wild superyacht secrets told by a deckhand

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Superyacht & Private Jet Chef Reveals What It’s Like Serving The 1%

It's not like 'Below Deck'.

Image: DMARGE

Slaving over a hot stove in a tiny, turbulent cabin, far from home, just to make outrageous dishes for demanding, ultra-wealthy guests? Sounds like a nightmare to us – but for this brave chef, it’s a dream come true.

Grace Dvornik, a 31-year-old Florida native who went from being a lowly deckhand to one of the most in-demand superyacht chefs (and now, private jet chefs), explains that while her job is certainly very demanding, it’s a dream come true – yet at the same time, it’s nothing like what happens on the reality TV series Below Deck .

In an interview with CNN Travel , Dvornik says that the show has definitely seen an influx of people interested in working on yachts, the reality of life on a white boat isn’t quite as dramatic.

“It may be a little bit exaggerated… But yes, yacht crew definitely love a nice party and love going out, blowing off steam,” she admits.

“Because a lot of your basic needs are taken care of when travelling – your travel expenses, or your meals while you’re working, things like that – there is extra money to go out and spend on a nice dinner or to go out and have a fun night on the town.”

WATCH a look inside Flying Fox , the world’s biggest and most expensive charter yacht, below.

Last year, dmarge spoke with Greg Newby, the director of Superyacht Crew Academy, who revealed to us that while there are definitely miscreants out there (like the cast and crew of Below Deck ), the superyacht industry is “not so much the Wild West anymore.

“There used to be fewer rules; more partying. I don’t know how I survived some of it. Now there’s definitely a lot more control over it because you’re talking about partying on these yachts that are travelling in the sea – obviously, there’s a lot of danger to go along with that,” he pointed out.

“Superyachting is a lot more heavily regulated. The rules in place are all there for safety reasons. If you can’t follow those rules then you don’t really last too long. Having said that, it’s still a ‘work hard, play hard’ environment.” Greg Newby

RELATED : ‘The Chief Stew Jumped Into Bed With A Rapper’: Superyacht Worker Spills Their Wildest Tales

For Grace’s part, she’s been “contacted by casting and producers many times” to appear on Below Deck, but she says “I’ve always respectfully declined. It’s not my style.”

The reality of being a superyacht chef

Dvornik explains that the most difficult part of running a superyacht or private jet kitchen is managing the larder. It’s already a logistical challenge to make sure you’ve got enough food for the right journey. but accommodating for last-minute requests or odd requirements – or as she puts it, “little quirks”, is extra difficult.

“I’ve been told before that people are very strict – no desserts, no dairy, no gluten, and then they get on board and because they’re on vacation, they want dessert with every meal or they’re fine with dairy and gluten, so you have to be able to adapt that way,” she explains.

“Even if someone says ‘no desserts,’ I always keep at least ice cream or some type of chocolate on board, because there’s always a craving.” Grace Dvornik

RELATED : The Worst Kinds Of Superyacht Guests, According To Crew

She also shared some of her strangest requests: no green beans on Thursday, no pineapple in the morning, and grilled meat but with no grill marks. Yikes.

“If someone makes a request, in this type of field, ‘yes’ is the only option – because you want to go above and beyond for the client. And most of the time they’re willing to pay what they need to pay to have those items,” she says.

“So it’s, ‘Okay, yes, we can do that. And how can we make it special? Or how can we make it more memorable from the last time.’” Grace Dvornik

Dvornik also adds that being a chef on a private jet has its own set of challenges. Unlike a superyacht, which will generally have a fairly large crew, on a jet, she’s usually the only employee on board other than the pilots – meaning she’s not just a chef, but also the chief flight attendant.

There’s also a lot less space on a jet, and you’re generally not cooking things from scratch: you’re normally working with restaurants on the ground and adapting their dishes so that they survive the flight – for instance, if a client wants a steak medium rare, Dvornik might instruct the restaurant to cook it rare so that when she reheats it up in the air, it’s not overcooked.

Honestly, we’d be fine with a kettle and some two-minute noodles.

