Superyacht Deckhand Standard Package
Proves all the skills you need to work as a deckhand. Includes STCW and basic engineering training.
15 Days
07 SEP 2026
Certification
IYT
Who issues your official qualification
Recognition
MCA-recognised
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
5 Days
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
Lifetime
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
This course is the starting point for anyone aiming to work on superyachts. It meets industry expectations for junior deckhands and helps you stand out in entry-level applications. Required or highly preferred by many captains when hiring green crew for daywork or full-time roles.
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
Deck Operations & Practical Seamanship
Learn core tasks like line handling, fender use, knot tying and ropework. Includes anchoring, mooring, and understanding deck terminology.
Tender Driving & Boat Handling
Receive practical training in handling powerboats and tenders, covering close-quarters maneuvering, launching, docking, and anchoring procedures.
VHF Radio & Communications
Cover the basics of marine radio communication, including correct use of VHF, distress procedures, and onboard communication.
Safety, Protocol & Life Onboard
Develop awareness of onboard hierarchy, teamwork, etiquette, safety drills, and industry expectations for presentation, behaviour, and professionalism.
0
100
What’s Included
Comprehensive course materials
Daily hot lunch
Coffee station and snacks
Free rescheduling up to 7 days before course start
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
Frequently
Asked Questions
What Is the Superyacht Deck Crew Course?
The IYT Superyacht Deck Crew Course is a professional entry-level deck training course delivered by International Yacht Training and recognised by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
According to the MCA, this course is treated as equivalent to the MCA Yacht Rating Course.
Is This Equivalent to MCA Yacht Rating?
Yes.
The MCA has formally recognised the IYT Superyacht Deck Crew Course as equivalent to the MCA Yacht Rating Course.
This equivalence affects the training and sea service requirements when applying for an MCA Yacht Rating Certificate, but it is not itself the Yacht Rating certificate.
Do I Get an MCA Yacht Rating Automatically?
No.
Completing the IYT Superyacht Deck Crew Course does not automatically issue an MCA Yacht Rating Certificate.
Instead, it allows you to apply to the MCA for a Yacht Rating Certificate under reduced sea service requirements, once all other MCA conditions are met.
How Does This Reduce Sea Time?
Normally, the MCA requires:
- completion of the Yacht Rating Training Record Book
- 6 months of sea service
If you hold the IYT Superyacht Deck Crew Certificate, the MCA:
- waives the Yacht Rating Training Record Book, and
- reduces required sea service to 2 months, provided that sea time is:
- on vessels 15 metres and over (load line length)
- on vessels 15 metres and over (load line length)
This is explicitly stated in MCA MSN 1862 (M).
What Else Is Required for Yacht Rating?
Holding the IYT Superyacht Deck Crew Certificate alone is not sufficient.
To apply for an MCA Yacht Rating Certificate, candidates must also:
- be at least 16 years old
- hold all required STCW Basic Safety certificates
- hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate (or accepted equivalent)
- complete 2 months sea service on vessels over 15m (LLL)
Only once all requirements are met can an application be submitted to the MCA.
Is a Powerboat Licence Included?
Yes.
The IYT Superyacht Deck Crew Course includes the IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master certification, which is a recognised powerboat qualification commonly used for tender operations on yachts.
This powerboat licence is separate from the Yacht Rating equivalence, but highly relevant for entry-level deck roles.
Is the Powerboat Certificate Accepted on Yachts?
Yes.
The IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master certification is widely accepted within the superyacht industry for tender driving and small craft operations, subject to flag state and employer requirements.
It is more relevant to yacht operations than basic leisure-only powerboat licences.
Is This the Same as STCW?
No.
STCW Basic Safety is a mandatory safety requirement for working at sea.
The Superyacht Deck Crew Course focuses on deck operations, seamanship, yacht procedures, and tender handling.
Both are required for most entry-level deck roles, but they serve different regulatory purposes.