23 Days

From £4500

West Cowes, Isle of Wight

Start your journey to becoming a deckhand today

Working as a Deckhand on a superyacht can unlock a world of adventure, international travel and exploration in some of the world’s most stunning and luxurious locations.

Our 3-week Superyacht Deckhand Training course provides all the training and qualifications to get started in this exciting sector and on the pathway to a rewarding career with excellent rates of pay.

This entry level role acts as the starting point for your career which can lead to a range of jobs, including Lead Deckhand, Bosun, Chief Officer, Captain and more.

This course qualifies for 0% finance with Cherry Godfrey

We are now able to offer 0% finance through Cherry Godfrey. Please speak to our Careers Team through WhatsApp for more information about this funding route. Subject to status.

There’s an ocean of opportunity in the World of Superyachts

0

Internationally recognised qualifications gained

0

Superyachts are planned for launch in 2025

0

Starting salary for deck crew

0

Jobs provided by luxury yachts worldwide

What does a Deckhand do?

As a Superyacht Deckhand, you’ll be an important member of the crew, responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of yachts of all sizes.

The entry-level role can differ from yacht to yacht, but will require you to embrace teamwork, a hard-working attitude and positive outlook.

Whether working for a private yacht owner or charter company, you can expect to earn between €2,000 – €3,500 a month, with many living expenses covered whilst you live onboard.

On top of this, crew can also often receive generous tips from guests!

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!

Will Jones, UKSA Superyacht Deckhand Training Course Graduate

Which Deckhand course is right for you?

At UKSA, we offer three deckhand courses designed to meet the needs of the maritime industry. Whether you want to sail the world in a luxury superyacht, stay closer to home, or take a more technical path, we have the right course for you. 

Superyacht Deckhand

3 Week Course

£ 4500 Inc Accomodation / Meals
  • check Introduction & Industry Guidance
  • check Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • check RYA Personal Watercraft
  • check RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • check Safety & Social Responsibilities
  • check Proficiency in Security Awareness
  • check Personal Survival Techniques
  • check Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
  • check Elementary First Aid
  • check Tender Operators
  • check Deck Work
  • check Industry Guidance
  • check Short Range Radio Certificate
  • check Designated Security Duties

Engineer Deckhand

4 Week Course

£ 6500 Inc Accomodation / Meals
  • check Introduction & Industry Guidance
  • check Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • check RYA Personal Watercraft
  • check RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • check Safety & Social Responsibilities
  • check Proficiency in Security Awareness
  • check Personal Survival Techniques
  • check Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
  • check Elementary First Aid
  • check Tender Operators
  • check Deck Work
  • check Industry Guidance
  • check Short Range Radio Certificate
  • check Designated Security Duties
  • Approved Engineer 1
  • Approved Engineer 2

Workboat Deckhand

4 Week Course

£ 6200 Inc Accomodation / Meals
  • check Introduction & Industry Guidance
  • check Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • check RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • check Safety & Social Responsibilities
  • check Proficiency in Security Awareness
  • check Personal Survival Techniques
  • check Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
  • check Elementary First Aid
  • check Industry Guidance
  • Approved Engineer 1
  • Approved Engineer 2
  • Defib & Oxygen Administration
  • Dayskipper
  • Slinger and Banksman
  • Crowd Management
  • Dangerous Goods by Sea (IMDG)

Career Opportunites

Graduates of the Superyacht Deckhand course have pursued successful careers in various sectors, including:

Superyacht Industry

Roles such as deckhand, first mate, and captain on luxury yachts.

Flotilla and Charter Operations

Skippering charter yachts in popular sailing destinations.

Training and Instruction

Becoming sailing instructors or working with youth sail training programs.

Maritime Services

Positions in yacht delivery, brokerage, and marina management.

Merchant Navy

Progressing to roles within commercial shipping operations.

About the Course

Our Superyacht Deckhand Training course is a cost effective option, that provides you with the basic qualifications and skills to start your career.

Thanks to our expert tuition, purpose-built site and all-inclusive, intensive training package, you can start your career in the superyacht industry after just 19 days at UKSA.

During your time on the course, you will learn through a mix of practical and written activities.