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10 Essential Skills for any Deckhand whilst Working on a Superyacht

A deckhand is an essential part of any Yacht crew team. Their primary goal is to make sure a yacht runs smoothly. Being a deckhand requires more than just being able to tie knots and look good in shorts. As a deckhand, you’ll have the opportunity to work on some of the most glamorous yachts in the world while traveling to destinations that most people only dream of. But what does a deckhand actually do? From cleaning and waxing to engineering and mechanics, there’s an impressive range of skills required for this job. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to be a successful deckhand. 

Cleaning / Washing Keeping the decks spotless will always be one of the primary duties of any deckhand. This includes washing down surfaces, scrubbing decks, and ensuring that all areas are kept clean and tidy at all times. Having a clean deck is essential for various reasons. Firstly, it helps with safety on board. A dirty deck can increase the risk of slips and falls, which can lead to injuries. Additionally, dirt can get into machinery and equipment, causing serious maintenance issues in the long run. Furthermore, a spotless deck will make a yacht look more inviting, which is crucial if you want to impress guests on board. It also means being proactive in your approach to maintenance so that you can catch potential issues early before they become bigger problems down the line. 

Waxing / Polishing Waxing and polishing are other important tasks that need to be completed on a regular basis in order to keep the yacht looking its best at all times. This is often done by hand but can also involve using tools such as buffers or polishers depending on the job at hand.  

Navigation Along with boat driving comes navigation skills which require knowledge of maps, charts, compasses, GPS systems, and other navigational aids in order to safely move from one point to another without getting lost or going off course.     

Line Handling Knowing how to handle lines properly is key when mooring or docking a yacht as well as when launching tenders or water toys from the mothership. It’s important that deckhands understand how to secure lines correctly without damaging them or risking them becoming loose while underway.

Tying Knots While tying knots may seem like a basic concept, it’s actually quite complex when dealing with ropes and lines aboard a yacht due to their different sizes and uses as well as their various strengths and weaknesses under pressure or strain from wind or weather conditions etc… Knowing how to properly tie knots is vital for any deckhand who wants be successful.

Securing / Stowing / Covering Furniture As part of the regular maintenance procedures onboard any vessel it’s important for deckhands to safely secure furniture properly before getting underway so nothing shifts around during transit which could cause damage or injury should someone not be paying attention while walking around on board during passage time.In addition, they should know how to cover furniture outdoors when necessary such as during rain showers etc.   

Detailing Detailing involves more than simply cleaning surfaces; it requires deep cleans using special products designed specifically for boats as well as buffing out scratches and dents with specialized tools such as buffers or polishers etc…Moreover, detailing can involve fixing and replacing any broken or worn-out parts of the yacht. A thorough detailing process can identify any issues with the yacht’s components, including lights, fittings, and hulls. With early detection and repair, deckhands can extend the yacht’s overall lifespan while ensuring the vessel is safe and running correctly.

Woodwork / Varnishing Wooden surfaces need regular care if they are going to maintain their original beauty over time; this usually includes sanding surfaces down before applying varnish so that it adheres better which then helps protect against moisture build-up over time etc… 

Watersports/Fishing Being knowledgeable about watersports activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, kayaking etc is quite important for guest experience. Many clients enjoy participating in these activities while vacationing onboard luxury vessels.

Physical Strength/Stamina Last but certainly not least physical strength/stamina plays a big role in success onboard yachts as part of the Deck crew. Many tasks and responsibilities involved can require quite a bit of manual labour. So having a strong body alongside good stamina will help greatly in keeping operations running smoothly. 

Working aboard yachts isn’t just about sunbathing on the bow; it’s hard work! There’s no doubt about it, being a successful deckhand requires an impressive range of skills including everything from cleaning decks and waxing polishing surfaces right through to water sports and mechanical engineering.

To make sure your efforts pay off you must have mental agility coupled with physical strength/stamina and always be ready to learn new skills! With a dedicated attitude, these skills will ensure you run the show like a pro! CLICK HERE to see the latest amazing jobs and training opportunities currently listed on Yotspot ! Good luck with your job search!

