Work onboard luxury yachts, travel the world, and get paid. A superyacht deckhand role offers a unique mix of adventure, responsibility, and clear career progression from day one.

You’ll need to be professional, hardworking, and comfortable spending time away from home. For the right people, the rewards and opportunities are significant.

The Flying Fish Superyacht Deckhand Course has been refined over 17 years and provides the essential skills and qualifications to launch your career.

Designed and taught by industry experts

This 15-day programme focuses on the practical skills and standards Captains expect, combining recognised certifications with hands-on training to help you stand out.

Delivered by experienced instructors, with input from active crew and Captains, the training is current, relevant, and aligned with industry expectations.

Our focus is simple: helping you secure your first job.

Course programme

This course combines essential certifications, practical training, and real-world preparation for life and work onboard. See the full breakdown in the FAQ below.

Training includes STCW Basic Safety Training, marine radio certification, motor yacht handling, ropework, maintenance, and tender driving qualifications.

You’ll also develop practical deck skills, equipment handling, and onboard procedures used on working superyachts.

The programme is designed to give you the confidence, competence, and qualifications needed to step straight into your first role.

Superyacht recruitment event in Antibes, France

Included at no extra cost. Covers agencies, dock walking, presentation, and CV preparation to help you secure your first position.

Flying Fish UK

Delivered by our training partners in Cowes, Isle of Wight — one of the world’s leading yachting centres.

Where to stay during your training

Optional self-catering crew accommodation is available close to the training centre in Cowes.

See more details in the FAQ below.

Qualifications and learning outcomes

• STCW Basic Safety Training
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) course
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course (PWC)
• RYA VHF Radio
• RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Ropework, essential knots, and splicing
• Yacht detailing, teak work, repairs, washdowns, stainless care
• One-day boat handling course
• CV Clinic, industry guidance, and mentoring
• Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes.

• The course is suitable for complete beginners who want to achieve commercial qualifications for deckhand work.
• You must be at least 18 years of age

• Looking for a career in yachting? Check our Yachtmaster Fast Track programme. 

• Booking information
  • To secure your place, a 20% holding deposit is required using the links above. This reserves your position until 60 days before the course start date, when the remaining balance is due.
  • The deposit is non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event with sufficient notice. We recommend booking early as places are limited.
• Full course itinerary
  • Our Superyacht Deckhand Course combines practical training with essential theory to prepare you for your first role onboard.
  • Week 1 – STCW Basic Safety Training
    Mandatory for all crew. Covers fire fighting, personal safety and responsibilities, sea survival, elementary first aid, and security awareness.
  • Week 2 – Deckhand essentials
    Develop the practical skills required onboard, including:
  • VHF Radio (1 day) – Marine communication and emergency procedures (RYA SRC)
  • PDSD (1 day) – Security duties for larger yachts (MCA approved)
  • Motorboat training (2 days) – Boat handling, navigation, anchoring, and seamanship
  • Ropework (1 day) – Knots, splicing, and soft shackles
  • Yacht maintenance (1 day) – Cleaning, detailing, and surface care
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) – Tender driving certification
  • Personal Watercraft / Jet Ski (1 day) – Safe operation and licensing
• Career support
  • We don’t just train you — we help you secure your first job. Support includes CV guidance, industry insights, recruitment advice, and up to 6 months of post-course mentoring.
  • You’ll also gain access to Flying Fish networks and contacts within the superyacht industry.
• What’s included
  • Certifications: MCA STCW Basic Safety Training, PDSD, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA PWC, and RYA VHF Radio
  • Practical skills: ropework, boat handling, navigation, and vessel operations
  • Maintenance training: teak care, polishing, washdowns, and basic repairs
  • Professional skills: teamwork, onboard standards, and crew responsibilities
• Where to stay ashore
  • Almost all our students choose to stay in our premium self-catering accommodation, located just a 5-minute walk from both the town and our training centre at Cowes Yacht Haven.
  • From shared meals to relaxed evenings, our houses are the starting point for friendships that often last well beyond your time in Cowes.
  • Many students continue travelling and finding work together after completing their courses.
• Can I customise the course?
  • Yes — you can tailor your programme or spread it over a longer period. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
• What are the work opportunities?
  • Explore career pathways and job opportunities here.