Deckhand Course Cape Town by Ocean Star Sailing

Yacht Deckhand Course | Ocean Star Sailing Academy Cape Town

Where can you enroll for a Superyacht Deckhand Course in Cape Town, South Africa?

Are you young, adventurous, and full of energy? Do you love living the good life in the lap of luxury? Can you imagine doing that while travelling the world and earning Euros?

This dream career as a Superyacht Deckhand can become a reality by taking a top-class course at Ocean Star Sailing Academy. Situated in a spectacular location, in the heart of the world-famous V & A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, is where you can enroll for a Superyacht Deckhand Course which the RYA and SAS Training Centre fully accredit.

Established in 2007, Ocean Star Sailing Academy is the only Sailing Academy in Cape Town, South Africa, which offers theory and practical courses as well as accommodation within the V & A Waterfront campus.

What does a Superyacht Deckhand Course entail?

A Superyacht Deckhand Career Course is an excellent starting point to begin your career at sea as it gives you a good grounding in day-to-day operations.  The deckhand course is designed for those who have minimal knowledge of sailing.

Ocean Star Sailing Academy has structured the Deckhand Career Package to give you the best possible chance of finding employment.

Students begin their practical training where they learn basic seamanship such as rope-work, sail handling, keeping a good lookout, and assisting with all the “day-to-day” handling of a yacht.

After a week on the water (5 days and four nights), students move to the classroom, where they spend another week (5 days) learning the basic theory involved in boating (power and sail), with an emphasis on safety, rules of the road and fundamental navigational methods.

This is followed by the STCW course (Standards of Training for Crew and Watch), where students learn basic first aid, firefighting, and life-raft training.

In the final week, students participate in an exciting 2-day Power Boat course. This Power Boat Level 1 & 2 course is now a prerequisite for most crew if they want to handle the yacht’s tender.

Students then spend a day in the classroom earning their VHF radio license. The last four days are on the Deckhand course, where maintenance, knowledge and application, wash-downs, teak maintenance, deckhand duties (navigational watch and guests on board), line handling and anchoring duties, etc. are covered.

The courses also include the RYA Diesel Engine course and RYA Radar course.

Students learn how to assess damage and begin the repair process, starting with damage control and protection of surrounding areas, applying anti-corrosive primers and fillers, and applying the Polyurethane Topcoat. Another part of the maintenance section of the course focuses on woodwork and varnishing skills.

Protecting surrounding areas, correct taping up, knowledge of sandpaper, sanding with the grain, staying inside taped-up areas, proper mixing, and applying the varnish. As an added benefit, students are given tips on interviewing and creating a CV fit for the industry.

Is The Standards of Training for Crew and Watch (STCW) course compulsory when doing a Superyacht Deckhand Course?

The STCW Basic Safety Training course is the minimum legal requirement for anyone looking for commercial work aboard vessels, including on Superyachts and Cruise ships. Ocean Star Sailing Academy is the leading RYA accredited training facility in Cape Town, South Africa. This is this is compulsory when doing the Superyacht Deckhand course.

What are the Duties of a Superyacht Deckhand on a Superyacht?

In contrast to the Stewardess role, Superyacht Deckhands look after the boat’s exterior. Deckhands will do everything from general maintenance to cleaning the teak deck, looking after the toys (Jet Skis, etc.), and even driving the tenders.

Yacht Deckhand is one of the entry-level positions for those looking for work as a part of the Deck crew on board a luxury yacht or superyacht. It is the first step on the yachting career ladder.

Depending on the size of the yacht, there may be between one and ten Deckhands working onboard a yacht to tirelessly clean and polish the exterior to keep it constantly looking its absolute best.

The responsibilities of the Yacht Deckhand are varied and include:

  • The daily cleaning of the yacht’s exterior, washing, polishing, and waxing to ensure its immaculate condition.
  • Assisting the Bosun and Officer(s) with maintenance projects, such as sanding, caulking, and filling, and preparing exterior surfaces for varnishing or painting.
  • Assisting with onboard operations and systems-line handling.
  • Driving the tender and supervising guests as required during water sports and diving or while using the yacht’s water toys.

What kind of person would be suitable for a career as a Superyacht Deckhand?

As an entry-level position, a yacht Deckhand job does not necessarily require any previous yachting experience but requires patience and a positive mental attitude. It is well suited to a young adventurous male who wants to see the world while earning.

A Deckhand must be comfortable with the idea of working long days filled with manual tasks and hands-on work that will likely see him abseiling down the side of the yacht or leaning out of a RIB to clean its exterior.

In terms of skills, a yacht deckhand would benefit from recreational boating skills, aptitude, and prior knowledge of carpentry and mechanics.

A Yacht Deckhand should be good at working as part of a team. He will likely be a sporty type that likes to be outdoors, which is why a job such as Yacht Deckhand will appeal.

Having done a course as a Yacht Deckhand, which the RYA and SAS Training Centre fully accredits, certainly gives you the advantage of being hired over and above the applicant who does not have any knowledge. This will otherwise require the crew’s time to train the new recruit.

Before searching or applying for any yacht Deckhand job, all candidates must have a valid certificate of medical fitness for seafarers, such as the ENG1 or equivalent, and must have passed the STCW Basic Safety Training. A Power Boat Level 2 or more is also highly beneficial to have.

How Much Does a Yacht Deckhand Earn in Euros?

It is not uncommon for a first-time Superyacht Deckhand to earn between 50,000 and 60,000 Euros yearly. Salaries can vary depending on experience and qualifications, but it is essential to remember that these positions are in high demand.

The job does require dedication, high energy, and a committed work ethic as part of a team. It is by no means a regular 9 am – 5 pm job where one can go home to one’s family. It is a job suitable for a single young man who is independent without family responsibilities and commitments, as it keeps one away from home for prolonged periods. However, it is lucrative and a wonderful experience for a carefree person to travel the world and earn simultaneously. The opportunities are endless, and the people one can meet and rub shoulders with are the real highflyers.

If you have any questions or require further information on courses, practical or theory, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

E-Mail: courses@oceanstarsailing.com or use the live chat on our website

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