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Inside the secretive world of superyachts, where the world's elite gather to relax and broker deals away from prying eyes

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• The rich are buying superyachts in record numbers.
• A source who's worked on the vessels for years offered Insider an exclusive insight into their appeal.
• They allow the wealthy to impress and enjoy a life unconstrained by scrutiny and national borders. 

The superyacht is the ultimate symbol of wealth, and business is booming. 

Driven by a search for escape from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, sales reached record levels in 2021. Though there was a slight dip in 2022, they still exceeded that of any year prior to 2021,  data from Yachtharbor.com  indicated.

A source who has long worked on the vessels, who requested anonymity to speak candidly, offered Insider an exclusive glimpse into life on board the vessels and insights into their soaring appeal. Insider has independently verified the identity of the source.

What happens on superyachts has long been shrouded in secrecy and the subject of rumor and speculation. Staff on the boats have to sign comprehensive non-disclosure agreements, preventing them from publicly discussing what happens on board.

Even the identity of the owners of many of the vessels is unknown, with the boats often bought through a complex network of offshore companies instead of in the owner's name. 

Insider's source said the vessels were a ticket to enter an exclusive club unconstrained by national borders. 

"They are the smallest country in the world," he said of the global community of billionaire superyacht owners. "Depending on whose perspective you take, there are 2,800 to 3,000 billionaires," he said. "You have more in common with your fellow billionaires than your fellow countrymen." 

The level of wealth of superyacht owners vastly exceeds that of even the sports stars and celebrities occasionally pictured on board. Often, they own properties, businesses, and other assets in a range of countries that superyachts give them seamless access to.

"We're not talking about what you would call 'celebrities.' This is a different wealth group," said the source, adding that there were "multiple zeros" of difference between that of superyacht owners and their famous guests.

Brokering deals in board shorts 

On board the vessels, the superrich and their celebrity friends can enjoy a level of privacy, peace, and seclusion they rarely have on dry land where they face pervasive media scrutiny. But the vessels are also places to impress, strengthen contacts, and broker deals, with the informal atmosphere offering unique opportunities to bond.

"I had a fabulous guest — West Coast American family — and they're quite a bit more talkative than a multi-generational European wealth family — and we're talking about the boats and how much it costs," the source said.

The owner of the vessel, the source said, disclosed that such is a deal-making power of the yachts that in "one year on board, it would pay for the boat. It's very hard to say 'no' when you've been on board for a week, and your family's been looked after so incredibly well."

The source said of one trip: "I'm looking at two absolute titans, and you'd be amazed that they're sitting next to each other in board shorts and skanky T-shirts covered in salt having a cup of tea. And you're thinking the deal might not be struck today, but the next time they're on the phone it's going to be a very, very different mood in the conversation."

For other owners, the vessels offer the opportunity to escape the persona and pressures of their professional lives. He described one business leader accustomed to people "kowtowing" him all day getting mercilessly ribbed by old school friends he invited on a trip. 

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"I'll be on the main deck, and his mates from childhood would be calling in every name under the sun, making fun of him. And that, I think, that's the value he got from his boat," he said. 

But with vast wealth comes high demands and tantrums. Superyacht owners can be intolerant of even the tiniest error or delay, the source says, and staff operate to precise schedules. 

"Do they react because they've been waiting three and a half minutes? They do — really badly," said the source. 

The guests lucky enough to be invited on superyachts must also navigate a maze of etiquette to gel with their hosts and other guests. But some are so desperate to impress their wealthy hosts that the results can be excruciating. 

"You do get your 'try hards,' and it's just like 'oh no, this is socially awkward,'" said the source. 

"Really the story of the day is about the kids playing in the water, and someone's trying to pitch. I've seen it a couple of times — I just walked away with a sense of how they misread the room." 

Spy drones and bugging devices 

Embarrassing guests are far from the only problems superyacht owners face. The privacy of the vessels and the wealth, fame, and power of their owners and passengers inevitably draw unwelcome attention.

Simon Rowland is a former UK Royal Marines soldier whose company, Veritas, provides comprehensive security for superyachts. 

He told Insider that among the most frequent challenges he has to tackle is handling spy drones sent by news organizations to photograph the boats and their wealthy and famous passengers.

