Becoming a deckhand is one way to get into the maritime industry. This particular career path offers rewarding and fascinating opportunities.
More than that, though, working as a Superyacht Deckhand is a thrilling and rewarding career launcher that will allow you to travel the world, meet incredible new friends, and acquire a wealth of new knowledge and experiences.
How Much Money Does A Deckhand On A Superyacht Make?
The average monthly payment for a deckhand is €2,500; however, it can range from €2,000 to €3,500. Most Superyacht payments are made in euros. The salary can depend on many factors, the main one being the yacht’s “crew” budget.
The owner or management firm will settle on a spending limit that the captain uses to hire a crew. Each yacht will have a unique budget, so the wages paid to the crew may differ slightly from yacht to yacht.
Additionally, whether you work on a private or charter yacht can affect your overall pay. It is customary for guests on a charter yacht to give the crew a tip; the standard amount is 10% of the charter cost. Superyacht chartering can cost between €250,000 and €1,000,000 per week.
For a week’s charter, tips are typically between €2,000 and €5,000, and they are distributed equally among the crew. Your monthly salary is supplemented by tips. More details are provided in our guide to superyacht salaries. The fact that you reside on the yacht means that your daily expenses are minimal.
Without Any Prior Experience, How Do I Become A Deckhand?
If you want to work as a Deckhand on a Superyacht, you don’t need to be a Yachtmaster or have any prior experience on a boat. The majority of Superyacht crews lack prior boating experience. When you get on board, the crew of the yacht will show you the ropes and go over expectations with you.
Any prior diving, boating, or watersports experience will be beneficial, though. You need not be concerned if you haven’t operated boats or worked in a practical capacity.
The desire to work outside in the sun is something that all crew members share, aside from the prerequisites mentioned above.
What all Superyachts look for is a good attitude, a desire to work hard, and to be part of a team. You can accomplish a lot if you have a good, upbeat attitude. All we ask is that you bring a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Flying Fish can provide all the credentials and skills you need to get started.
How To Enter The Maritime Industry
On a big ship or boat, you can work as a deckhand even without any prior experience. However, anyone seeking a higher-level position in the maritime sector may need to enroll in a naval training program or submit an application for positions at the entry level.
Attend A Maritime Training School
You can acquire the knowledge and abilities required to begin a career as a deckhand on a merchant vessel or large ship by enrolling in a maritime training program. Your comprehension of maritime safety procedures will also improve as a result of the training. With the knowledge and skills required to move up the professional ladder, training can advance your career.
Professionals seeking positions on sizable ships, like container and cruise ships, are best served by maritime training programs. Skilled deckhands are also well-positioned to advance up the corporate ladder and become senior captains, engineers, and deck officers. Deckhands can choose from a variety of career paths, and there are specialized training programs to support you in achieving your professional objectives.
Learn About Deckhand Duties
Prior to looking for work as a deckhand, it is crucial to be aware of your obligations. A physically demanding job requiring perseverance and hard work is being a deckhand. Working on inland or large ship with experienced crew members will help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful deckhand. Deckhand responsibilities vary according to a vessel’s schedule and purpose. Deckhands are in charge of performing general maintenance, watching over the ship, operating the tender, and cleaning the vessel.
Understand The Structure Of The Deck
The youngest members of a deck crew are the deckhands. While learning from the more experienced crew members when they first start out, deckhands should be aware of their surroundings. Respect the more seasoned crew members and consistently carry out their requests to the best of your ability. Experts advise seeking clarification from others in order to ensure that you operate safely. Depending on the purpose and size of a yacht or ship, a deck’s structure varies. A deckhand employed on a small boat will never have the same responsibilities as one employed on a cruise or container ship.
Apply For Entry-level Positions
The simplest route to becoming a deckhand is to apply for maritime jobs that don’t need specialized training or licensing. In the marine industry, inland vessels are typically where unskilled workers are assigned to work. As a deckhand on an inland ship, you can learn more about the maritime industry without needing a license or certification. You can still advance in your career even if you aren’t employed by a container or cruise ship. The majority of deckhands who begin their careers working on inland vessels utilize their free time to gain experience and skills that will help them advance in their careers.
Obtain Certification
Obtaining the necessary certification is the next step after being aware of what it takes to be a deckhand. Once you possess the required documentation and certification, you will be eligible for roles with high salaries and rankings. For instance, a deckhand needs a visa before going to maritime hubs for interviews. Being registered with crew agents will give you access to a variety of open positions in the marine industry, which is another essential step in becoming a deckhand. Having a large network of contacts in the maritime industry and having a good reputation are also requirements.
Look For Opportunities To Hone Your Skills
You can find a ton of information and training programs on the internet to help you become a successful deckhand. Additionally, you can learn from more seasoned deckhands by asking them for advice when you stray from the path. To establish a strong brand identity, always go above and beyond and seize every chance. Deckhands should conduct themselves in a professional manner as well, as every interaction, they have the potential to advance their career. Be ready for any opportunity that may arise. Recognize that you’ll play challenging roles where you can either stand out or come off as a newbie. On the other hand, be open to learning and learn how to work with others.
What Credentials Do I Need To Be A Deckhand?
When it comes to credentials and experience, three factors should be taken into account. The first two are required, but the third is up to you and your past employment history and work experience.
- All crew members who work at sea are required to have an ENG 1 medical. Before completing Step 2, we advise that if you are considering working as a Superyacht Deckhand, you complete the ENG1 medical.
- All crew members must complete STCW Basic Safety Training in order to be prepared for emergencies at sea. A six-day course called STCW covers topics like first aid, firefighting (which is a lot of fun), and health, safety, and security at sea.
- Get some experience; we’ll explain more about this below; however, you don’t need to have prior yachting experience to work on a superyacht.
However, having a foundational understanding is helpful. Yachts want to know that you are a hard worker, enjoy the outdoors, and get along well with others.
If you have experience in any of the following fields, to name a few: hospitality, engineering, carpentry, electrical work, teaching water sports, or divemastership, your resume will look fantastic.
It is true that the more experience and skills you can bring to a new job, the better. In other words, if you’re new to yachting and want to become qualified before leaving, we can help you get started.
Working Conditions For A Deckhand
Depending on the type of ship a deckhand is working aboard, their responsibilities can vary. For instance, a deckhand working on a fishing boat might need to know how to use scuba gear, lines, and pots. Transportation or recreational vessel may need to provide hospitality services like bartending, table setting, and cabin attendant care. Deckhands are able to work in any weather and spend a lot of time at sea. You might have to work irregular hours and in confined spaces as a deckhand. Deckhands who are working under pressure may only get four hours of sleep and downtime.
