Case Studies

Will Jones

After seeing the Superyacht Deckhand Training on Facebook, Will didn’t hesitate to dive right in and sign up to the course. Now a Bosun, Will has a dream of transferring his skills and working onboard a marine research vessel.

“I have great memories of my time on the course, some of the best are spending time on the water and socialising with my course mates.”

With a background in Marine Biology, the sea was always fascinating to Will. In May of 2024 he graduated from the UKSA Superyacht Deckhand Training course. Reminiscing on his time at UKSA, Will explained that his favourite parts of the course were the Powerboat Level 2, STCW Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention and Deckwork modules.

Upon leaving the course Will secured a job as a Deckhand at Hebrides Cruises, a Scottish wildlife cruise company, onboard a 28m motoryacht. It wasn’t long before Will proved himself and he was promoted to Bosun, with a winter drywork contract. We asked Will to share some insight as to what a typical day onboard looks like for him.

“A typical day on charter starts with full window, stainless steel and deck clean downs, followed by a mix of tasks including launching or recovering tender and tendering guests to and from the shore. I will then assist with navigation and taking watch whilst underway and dropping/pulling anchor. We run with a small crew so I will also help with repairs, interior clean downs and navigation efforts. Since the off-season started, I have carried out interior and exterior fibreglass repairs, painting, wood restoration and lots of siliconing!”

One of the great things about the Maritime Industry is the variety of career pathways available, we can’t wait to see where Will’s Deckhand training will take him next!

“I’m still working on building my experience on deck, but also starting to study for my RYA Day Skipper theory with the aim to eventually earn my Yachtmaster Offshore and take my deck skills and transfer them to working on board, or even skippering a marine research vessel!”

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