"Drones are increasingly a concern for superyacht owners," he said, adding that tabloid news organizations and the superyacht press liked to use the devices to get the "money shot" and take overhead pictures of the boats. 

He said some vessels deployed devices to scramble the navigation systems of drones and take them out of the air, but there were question marks over whether this was legal.

An easier solution, he says, is an alarm system alerting passengers to the presence of drones, allowing them time to get off the deck and away from invasive airborne camera lenses. 

But drones aren't the only form of covert surveillance Rowlands has to be vigilant of. Spies could try to infiltrate superyachts through crew members or through installing surveillance devices to steal sensitive information on business deals or politics. Particular targets, he says, are vessels known to be frequently chartered by the wealthy. 

"You would expect a yacht that looks after the ultra-high wealthy or very high profile people well to engage a company like me to come along and sweep that yacht prior to the occupation to ensure that there's nothing being left on board," said Rowland.

Despite the irritants, the seclusion enjoyed on board a boat far from the shore is set to continue to be a powerful lure for those who have everything money can buy — except the privacy many of us take for granted. 

"In a world of long-lens constant paparazzi there is a place for relaxed privacy that many of us take for granted," the source who has worked on the vessels said. 

Watch: What it takes to build a 164-foot superyacht

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How to Become a Superyacht Deckhand

In order to work onboard a superyacht you must complete the following steps:.

• Learn About Deckhand Duties
• Understand How The Deck Structure Works
• Complete Deckhand Training
• Complete "How To Work On A Superyacht Steps"
• Learn Additional Skills
• View Current Deckhand Job Vacancies

1. Learn about deckhand duties

Before looking for a job as a superyacht deckhand, it is important to have a good understanding of the duties associated with the role. It is a physically demanding position that requires determination and hard work. Working in a team while learning from experienced crew members is the key to becoming a successful deckhand.

Duties change depending on the yacht's schedule. This results in a wide range of responsibilities with emphasis on the cleanliness of the vessel, tender driving, lookout duties and general maintenance.

Find out more about the role of a deckhand

2. Understand the deck structure

A deckhand is the lowest-ranked member of the deck team. When starting out, it is essential to have a good sense of situational awareness while learning from others wherever possible. Respect the higher-ranked crew and always do your best to fulfil the requests to the absolute best of your ability. Ask questions and ensure that you operate in a manner that is safe. The deck structure varies depending on the size of the vessel. The duties and responsibilities of a solo deckhand/mate on a small vessel will be different from that of a deckhand in a larger team.

Find out more about the structure of the deck department

3. Complete Deckhand Training

There are certain training courses that all superyacht deckhands have to complete (and pass). In addition to the mandatory certifications & licenses, there are additional courses that may help you stand out amongst the crowd. Training courses are a significant investment and it is important to find a package that is best suited to your budget. My Crew Kit has broken down the training options below.

Find out more about deckhand training courses

4. Complete the steps on how to get a job on a Superyacht:

Now that you have a good understanding of what being a deckhand is about, it is time to take action. You will only become employable once you hold the correct certification and documentation. Visas are required in order to travel to superyachting hubs where you will attend interviews. You need to register with crew agents and ensure that you are applying for jobs wherever possible. Building a positive reputation together with a strong network of individuals involved in the industry is key.

Follow the steps to start working on a superyacht

5. Find opportunities to learn additional skills!

There are a lot of experienced crew members to learn from and there is a lot of information on the internet to study (in addition to the courses that you study). Take advantage of every opportunity possible. Make sure you create a strong brand image of yourself and ALWAYS go the extra mile, even if there is no tangible benefit. Act in a professional manner and remember that every contact you make is a potential reference.

When an opportunity presents itself, make sure that you are prepared. Know your knots as well as your COLREGS. You will encounter situations where you can stand out or be seen as "another deckhand". Chief Officers and Captains are looking for well presented, professional crew who work well in a team and are willing to learn. Put yourself out there, work hard and most importantly enjoy what you do. Good luck!

6. View the latest deckhand vacancies!

In order to find a job as a deckhand, you need to keep track of the latest deckhand vacancies. We have made this easy by displaying the latest deckhand jobs from various crew agencies.

