on a yacht, responsible for cleaning, maintenance, tender and watersports support, and line handling. It is the main way into the industry, requiring STCW basic safety training and an ENG1 medical rather than previous experience.

What a deckhand does on board

Daily washdowns, teak care and exterior detailing
Assisting with tenders, toys and guest water sports
Line handling during docking and anchoring
Interior support during busy charter periods

What the job is actually like

Chamois in hand before sunrise. Washdowns, teak, polishing, fenders and lines take up most of the morning, and the afternoon goes to tender driving, watersports setup, or helping the interior when guests are aboard. It is physical, repetitive and weather-dependent, and the people who last are the ones who stop needing to be told what to do next.

Certification and experience

These are the qualifications yachts ask for in a deckhand. None of it is difficult to obtain, and attitude decides the rest.

STCW
ENG1
Powerboat Level 2 (desirable)

Typical experience sought: entry level — first season considered · Reports to Bosun

Getting into the role

The entry point. STCW and ENG1 get you eligible; Powerboat Level 2 gets you hired. Most people spend two to four seasons here before stepping up to lead deckhand or bosun. The single biggest accelerator is landing on a boat that cruises hard, because sea time is what everything after this depends on.

What a deckhand earns

Pay varies with vessel size, cruising programme and whether the position is rotational. See the salary guide.

Frequently asked

Deckhand: common questions

How do I become a yacht deckhand?

Complete STCW basic safety training and get an ENG1 medical, then add Powerboat Level 2. From there it is a matter of being in a yachting hub during crew-up season and registering with agencies.

Can I get a deckhand job with no experience?

Yes. Deckhand is the main entry point into yachting, and many yachts deliberately take first-season crew when there is a strong bosun to train them. Attitude and availability matter more than a CV.

When should I look for my first season?

For the Mediterranean, March to May. For the Caribbean, October to November. Arriving before the rush gives you dock-walking time and day work, which is how most first jobs are actually found.

What does a deckhand do all day?

Early washdowns, teak care and exterior detailing take up most of the morning. Beyond that: tender driving, watersports setup, line handling, and helping the interior during busy guest periods.

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