Deckhand Training

Superyacht Deckhand Training

Deckhand Courses

Start your deck career with practical skills in seamanship, lines, tenders, safety, and guest operations. Hands-on training with yacht-standard equipment and instructors with superyacht experience.

Duration: 4 days

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

8,250 ZAR | 413 Euro

Application

Click "Book now" and complete application form

Review & Confirm

We will review your application and send confirmation (24 hrs)

Invoice & Pay

Receive invoice, make payment and send POP

Schedule & Book

We will schedule you according to course dates & your availability

Course Pack

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Attend course

Attend your courses

What You'll Learn

Preventative & Scheduled Maintenance

Master techniques for maintaining the vessel's exterior, ensuring optimal condition and longevity

Vessel Washdowns & Teak Maintenance

Learn expert techniques for pristine vessel upkeep, both above and below the waterline.

Damage Assessment & Repair

Develop expertise in identifying and correcting damage, from minor scratches to significant repairs.

Product Knowledge & Application

Gain in-depth knowledge of various products and their correct application for various maintenance tasks

Woodwork & Varnishing

Hone your skills in woodwork and varnishing techniques, essential for maintaining a yacht's aesthetic appeal

Navigational Watch & Line Handling

Gain valuable understanding in navigational watchkeeping, line handling, and anchoring procedures.

Guest Onboard Protocols

Master essential protocols and etiquette for interacting with guests.

Crew Responsibilities | Etiquette

Understand the responsibilities of a Deckhand & crew member.

Career Advancement Strategies

Gain insights and strategies to advance your career from junior deckhand to senior roles.

Recommended Course Pairings

11 days | 5 Certificates

10,200 ZAR | 509 Euro
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Personal Safety & Social Resp (PSSR)
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Marine Fire Fighting (MFF)
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties(PDSD)
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person and online (select modules)
Scheduled: Weekly

Compulsory

1 day | 1 or 2 Certificates

1,200 - 3,600 ZAR | 64 - 183 Euro
Both medicals are MCA‑approved
Both are recommended (SB purposes)
Required to prove "Able Seafarer"
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only
By Appointment Only

Compulsory

2 days | 1 License

5,580 ZAR | 194 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only
Schedule: Weekly

Selective

1 day | 1 License

2,000 ZAR | 104 Euro
SAMSA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only

Selective

1 day | 1 License

3,835 ZAR | 195 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: All maritime crew & renewals
Available: In-person only

Selective

1 day | 1 License

3,295 ZAR | 168 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: Deckhands and Engineers
Available: In-person only

Selective

Advanced Deckhand Courses

3 days | Pre-requisites

9,900 ZAR | 495 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: Deckhands & Officers
Available: In-person only
Pre-requisites:
17+ yrs old
RYA PWC Proficiency (1 day)
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Valid First Aid certificate
Minimum one full season of PWC experience

Selective

3 days | Pre-requisistes

9,900 ZAR | 495 Euro
RYA License
MCA‑approved
Ideal For: Deckhands & Officers
Available: In-person only
Pre-requisites:

16+ yrs old
RYA Powerboat Level 2
First Aid certificate
VHF/SRC (recommended)
Strong boat‑handling skills
Pre‑assessment with an RYA Trainer

Selective

Superyacht Dual Roles

Deckhand Dual Roles

A dual role onboard a superyacht is one that serves more than one vital function onboard. Dual roles are common on smaller vessels and it is generally not an equal split in duties.

Stew | Deck

Steward/ess & Deckhand Duties

Deck | Dive Master

Deckhand & Dive Lead

Deck | Drone Pilot | Photograher

Deckhand & Videography Drone Pilot

Deck | Watersport Instructor

Deckhand & Specialised Watersport Instructor

Get ready for the next yachting season!

Book now

Testimonial

What they say.

Real Stories from Real Clients

"VYA is the team you want on your side—efficient, reliable, and well-organized. They can assist with CVs, visas, seaman's books, and much more. If you are new to the yachting industry and looking for the right team to support you, look no further than VYA."

"I completed my advanced silver service course at SYTA. I recommend it for everyone that want to experience more in the yatching industry and your stewardess skills. I really enjoy my time there it was amazing experience."

"I’ve used VYA Twice and each time I have received my desired outcome. The second time with a very limited time frame, but with the assistance of VYA I received everything I required on time. Tatum is a star and anyone could put their trust in the assistance and support of VYA!"