View Deckhand Jobs

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A Day In The Life Of A Superyacht Deckhand

Superyacht deckhand Steven De Lange has been nominated for a Junior Crew Award, he talks to Bluewater about his career so far.

How did you get in to yachting?

At what stage of your training are you at on the deck progression chart, what was your first experience of being a deckhand onboard a superyacht, what are your main duties as a deckhand, what is your favourite part of the job, what is the hardest part of the job, what advice would you give to any young deck crew starting their career, what’s the favourite place you have visited during your time in yachting, what does a typical day look like for you, what do you think makes you stand out as an exceptional crew member onboard.

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Natalie Hillston

Superyacht crew reveal highs and lows of real life below deck

Thomas Bywater

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Cabin crew spill the beans on the outrageous demands and workloads of life below deck. Photo / Unsplash

A multimillion-dollar superyacht sounds like a glamorous place to call your office. Cruising by private Caribbean islands to remote South Pacific atolls, it sounds like a dream job for travel lovers. The pay isn't bad either. Depending on the size of the boat and your sailing experience, even a lowly deckhand can expect to earn around $60-90k a year according to the agency Crew Finder. The Crew Network, a jobs board for itinerant sailors, has positions as diverse and specialised as sailing sushi chefs to au pairs. But some former crew have revealed there's a more brutal side to working all hours miles away from home, at the whims of mini-oligarchs and - still, worse - their mates. Don't get any delusions of grandeur, and never forget whose 120-metre schooner you are press-ganged onto. There's a reason why the pay is 'so generous'. You don't buy a megayacht and not expect to get your money's worth. Here are three reasons why it might not be the dream job it appears to be.

Like any employers, yacht-owners come in all varieties. On the whole, deckhands say they get on well with the owners and feel appreciated for their services.

Most difficult is when ships are let out on private charter. When owners are away, which is most of the year, they tend to rent their yachts to cover some of the cost of owning a floating palace.

As you can imagine a $2 million a week superyacht attracts courageous parties, people and their demands.

"If you are a student of politics, it can be difficult to wait on someone you find morally abhorrent," said experienced deckhand Sarah.

Guests might bring their wife aboard one night and their mistress, or mistresses aboard the next. Crew are expected to be discreet, keep secrets, and cater for their every need, she told the Daily Mail.

Once this included being awoken at 3 am by a person she detested to cook them an alpaca steak, while they were in open water.

A wild workload

Space - at least below deck - is tight on a ship. Crew often have other jobs to tend to on top of their day-to-day. Cooking, repairs and endless, endless cleaning are among the tasks that quickly fill 24-hours, one deckhand told The Sun Online:

"Basically imagine a 164-foot yacht, which contains six crew bedrooms, crew mess, galley, seven guest bedrooms, eight guest bathrooms, main saloon, dining room, front lounge and bridge.

"All of which myself and two stewardesses are responsible for keeping clean 24/7 while doing all of the food and beverage service and at times containing as much as 11 crew and 16 guests. It was intense."

Mutinous crew mates

Tiny crew cabins are a confined space for big personalities. As any casual viewer of the reality TV show Below Deck can tell you, politics and long grudges are rife between crewmates. Especially during long tours together.

If you detest the people you're serving, that's one thing. But if you can't escape your crewmates and generally have to share bunk beds with them, it's a pressure cooker of an environment. Especially in the hot seas of the tropics.

"There can be tension and fighting. When you spend your time around the clock eating, working, and sleeping on the same deck in closet-sized rooms, it's bound to happen," former crew member Melissa McMahon told Power & Motoryacht.

Still not put off? What does it take for life below deck?

Another crew member said, despite the downsides, jobs are highly competitive.

Most specialised positions require sailing qualifications, however, anyone can build up experience if you're in the right place.

They flyer for jobs in port, which is one way to tell if crew life is right for you.

"We call it 'daywork'. It's not a permanent position, maybe lasting a day to a week," she said.

Answering Redditors' questions on the real life of a deckhand, she said experience is important but often being in the right place at the right time is invaluable.

"I know many New-Zealanders that have travelled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to find work. That is one of the main hubs for the yachting/maritime industry. Antibes, especially," she said.