To provide you the best learning experience all of these are taught in small groups, ensuring you can receive all the support you need. The course includes tuition on:

  • Crew training (deck work, look out and watch duties, tender duties and safety procedures)
  • Vessel care (maintenance, basic repairs, cleaning)
  • Basic engineering and safety training
  • UKSA Superyacht Crew Training Certificate
  • STCW Basic Safety Training: Everything you need to know to meet the legal minimum requirement for anyone looking for commercial work aboard vessels over 24 metres
  • MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties: Gives you the essential education and training required to undertake designated security duties on board
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2: This practical course will prepare you with the safe driving and handling skills you need to pilot powerboats
  • RYA Tender Operator: Essential training in the piloting and electronic skills needed to complete successful shore transfers for your clients
  • RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency: Training to help you master the skills you need to operate personal watercraft safely and confidently at sea
  • RYA Marine Short Range Radio: Equips you with the knowledge and confidence you need to communicate effectively on a VHF radio
    Alternative pathways into the superyacht industry

If you are considering a long term career on-board a superyacht and are aged between 18-25 you may want to consider our Superyacht Cadetship.

Deckhands are typically required to work long hours and must be physically fit and able. You must be energetic and enthusiastic with an ability to work to a high standard in all tasks.

All seafarers must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea (click here for more details).

Whilst it’s not essential to hold your ENG1 to complete your training with UKSA, it is required to hold this to secure work in the industry. For this reason, we recommend all students gain their ENG1 before they attend training.

All maritime employers will expect some type of experience to show that you can demonstrate a strong work ethic, practical application of skills and are a motivated individual. We would recommend any student booking onto our careers courses to have a minimum of one year prior experience in a work place, whether this is volunteering or paid work.

UKSA is not a recruitment agency and cannot guarantee work placements after completion of the course, but we work closely with a large number of recruitment agencies and companies that employ our graduates. During all courses we provide industry and career guidance to prepare for seeking employment post-graduation, and offer continual support once you have left UKSA.

Funding Available

We have funding opportunities available for those in genuine financial need. Contact our course advisers to get the details and assess your eligibility.

+44 (0)1983 203038 | [email protected]

Upcoming dates for Superyacht Deckhand Training

Start date → End date Course only price Residential price
26 Nov 2026 → 18 Dec 2026Final placesN/A£4500 Add to Basket Book now
04 Jan 2027 → 23 Jan 2027Sold outN/A£4500 Add to Basket Book now
08 Feb 2027 → 27 Feb 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
02 Mar 2027 → 21 Mar 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
06 Apr 2027 → 25 Apr 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
04 May 2027 → 23 May 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
19 Jul 2027 → 07 Aug 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
09 Aug 2027 → 28 Sep 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
30 Aug 2027 → 18 Sep 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
04 Oct 2027 → 23 Oct 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
01 Nov 2027 → 20 Nov 2027N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
03 Jan 2028 → 22 Jan 2028N/A£4635 Add to Basket Book now
Show more dates

Why Train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.

  • Equipment and Support
    From our unique four-acre waterfront campus in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, we provide all the training, equipment and support you’ll need to make your dream career a reality.
  • Teaching and Soft Skills
    In addition to delivering the training you need to complete all your daily activities on board, we also pride ourselves on teaching the soft skills that will help you stand out from the crowd in a competitive market. This includes the professional behaviour, teamwork skills, positive attitude and personal traits expected on a 7-star yacht.
  • Expert Insight
    Our experienced tutors provide expert insight and hands-on instruction into what it takes to succeed in your first role in the industry. Alongside our guidance and tuition, you’ll also get the career support needed to secure your first role on deck.

From surf boards to superyachts... our courses suit every ambition

Whatever your career aspirations, we have all the support and facilities to help you achieve your goals

#SeaChangeStories

I secured a position on a 31m motor yacht and learned so much during my first season. I had the chance to network and meet some amazing people, crucial for making future contacts. I also got to explore new places and made friends for life.

Joy Cameron – Superyacht Deckhand Training Graduate

Get in Touch

If you’re interested in booking a place on this course, get in touch and one of our careers advisors will be happy to help

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Courses

Whatever your age or experience, the yachting and watersports industries have hundreds of opportunities for professional employment. You can find out more about our range of careers training courses below.

Courses accredited by

Our registrations