Superyacht Deckhand Essentials Package

Certification
MCA, IYT
Who issues your official qualification
Recognition
Worldwide
Where your certificate is accepted. Check with your flag state for specific approvals.
Suitable For
Entry-level deckhands
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
No experience required
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
10 Days
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
5 years
How long your certificate stays valid

Why This
Course Matters

This entry-level package gets you legally certified and job-ready to start working as a junior deckhand. With STCW safety training and your tender license included, you’ll meet all baseline requirements for entry into the industry and begin building real deck skills from day one.

Career
growth
& Salary Impact

Deckhands typically earn $2,500–$3,500/month starting out. Yachts over 60m or with charter programs pay more, and those with extra skills like diving or watersports can reach $4,800/month or more.

Current Role With this certification
Junior Deckhand +$1,600
Fitness Instructor
Experienced Deckhand +$3,400
Dive Instructor
Junior Deckhand +$2,200
Lifeguard

What You’ll
Learn

STCW Basic Safety Training

Complete training in personal survival, fire prevention, first aid, social responsibility, and security awareness.

Foundational Deck Skills

Learn mooring, fender setup and ropework through the IYT Superyacht Deck Crew course.

Tender Driving Certification

Earn your IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master license to legally operate tenders up to 15m, and prepare for ICC 10m (optional).

0
100

PREREQUSITES

PREREQUSITES
Minimum age

16 years old

Language Requirement

A good level of spoken and written English is required, as all training and assessments are conducted in English

Meet Your
Instructors

Garrod Hutchison
Head of School of Marine Engineering

Over 45 years’ maritime experience including Royal Navy service aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Former Superyacht Chief Engineer with extensive technical instruction expertise.

Tom Sebastian
Chief Instructor, Fire, Safety & Survival

With Galileo for 10 years, Tom brings extensive experience from commercial and cruise ships. His BSc in Management coupled with IMO certification ensures practical, engaging instruction based on real-world scenarios.

Shemaine Sebastian
Chief Instructor, Health & Safety

A qualified nurse with maritime experience as Safety Officer on cruise ships, Shemaine joined Galileo in 2014. Her medical background and IMO certification make her an expert instructor for medical and safety courses.

Captain Clive Parton
Academy Director, Chief Instructor

MCA Master Mariner and NI DPO Unlimited with 26 years’ command experience on deep sea and offshore vessels, cruise ships, superyachts and sailing ships.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Why do I need a deckhand training package to work on yachts?

Because most captains won’t hire untrained crew. Deckhand packages cover STCW safety, tender driving, and core deck skills, which are the minimum entry requirements for yacht employment.

How much do entry-level deckhands earn?

Most junior deckhands earn USD 2,500–3,500 per month. Salaries increase on larger or charter yachts and for crew with tender, radio, or engineering skills.

What’s the difference between Essentials, Standard, and Complete packages?

  • Essentials: Legal minimum to start working
  • Standard: Adds versatility (VHF, AEC1)
  • Complete: Maximum hireability (PWC, multi-skill)

All three are job-focused — the difference is how competitive your CV is.

Which deckhand package should I choose?

  • Choose Essentials if you want the fastest entry
  • Choose Standard if you want better job options
  • Choose Complete if you want the strongest CV and faster progression

Is AEC1 useful for deckhands?

Yes. AEC1 helps deckhands assist engineers, understand onboard systems, and qualify for dual-role positions, especially on smaller yachts. It often leads to better pay and responsibility.

Do deckhand packages include tender driving?

Yes. All packages include powerboat/tender certification, which is one of the most requested skills in deckhand job listings.

Do I need a visa to take a deckhand course in Thailand?

Most students attend on a tourist visa. If needed, Galileo Maritime Academy can provide a letter of enrolment.

Are tattoos or piercings allowed for deckhands?

It depends on the yacht. Small tattoos and simple piercings that can be covered are usually acceptable. Large or highly visible tattoos may limit job options on some yachts.

Will a deckhand package guarantee me a job?

No course guarantees employment. However, completing a deckhand package gives you the certificates, skills, and credibility captains expect from entry-level crew.

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Related courses
and packages

Superyacht Deckhand Essentials Package
10 Days
14 SEP 2026