Don't be fooled by all the ships registered in the Cayman Islands, she says. Despite the large number of yachts registered at these tax havens, few ever weigh anchor there.

Be willing, be ready and be good looking, are her three pieces of advice. It's a distinct advantage if you can include an attractive photo with any resume.

"It's the only industry where you need a photo of yourself on the top of your CV," she said.

Odd jobs on a yacht are often far more difficult than the roles given to salaried positions, which enjoy days off and more security to their life below deck.

"Day workers get worked very hard, and I can have days where I do f**k all."

There is plenty of leisure time and travel opportunities - between the killer shifts on charter boats.

Plus the ability to see the world with very few outgoing expenses, means that she has been able to build a sizeable savings pot from her sailing. While she says that she has worked some outrageous requests and hideous hours, the compensation is worth it. "In short, I am an overpaid servant. But yes, they don't own me. They know that."

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Superyacht Deckhand Course

Home Courses Superyacht Deckhand Course

COURSE DATES

The course is 9 days in total and is reflected in the following order:

Superyacht Deckhand Course:  Wed-Sat & Mon-Fri (9 days)

• Feb: 28–02& 04-08 Mar 2024

• Mar: 20-28*2024

• Apr: 17-2 4 & 26*2024

• May: 15-18& 20-24 2024

• Jun: 19-22 & 24-28 2024

*Course run over Sunday due to public holiday

MCA Internationally recognised training to become a superyacht deckhand. This IYT Deckhand Training Course is a qualification, unlike the recreational sailing “Competent Crew” course which is being offered through other superyacht training providers.

The IYT Deckhand Training Course certification is the only internationally recognised qualification for deckhands. Your graduation certificate will be accredited by International Yacht Training (IYT) Worldwide, who has recognition with 25 governments across the globe.

The  Superyacht Deckhand course will ensure students become job ready, receive resume and career advice, participate in interview role plays and undertake further crew management training. A deckhand carries out his or her duties under the direction and authority of the captain via the first officer and/or bosun. A deckhand’s duties include keeping the yacht’s exterior and deck equipment clean and exquisitely maintained, assisting in watch keeping and navigational support, guest services and docking procedures. Students will receive extensive training in these areas and the course provides the theoretical and practical skills required to be a successful crew member onboard a superyacht. Both power and sail superyacht skills are covered in the course, which will increase your opportunities for placement once you graduate.

Certification You Will Achieve

All successful graduates receive the following certification:

IYT – International

• MCA recognised IYT Superyacht Deck Crew including Small Powerboat/RIB Master & introduction to VHF radio operations. This IYT certificate is equivalent to the MCA’s ‘Yacht Rating Course’ and enables candidates to apply for an MCA ‘Yacht Rating Certificate’ with proof of STCW and 2 months sea service on vessels over 15 metres in load line length. For more information on this visit IYT’s website and their Superyacht Deck Crew Course page or contact us for more information. This is a certificate you can work towards achieving once employed in the industry. ***This IYT certificate is equivalent to the MCA’s ‘Yacht Rating Course’ and enables candidates to apply for an MCA ‘Yacht Rating Certificate’ with proof of STCW and 2 months sea service on vessels over 15 metres in load line length. For more information on this visit IYT’s website and their Superyacht Deck Crew Course page or contact us for more information. This is a certificate you can work towards achieving once employed in the industry.

AMSA – National

Our Internationally Recognised Certifications Are Your Entry To Getting A Job Aboard A Superyacht

The MCA recognised IYT Deckhand Training Course is the only internationally recognised qualification for superyacht deckhand crews. Your graduation certificate will be accredited by International Yacht Training (IYT) Worldwide, who has recognition with 25 governments across the globe. The RIB tender certificate is recognised by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The Superyacht Crew Academy has established over the years a global network with leading recruitment agencies overseas and within Australia. All of these Superyacht Crew recruitment agencies ‘acknowledge’ and welcome the IYT Professional Superyacht Interior Crew certification.

Prerequisites

Candidates must already hold the mandatory STCW95+10 certification. This is the entry-level course for superyacht crew and anyone with a reasonable command of the English language, who is over 18 years old, in good health, and without colour blindness can sign up for the course.

What Other Qualifications Will I Need?

NSW General Powerboat licence and NSW Personal Watercraft licence examinations can be organised to run as part of your Deckhand training. Please contact us to organise these certifications.

Our Superyacht Interior Crew & Deckhand Package course is the ultimate package and will provide you with all the theoretical and practical skills necessary to excel in a dual role. This combined package course enhances your employment opportunities and gives you the confidence to be employed in any entry level role onboard a Superyacht.

Other useful qualifications, like SCUBA diving, videography, photography, carpentry, strong swimming skills, watersport skills, will improve your Superyacht Crew Job prospects and make you a more valuable crew member. Outstanding physical endurance, athletic skills, and a pleasant disposition are important for a career aboard Superyachts.

Course Description:

Course Content: The course is a very hands on practical course where you will complete different tasks and duties, Students are required to participate in all practical tasks including taking command of the vessel.

Accommodation: Accommodation will be required to be arranged by the student. Check out our Student Accommodation section with recommended listings of local Airbnb or youth hostel accommodation during your course.

Sun Sense & Equipment: Please bring a hat, sunglasses, sun cream (also available onboard), change of clothes (minimal wardrobe needed), wet weather jacket, any special medicine you may need to take (we have a first aid kit aboard). Be sure to pack this in a flexible soft bag as there is no room aboard for hard luggage.

Training Location

The course is run from our Office in Warriewood Superyacht Crew Academy Training office at 25a/5 Ponderosa Parade , and our practical training facility in Newport 2 queens parade. The facilities are a 45min drive North of Sydney’s CBD. We offer a free shuttle  between both facilities when needed.

Program for the Superyacht Deckhand Course

• Nautical Knowledge
• Lifting & Rigging
• Shipboard Safety
• Emergency Drills
• Vessel Manoeuvring
• Collision regulations
• Watchkeeping
• Introduction to weather
• Code of Safe Working Practices
• Compasses and chartwork
• Taking Bearings
• Fix vessels position
• Navigation Passage planning
• Night Watchkeeping
• Passage from fixed point back to Pittwater
• Night pilotage using IALA and blind navigation techniques

Superyacht Maintenance

• Brightwork/ Varnishing
• Preparation of Surfaces
• Application Techniques
• Product Knowledge
• Teak Maintenance
• Exterior Wash Down Techniques
• Servicing Deck Gear
• Maintenance Schedule
• Stainless Polishing
• Cleaning Windows
• Engine checks and maintenance

Vessel Handling

• Coming alongside wharves
• Mooring techniques
• Anchoring procedures
• Line handling and line throwing techniques
• Sails and sail handling
• Emergency Scenarios
• General seamanship
• Line throwing techniques
• Ropes, knots and splicing
• Fendering and tying up correctly
• Pre-launch/pre-departure checks
• Refuelling procedures
• RIB handling techniques under power
• Coming Alongside vessels and wharves
• MOB procedures
• Engine checks
• VHF radio practical
• Dinghy launching & recovery
• Bridge equipment
• Conducting safety briefing
• Lights/sound signals
• Vessel handling theory
• Anchors & anchoring
• Nautical terminology
• Emergency procedures
• VHF/HF radio operation
• Phonetic alphabet

The Superyacht Deckhand Course can be taken as a stand-alone course. Contact us for more information and pricing. Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer will apply to achieve the AMSA – National certification.

Enquire about this course.

Superyacht Crew Academy Provides training and certification for people who wish to work on Superyachts anywhere in the world and within the Australian Maritime Industry. Legal Name: Club Sail Pty. Ltd. Trading as: Superyacht Crew Academy Registered Training Organisation no. 91462

Unit 25a/5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood, NSW 2102, Australia.

+61 2 9979 9669

[email protected]

Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

5 Superyacht Deckhand duties you probably didn’t know about…

• 5 Superyacht Deckhand duties you probabl...

Deckhand and Deck Officer jobs on Superyachts are not only great fun, but incredibly varied and rewarding!

Ultimately, the job of a Superyacht Deckhand is to maintain the exterior of the yacht, keeping it both sparkling clean and running like clockwork to ensure guests aboard have an enjoyable and smooth-sailing experience.

This includes jobs like washing the yacht, cleaning the windows, scrubbing the teak decks, varnishing, polishing the stainless, sanding and painting and ropework, such as essential knots and splicing.

However, there are several duties that fall under the role of Deckhand that you may not have been previously aware of (yes, on top of all the duties above), which are important to know about before you take on this first step of your yachting career.

Want to find out what these are? Then read on!

5 aspects of Deckhands job on Superyachts that you may not know about:

1. driving tenders and jet skis.

As well as spending time on the main Superyacht, you may also find yourself at the wheel of one of the yacht’s accompanying tenders or jet skis taking yacht guests out for a spin!

Driving the tender will predominantly involve you picking passengers up from the shore and bringing them to the Superyacht, and vice-versa, while driving the jet ski will see you taking one or two of the Superyacht’s guests for a ride on the waves. Both are incredibly fun, but carry a good deal of responsibility.

Powerboating and Water crafting are modules we cover in our Superyacht Deckhand course at Flying Fish, so you’ll be more than prepared to take on this exciting aspect of the job once you’re ready to find a role!

2. Helping with water sport activities

If you enjoy water sports, then you’ll love this lesser-known aspect of deck officer jobs on Superyachts! From kitesurfing to windsurfing, paddleboarding to canoeing, kayaking and much more, there’s almost no end to the different water sports you could find yourself assisting with.

You’ll be required to complete Watersports Instructor courses in order to get truly hands-on with these activities (for example, taking groups out scuba diving), but you’ll likely find yourself asked to assist with the cleaning of toys and equipment, or helping guests with gear and keeping safe.

3. Lookout duties and navigational watches on the bridge

You’ll probably already know that working on a Superyacht as a Deckhand requires long working hours – but did you know that you could also find yourself working during the night as well as in the daytime?

Completing lookout duties and navigational watches is incredibly important for passenger and crew safety. In short, this involves keeping a constant and close eye on the water for things like floating objects, distress signals, problems with the Superyacht’s navigational lights and more.

You’ll then need to report any of these incidences to your Officer of the Watch so that they can be dealt with swiftly and safely.

This is also something that the Flying Fish team will cover in your Superyacht Deckhand training in the Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) part of the course, so when you take on your first Deckhand or Deck Officer jobs on Superyachts, you’ll be more than prepared for whatever comes your way!

4. Supporting other departments on board

There are four different departments on Superyachts ; the Deck (which you as a Deckhand will be a part of), Engineering, Interior, and Galley. During peak season, it’s very likely that you’ll be asked to come and help out the teams in these other departments!

For example, you may be asked to support the Stewardesses with housekeeping or serving meals to guests, or you may be called in by the Engineering department to assist with repairs.

This means you’ll need to be flexible, proactive and a good team player – and make sure your customer service skills are up to scratch!

5. Becoming part of the Superyacht family

This duty can’t typically be found in the requirements for deck officer jobs on Superyachts, but it’s something that our instructors at Flying Fish can’t emphasise enough!

When you become a Superyacht Deckhand , you’ll be working alongside the same people from dawn till dusk, and often in between, and the Superyacht will be your home as well as your office.

It’s therefore incredibly important that you take the time and effort to build and maintain positive relationships with your fellow crew members! Whether this is through supporting the other departments on board, or simply helping someone keep their chin up on a bad day.

With a positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to get stuck in and help, you can’t go far wrong!

These duties only really scratch the surface of what will be required of you when you start working as a Superyacht Deckhand.

Plus, depending on the yacht you work on, the company you work for and the size of the crew on board, your duties could be even more widespread. It’s therefore essential that your Superyacht Deckhand training covers all bases so you can be as prepared as possible.

At Flying Fish, our acclaimed Superyacht Deckhand course does exactly that! From your STCW Basic Safety training to maintenance work, powerboat training to radio communications and more, the two-week course checks every box (and then some) to ensure you come out the other side ready and raring to go!

Want to find out more? Then be sure to get in touch , or explore the course in more detail via the link below!

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